Condos go hardcore — newest athletic amenities include rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks

The Real Deal by Ina Cordle

In the heated competition to offer the coolest new amenities at luxury condo projects, South Florida developers are muscling in with more athletic offerings. Think rock climbing walls, bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, soccer fields, simulated golfing greens and FlowRiders for surfing.

Related’s GranParaiso in Edgewater will feature a private bowling alley with a lounge area. Designed by Piero Lissoni, the amenity space will even offer custom designed bowling balls.

SLS LUX, another Related project, will boast a rock climbing wall on its ninth floor garden terrace that will be 12 feet high and 16 feet wide.

Paramount Miami Worldcenter, which broke ground last year, plans to have a soccer field as part of the outdoor sports complex on the 60-story condo tower’s ninth floor recreation deck.

The project, developed by Daniel Kodsi, has already attracted Colombian professional soccer players David Ospina and Juan Camilo Zúñiga, Kodsi told The Real Deal.

In all, Paramount Miami Worldcenter boasts more than 40 amenities, including many that are exercise-related, like tennis courts, a running course and golf simulator, as well as an indoor boxing studio.

“We are in Miami and people are very much into fitness, and we thought that fitness amenities are big sellers,” Kodsi told TRD. “Having high-intensity workout facilities as part of your life is a great selling point.”

Relaxation is also often de rigueur for fitness fanatics, and many new projects have Hamman spas, like the Trump Group’s Mansions at Acqualina and Verzasca’s planned Aurora, both in Sunny Isles Beach. Aurora will also have a yoga lounge.

And for those who want soothing scents outdoors as they exercise, the Harbour will have an aromatherapy trail, with plantings of chamomile, eucalyptus and other plants. The trail will surround the planned twin-tower condominium project on Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami Beach. Developed by Key International and 13th Floor Investments, both 32-story waterfront buildings will have a combined 425 units.

And Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach will have a billiards table and golf simulator, as well as a private day yacht for excursions.

Mansions at Aqualina also offers its residents a golf simulator, among other amenities. The 47-story tower with 72 units, was completed last year.

Developers Jules and Eddie Trump’s next project is Estates at Acqualina, with 265 units in two 50-story towers and lobbies designed by Karl Lagerfeld.

The project will include Villa Acqualina, with more than 45,000 square feet of amenities, including a spa and fitness center, and an ice skating rink and bowling lanes. Outside, the project will feature a sculpture garden, walking trails, a FlowRider for surfers, a basketball court, bocce court and soccer field. There also will be an outdoor pool table and a kids’ pool with shooting fountain, said Michael Goldstein, president of sales for the Trump Group.

“Over 46 percent of our buyers are under 50 and they have families, and there are young grandparents with young grandchildren…,” Goldstein told TRD. “The kids can be playing soccer, adults can be playing bocce and teenagers can be on the FlowRider. There’s something for everyone.”

This update is brought to you by the Kawas Team, specializing in South Beach luxury homes.  The Kawas Team can help you find the right property.  If you would like additional information on pre-construction sales, call 305.608.6681 to speak with an expert.  Visit our website for information on the many new projects throughout the many Miami luxury neighborhoods and beyond.