Retail addicts around the world know the Bal Harbour Shops as one of the greatest destinations in the world — a true Shopper’s Paradise.

Now, truly dedicated shoppers are about to be presented with an opportunity to have this world-class shopping destination…as their neighbor.

Located directly across the street from the shops on Collins Avenue, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will offer the ultimate home base for dedicated shoppers and luxury lovers.

Developed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is located right on the ocean (for those times when you want to concentrate on pursuits other than shopping) at the northern tip of Bal Harbour. It will be made up of three separate, 27-story towers, each housing ultra-luxurious one, two, three and four-bedroom residences complete with huge balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and amazing views of the Atlantic and the bay.

The 268 residences will share the space with 37 condo-hotel suites, 183 hotel rooms and 24 fractional suites.

Because mundane tasks like grocery shopping, driving and housekeeping take away from valuable shopping time, the St. Regis will offer its lucky residents the same amenities as hotel guests, including grocery shopping service, room service, housekeeping, a chauffeur and more. There’s also a health spa, several swimming pools, sculptures, water features, lush gardens and more.

No wonder these luxury condos and homes start at a cool $1.9 million!

Modern technology will be featured throughout the resort, including a state-of-the-art air conditioning system that uses chilled water instead of heat pumps to cool the air.

It all adds up to a shopaholic’s dream home. But you can’t put one on your AmEx card just yet. While top off of the final tower is just around the corner, construction isn’t scheduled for completion until 2011.

by Lisa Canfield