The American Riviera: Inside Williams Island

Blend Miami's signature sun-drenched charm with the prestige of a private island and a sweeping array of condos, townhomes, and villas to grasp the essence of Williams Island, an exclusive 84-acre paradise in the heart of Aventura.

Often referred to as "The American Riviera," Williams Island, a masterpiece from The Trump Group in partnership with the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, is a sprawling gated enclave with a balmy tropical backdrop and a traditional country club lifestyle between Miami and Fort Lauderdale on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Perched on an 84-acre parcel kissed by water on every side, it features an intimate collection of communities comprising 11 residential buildings, including Prive, a new modern skyscraper sitting on South Florida's last buildable island, with The Point Aventura at its north, the Island Boulevard and East Country Club Drive at its south, the open waters of Little Maule Lake in the east, and Dumfoundling Bay, a waterway separating Williams Island from mainland Aventura, at its western edges.

It is home to approximately 3,656 residents as of the latest US Census.

With roots tracing back to the early 1980s, Williams Island emerged as one of the region's original luxury enclaves, sparked by the visionary discovery of The Trump Group. 

Led by Eddie, Jules, and Stephanie Trump of South Africa, the team transformed a quiet peninsula shaded by Australian Pines into what would become South Florida's private island paradise, a thriving, ultra-lavish oasis with a family-centered environment and five-star amenities you can only find in the world's finest hotels and resorts.  

Think of a cluster of high-rise buildings, each offering luxurious units with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, and a Mediterranean-inspired village of townhomes and villas exuding European-inspired architecture and design, surrounded by an extensive suite of indulgences — this is Williams Island in its purest form.

Here, you'll enjoy access to everything essential and "non-essential" (or so some may think) services and facilities imaginable, including a massive spa and fitness center, a tennis center, a private marina, dining and social venues, playgrounds, and dog parks.

The catch? These curated experiences aren't the only perks Williams Island residents enjoy daily!

While this serene neighborhood is designed to feel private and exclusive, Williams Island is connected to mainland Aventura via Island Boulevard, a guarded roadway serving as its only vehicular entrance and exit for residents, invited guests, and authorized personnel.

Meanwhile, for residents and guests arriving by boat, the Williams Island Marina accommodates yachts up to 160 feet and is exclusive but open to select non-residents with membership.

So, if you're feeling blue, all by your lonesome on Williams Island (we doubt it, but it happens), you can always travel to the best of Aventura and Miami with minutes to spare!

Do you feel like indulging in an upscale excursion brimming with gigantic hauls, personal styling sessions, and maybe a valet-assisted checkout (or two)?

Around Williams Island, it's less about browsing and more about being personally escorted into a world of labels, luxury, and limited editions, thanks to the iconic Aventura Mall, a multi-level haven of high fashion, designer boutiques, immersive art installations, and some of Miami's top dining spots — all wrapped into one stunning destination.

For a more relaxed, open-air vibe, head to Aventura Commons, your go-to for your favorite national retailers and the perfect shopping spot for everyday essentials or a midweek wardrobe refresh.

And if you're after something curated but low-key, The Esplanade at Aventura (formerly Aventura Town Center) brings elevated lifestyle brands, beauty services, and health-conscious eats together in a breezy, boutique-style setting.

For those into art, history, and culture, Williams Island is only minutes from hotspots that quietly tell the story of South Florida's evolution, where you'll have a front-row seat to the preserved architecture and cultural touchpoints that add unexpected depth to Miami's skyline.

We're talking places like the Fulford-by-the-Sea Monument, a relic of a 1920s vision for grandeur that never fully materialized but still leaves its mark, or the Ancient Spanish Monastery in nearby North Miami Beach, where centuries-old stone walls and cloistered gardens feel like they belong to another continent entirely.

Then, if you want a pop of Magic City's cultural flair, there's Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a famous venue that brings theater, music, and community events to the water's edge. 

Oh, speaking of activities, it's hard to overlook the perks of having Tidal Cove Waterpark just up the road, a choice Summer destination with thrilling water slides, a lazy river, private cabanas, and splash zones that make it a hit for families seeking spontaneous staycation vibes. 

Just across the way, Founders Park offers green space, walking trails, sports courts, and regular community gatherings. 

But if you prefer tee time over pool time, visit the Golf Club at JW Marriott Turnberry Resort, a championship course with a luxe clubhouse and full-service experiences that turn a quick round into an all-day escape.

And that's not all!

With Aventura's rare blend of tropical seclusion, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures, finding your dose of zen (or adrenaline, you decide!) is always possible on Williams Island.

A morning paddle through the mangroves? Head to Oleta River State Park!

A shaded hike through one of Miami's historic grounds? Take the gang to Greynolds Park!

A peaceful moment with Mother Nature? Slow down time at Veterans Park or the Don Soffer Exercise trail, a smooth, well-kept path wrapped around Aventura's scenic perimeter, where you can jog, stroll, or cycle amidst skyline views and subtropical breeze.

Williams Island also boasts proximity to Sunny Isles Beach's oceanfront, North Miami's and North Miami Beach's suburban charm, and Bal Harbour's five-star elegance, so if you ever need to explore beyond the island bubble (not that you'll be in a rush), you're perfectly placed for it.

What more can you ask for?

 

Amit Bhuta

COMPASS

ALL IN Miami Group

Licensed Real Estate Agent

 

(305) 439-3031 Mobile

amit.bhuta@compass.com

ALLinMiami.com