The Louis XIII VIP Room is a masterclass in opulence and theatrical elegance, seamlessly blending modern luxury with bold, regal flair. Located in the heart of Miami on the historic and iconic Coral Way, the lounge has drawn in celebrities from across the globe—actors, singers, and cultural icons—captivated by its unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

Inspired by the bohemian soul of the legendary Cuban venue La Bodeguita del Medio, where legends like Ernest Hemingway and Nat King Cole once sipped and sang, this space was brought to life by the visionary interior designer Dionne Setien. Her design marries contemporary boldness with timeless colonial architecture, using hand-painted Spanish tiles reminiscent of 1800s Cuban mansions, layered with dramatic chandeliers that command attention and crown the room in elegance.

This isn’t just a lounge—it’s a sanctuary for connoisseurs, a celebration of refinement and legacy. Whether entertaining clients or savoring an exclusive pour of Louis XIII, every inch of this space whispers luxury, legacy, and timeless indulgence.

Behind the vibrant, music-filled halls of the legendary La Bodeguita del Medio lies a door few ever see. It is not marked on any map, nor spoken of in reviews. Its existence is passed in hushed tones between CEOs, artists, and dignitaries—a whispered promise of absolute discretion and unparalleled grandeur. This is The Velvet Chamber, the secret lounge where history is not just made, but curated.

Access is not for sale; it is bestowed. A silent nod from the maître d', a key that appears only after the public dining room has emptied, a passage through a velvet-draped archway that feels less like an entrance and more like a threshold into another world.

Inside, the air changes. It is cool, still, and heavy with the scent of aged tobacco, polished mahogany, and ambition. The walls, cloaked in a deep, royal red, absorb all sound, creating a cathedral-like hush. Here, the boisterous spirit of Havana is refined into a potent, silent power. Scarlet crystal chandeliers—each a masterpiece of fire and shadow—cast a molten, ruby light over everything, their glow a silent witness to the conversations that shape fortunes and cultural epochs.

The room is an exercise in majestic precision. Long tables of rich, striped wood are set with military exactness: black linen, gold-rimmed crystal that rings with a perfect clear note, and cutlery so immaculate it reflects not just the light, but the gravity of the occasion. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors act as silent sentinels, infinitely multiplying the room's grandeur and the sense that every move is part of a larger, unseen tapestry.

This is where a studio head finalizes a landmark deal between courses. Where a celebrated musician finds inspiration in the quiet. Where a Fortune 500 board holds its most strategic retreat. The atmosphere is not one of mere luxury, but of reverent exclusivity. Laughter is a soft murmur. Agreements are sealed with a glance. Every detail, from the single rose in a crystal vase to the tailored service that anticipates a need before it is spoken, is orchestrated to ensure that nothing disturbs the alchemy of power and pleasure.

To dine in The Velvet Chamber is to be transformed. You enter through a door of velvet and emerge with a new understanding of what true privilege means—not in volume, but in depth. It is an experience that lingers on the palate of memory long after the last glass of rare añejo is poured. The world outside continues, but it never tastes, feels, or sounds quite the same again.

This is not a room you book. It is a legacy you enter.

The atmosphere was built on layered storytelling. Theatrical decor featured massive, evocative murals of iconic figures like Meyer Lansky, setting a tone of glamorous intrigue. This was elevated by the immersive cabaret glamour, where performers in intricate, feathered headdresses became living extensions of the design. The space itself unfolded across two distinct levels: the vibrant main floor with its large stage for pulsating Latin performances and an elevated balcony lounge with an LED-lit bar, offering a sophisticated bird’s-eye view of the spectacle below.

Dionne Setien is the creative visionary behind some of Miami’s most iconic and visited venues. An award-winning interior designer, she transforms spaces into immersive experiences that capture culture, elevate brands, and resonate deeply with both the public and the most discerning clients.

Her formal training began at the Miami International Institute of Art & Design, where she graduated with honors, building a multidisciplinary foundation in interior design, architecture, and graphic design. This unique fusion of skills allows her to master every detail of a project, from structural flow and custom millwork to bespoke branding and visual storytelling.

Dionne’s portfolio is a testament to her ability to shape destination spaces. She was the mastermind behind the complete design of the legendary La Bodeguita del Medio on Coral Way, modernizing a Cuban icon with a stunning blend of contemporary luxury and authentic heritage. Her work for the Louis XIII Cognac VIP Lounge created an exclusive, art-like sanctuary that was celebrated as a unique masterpiece within the brand’s global collection. Further showcasing her dynamic range, she conceived the vibrant atmosphere of Riviera Live nightclub, where hand-painted graffiti artistry meets innovative natural elements.

Her expertise extends seamlessly across the spectrum of design. She has crafted immersive environments for luxury jewelry retailers, serene high-end residences that embody indoor-outdoor Miami living, and high-impact commercial spaces for restaurants, salons, and retail centers. Recognized for her innovation, her projects have been showcased at Art Basel Miami and have received numerous industry accolades.

For Dionne, exceptional design is holistic. It is where aesthetics meet energetics, and beauty aligns seamlessly with function. Every space she creates is a narrative—a deliberate environment designed not just to be seen, but to be felt, remembered, and lived in fully.