CMC Group delivers 65 ultra-luxury residences and rooftop penthouses on Coconut Grove’s coveted private island.
Few property developers have shaped the trajectory of Miami’s prime residential skyline quite like Ugo Colombo. Since inaugurating the city’s high-end condominium era in the early 1990s with landmark towers such as Bristol Tower and Santa Maria, the Milan-born founder of CMC Group has adhered to a disciplined, artisan philosophy: undertake only one or two projects at any given time, maintain personal stewardship over every fixture, and prioritise timeless craftsmanship over speculative scale. That three-decade ethos has now reached its definitive expression with the official delivery of Vita at Grove Isle, a seven-storey boutique development bringing 65 ultra-luxury residences to one of the most secluded waterfront enclaves in South Florida.
Situated on the 20-acre private island of Grove Isle, just offshore from mainland Coconut Grove and reached via a private bridge, the project addresses a discerning segment of the luxury market that values seclusion without isolation. For Colombo, the building represents the fruition of years of planning and uncompromising attention to detail, designed to offer an intimate residential sanctuary that honours the natural beauty and history of its island setting.
Pricing, Sales Performance, and Buyer Profile at Vita at Grove Isle
Since its sales launch and groundbreaking in 2023, Vita at Grove Isle has recorded exceptional commercial traction, propelled primarily by domestic capital and local high-net-worth families. A substantial contingent of buyers consists of established Miami residents downsizing from large, single-family estates across neighbouring enclaves such as Coral Gables. These purchasers have gravitated toward Vita’s lateral proportions, which replicate the volume and layout of a traditional landed home while introducing the low-maintenance, lock-and-leave convenience and security of a fully serviced condominium.
Market uptake reflects this demand, establishing new pricing precedents for prime Coconut Grove real estate. The vast majority of the 65 homes traded at an average price of approximately $8.5 million. At the pinnacle of the development, multiple penthouse residences commanded sums exceeding $15 million, with benchmark transactions surpassing $20 million and achieving rates beyond $3,000 per square foot. Importantly, as the only new-build luxury condominium delivered in Coconut Grove over the past twelve months, Vita presents an increasingly rare commodity in the prime South Florida market: true turnkey immediate occupancy for buyers seeking a frictionless transition into their new home.
Architectural Design, Italian Craftsmanship, and Interior Specifications
To harmonise the architecture with the island’s natural topography, CMC Group collaborated with international firm CallisonRTKL, Miami practice S&E Architects, and celebrated Italian designers Carlo and Paolo Colombo of A++ Architecture. Rather than presenting an imposing, monolithic block, Vita is composed across three gently curved volumes—named Mare, Luce, and Sole. These structures connect as a unified, fluid ribbon that mirrors the shoreline, engineered specifically to ensure every residence enjoys sweeping, uninterrupted views across Biscayne Bay.
Inside, the finished residences reflect Colombo’s personal supervision, drawing heavily on his Milanese heritage and insistence on authentic, hand-selected European materials. Access to each home is granted through private elevators that open onto individual entry foyers, establishing privacy from the moment of arrival. Ceiling heights throughout the main living spaces measure at least 10 feet from finished floor to drop ceiling, buffered by high-performance acoustic soundproofing systems engineered to create a tranquil acoustic barrier.
The living spaces flow into open-concept Italian kitchens fitted with concealed, top-of-the-line Miele appliances and bespoke joinery. The master and secondary bathrooms serve as showcase spaces of European artisan stonework, appointed with hand-selected, book-matched Italian marble, precision stone detailing, European designer sanitary fittings, and custom Italian cabinetry. These organic materials are complemented by integrated smart-home automation systems that govern zoned lighting, dynamic climate controls, and high-efficiency air and water filtration, providing a modern living environment anchored in classical material quality.
Ascending to the building’s highest tier reveals an exclusive collection of 12 two-storey penthouses. Designed to deliver an elevated waterfront entertaining experience, these penthouse suites boast expanded internal ceiling heights of 11 feet and connect to expansive private rooftop terraces. Each rooftop is fully equipped with an integrated summer kitchen and a full-size swimming pool, creating a self-contained outdoor living pavilion set high above the bay.
Private Island Amenities and Grove Isle Racquet & Yacht Club
Life at Grove Isle has long been prized for its sense of retreat, offering quiet shoreline walks and lush canopy coverage within minutes of mainland Miami’s core commercial and dining districts, including Brickell, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach. Vita enhances this island lifestyle with an extensive suite of dedicated residential amenities designed to rival a private members’ club.
At the water’s edge, residents have exclusive use of a bayfront swimming pool and an adjoining lounge and cocktail bar. Wellness facilities include a state-of-the-art gymnasium and private spa offering bespoke treatment areas, alongside newly laid pickleball and padel courts. Furthermore, homeownership at Vita includes membership privileges to the prestigious Grove Isle Racquet & Yacht Club, providing access to night-lit tennis courts, an expansive club swimming pool, and an open-air bar pavilion.
The island’s hospitality offering is anchored by La Sponda, an elevated Italian dining venue conceived by Gioia Hospitality Group, the established team behind Miami’s celebrated Daniel’s. Open to island residents and outside diners for lunch, dinner, and cocktails, the restaurant delivers an authentic culinary perspective that echoes the overarching Italian design philosophy present throughout the residential property.
Ugo Colombo’s Legacy in Miami and Future Developments
The completion of Vita at Grove Isle reinforces Ugo Colombo’s longstanding reputation as a developer who values enduring quality and selective growth. His historical portfolio—which includes landmarks such as Grovenor House, Porto Vita, EPIC Hotel & Residences, Brickell Flatiron, and the recently completed Onda Residences in Bay Harbor Islands—stands apart because each project has demonstrably retained its value and aesthetic relevance over decades.
With Vita now welcoming its first residents, CMC Group is actively advancing its next chapter in Coconut Grove. In partnership with Fort Partners, the firm has already commenced vertical construction on the Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove, continuing Colombo’s three-decade mission of shaping the Miami waterfront through design-led, architecturally rigorous real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vita at Grove Isle located?
Vita at Grove Isle is located on Grove Isle, a gated 20-acre private island situated just offshore from Miami’s historic Coconut Grove neighbourhood, accessible via a private bridge that connects the island directly to the mainland.
Who developed Vita at Grove Isle?
The project was developed by CMC Group, the renowned Miami real estate firm founded by developer Ugo Colombo, in architectural collaboration with CallisonRTKL, S&E Architects, and interior designers Carlo and Paolo Colombo of A++ Architecture.
What is the price range for residences at Vita at Grove Isle?
Residences at Vita have traded at an average price of approximately US$8.5 million, with top-tier two-storey penthouses surpassing US$15 million to over US$20 million, achieving sales figures exceeding US$3,000 per square foot.
Can buyers move into Vita at Grove Isle immediately?
Yes, Vita at Grove Isle is fully completed and delivered, making it the only newly constructed prime residential condominium in Coconut Grove to offer immediate occupancy.
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