Bal Harbour is a small island off the coast of Miami, Florida known for its luxury, tropical climate, and palm trees. It is home to many wealthy residents and features extravagant homes, shops, and hotels. Notable aspects of Bal Harbour include its private beaches, luxury high-rise residences like The St. Regis, and the largest concentration of palm trees in the world at Haulover Park. It also has strict security with cameras everywhere and its own police force to protect the wealthy residents.

1. Cleo Bertrand
Group 503
PHOTO ESSAY
Glimpses of
florida’s
parad-island

2. BAL HARBOUR, MIAMI, FL
At the very south of the Sunshine State, lies a small
island.
At the North of this island, there is a small village called
Bal Harbour. It is located between Indian Creek and the
Atlantic Ocean.
Bal Harbour is a hot spot for wealthy people looking
foward to spend money and enjoy tropical climate.
Home to extravagant luxury and the world’s largest
proportion of palm trees, here is a colection of shots of
a unique town where I grew up.

3. View of the Atlantic Ocean and private beaches.
Severe erosion caused Bal Harbour to begin a major renourishment project in order
to preserve le spotless perfection of it’s beach.

4. The St-Regis, recently built luxury residences.
On Bal Harbour’s Collins Avenue, the unique combination of exotic trees and modern
infrastructures bathes under sizzling tropical sunrays.

5. Bal Harbour is home to the largest concentration of palm trees in the world.
Haulover Park’s palm trees provide shade and elegance this convivial green
spot.

6. A typical Miami Dade fire rescue ambulance during an accident. The two cars’
bumpers were damaged following a minor collision between Ferrari and a
Mercedes.

7. Anonymous man entering the now closed Bal Harbour Club.
The very first beach club opened it’s gates in 1948. Numerous families
frequented the club. It has been in business until 2011 when it was sold to a
real estate company. A skyscraper is to be built in 2014.

8. A Bal Harbour Police car on the spot of the accident.
Bal Harbour is one of the world’s most secured areas with 350° cameras in
every corner and it’s own police department.

9. The reflexion of The Bal Harbour Tower in a mirror.
Entrance to buildings end up directly on Collins Avenue. These mirrors were made to prevent
accidents from odduring while on the sidewalk.

10. The Balmoral.
This building has a very unique design.

11. The « AMERICANA » by George Sanchez-Calderon in front of the St-Regis.
This 6 foot large stainless steel sculpture was inspired by Bal Harbbour’s
history and representing the archetype pf the American Dream.

12. Front view of Collins Avenue, soon to become « Bal Harbour Boulevard ».
It is the main traffic corridor on the island. In spite of it’s four lanes, Collins
Ave is perpetually jammed.

13. Palm trees in an indoor courtyard.
The Bal Harbour Shops is one of the main
attractions. It is defined by it’s large
variety of luxury products and refined
design. Haute Couture brands such as
Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Prada
have established franchises in this unique
mall where people can admire koi fish
swimming in artificial ponds while having
a coffee under a ceiling of palm trees.

14. The Seaview Hotel.
When the sun sets, everybody leaves.

15. The ocean.

16. The End