With a celebrated career spanning iconic institutions such as the Dorchester Hotel, Annabel’s, and multiple Major Food Group destinations, James Julius has become a defining voice in luxury hospitality. After helping launch ZZ’s Members’ Club in Miami, he now channels his global expertise into Harbour Club and a’Riva, shaping intimate, art-filled environments rooted in community, refinement, and storytelling. For Julius, inspiration arrives in places of quiet sophistication—from the coastal calm of Palm Beach to the creative energy that fills the walls of Harbour Club. His Miami is one of neighborhood gems, soulful rituals, and escapes both simple and elevated. In this spirit, he shared with Whitewall his Miami favorites, including Harbour Club, The Farmers Market at Vizcaya, and more.
James Julius, Founder, Courtesy of World Red Eye.
WHITEWALL: FAVORITE PLACE TO FIND INSPIRATION?
JAMES JULIUS: Inspiration often strikes when I step away from the noise. Palm Beach has long been my go-to escape. Its blend of coastal elegance and understated sophistication always leaves me recharged and creatively clear.
WW: FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE ART?
JJ: It may sound a bit promotional, but truly, my favourite place to see art is right here at Harbour Club. I had the privilege of working alongside some of our founding members to curate a genuine gallery experience within the space. Every wall tells a story, showcasing original works by artists such as George Condo, Nicolas Party, Rashid Johnson, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and many others. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by such creativity every day.
“Truly, my favourite place to see art is right here at Harbour Club,”
James Julius
WW: BEST NEIGHBORHOOD VIBE?
JJ: Sunset Harbour. It’s just far enough off the beaten path to feel like a hidden gem, yet it has everything one could ever need—great energy, incredible food, and a real sense of community. It’s one of those rare places where people know your name, the pace is a touch slower, and every corner feels familiar.
WW: BEST-KEPT SECRET?
JJ: The Farmers Market at Vizcaya. It’s become a cherished weekend ritual for my wife and me—a quiet moment of simplicity amid the beauty of one of Miami’s most historic settings. There’s something so grounding about that combination of culture, nature, and community.
WW: BEST MEAL IN MIAMI?
JJ: Jass Kitchen in Buena Vista. It’s effortlessly inviting—the kind of place where the food, music, and atmosphere come together in perfect harmony. Every visit feels like a little escape.
James Julius’s 24 Hours in Miami
Morning: Begin at Sunset Padel, then a cold plunge at Anatomy—a ritual that feels both grounding and invigorating.
Noon: Lunch at The Setai, where the elegance of the setting perfectly mirrors the city’s rhythm, followed by a languid afternoon by the ocean.
Night: The evening, of course, would end at Harbour Club—dinner, drinks, and good company as the city glows into night.
Miami Highlights with James Julius
1. Harbour Club
Courtesy of the Harbour Club. Photo by World Red Eye.
Harbour Club was born from a simple yet bold dream: to bring the storied elegance of London’s elite private clubs to the heart of Miami Beach. Founded by James Julius, a London native with a passion for unmatched hospitality, and Michele Esposito, a visionary chef from Napoli, Harbour Club is more than just a members’ club—it is a celebration of refined lifestyle and culinary excellence. Together, they envisioned a place where every detail is curated to offer an unparalleled experience for its members. – Harbour Club
2. The Farmers Market at Vizcaya
Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Vizcaya is a tradition for Miami locals. We explore its gardens and halls to soak in local history. We celebrate quinces and weddings here and make it our own playground as children on fieldtrips. Yet, there’s a side of Vizcaya that even locals may not know – Vizcaya Village. Informed by the European villas that inspired the creation of the estate, Vizcaya included its very own farm and village. Located on the west side of South Miami Avenue, Vizcaya Village was built alongside the Main House c. 1916 and designed to house crops and farm animals. Echoing the Village’s agricultural past, today’s visitors can enjoy this historic space every week at the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market. – The Farmers Market at Vizcaya
3. Jass Kitchen
Courtesy of Jass Kitchen.
Welcome to Jass Kitchen —A Mediterranean restaurant Miami elevated Mediterranean cuisine, live jazz, and unforgettable evenings. Located in the heart of Buena Vista near the Miami Design District, we blend authentic Mediterranean flavors, warm hospitality, and intimate nightly performances to create a dining experience unlike anywhere else in the city. – Jass Kitchen
4. The Setai Miami Beach
Courtesy of The Setai Miami Beach.
At the convergence of East and West, The Setai Miami Beach is a rare jewel. This seductive and transportive oasis commands a fashionable swath of Collins Avenue oceanfront to entice sophisticated travelers who seek intriguing experiences and Asian-inspired serenity. – The Setai
