The Prince of Paradise

01The Birth of an Heir

Born into a world of opulence and grandeur, Ben Novack Jr.'s life was destined to be anything but ordinary. As the only child and heir to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel, his birth on March 20, 1956, was a celebrated event, marking the continuation of a legacy that was synonymous with luxury and power in mid-20th century America. The Fontainebleau, opened by Ben Novack Sr. in 1954, was more than just a hotel. With its sweeping curved design and lavish interiors, it was a symbol of the American dream, a playground for the rich and famous. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley were regular guests, adding to the hotel's allure and prestige. This was the world that Ben Jr. was born into, a world that would shape his personality and ambitions. Growing up, Ben Jr. was a constant presence in the grand halls of the Fontainebleau, absorbing the glamour and power that defined his family's legacy. His father, a self-made millionaire, was a demanding figure, expecting his son to follow in his footsteps. This expectation was not just about maintaining the family's wealth, but also about upholding the Novack name and the reputation of the Fontainebleau. The Novack family's eccentricity was epitomized by the 'Staircase to Nowhere' that Ben Sr. added to the hotel in 1962. This staircase, leading to a blank wall, was a testament to the family's wealth and a symbol of the excess and extravagance that characterized their lifestyle. It was a constant reminder to Ben Jr. of the world he was born into and the expectations that came with his birthright. Ben Jr.'s mother, Bernice, was a glamorous figure in her own right. A former model, she was a socialite who hosted lavish parties at the hotel. Despite her busy social life, she was a devoted mother, ensuring that Ben Jr. received the best education and opportunities. In 1972, she and Ben Sr. sent their son to the prestigious Swiss boarding school, Le Rosey, a strategic move to groom him for his future role as the heir to the Fontainebleau empire. Ben Jr.'s early life was a masterclass in power, luxury, and ambition. His upbringing, steeped in the glitz and glamour of the hotel industry, set the stage for the tumultuous events that would later unfold in his life. His birth marked not just the continuation of a legacy, but also the beginning of a life that would be marked by the same excess, extravagance, and power that defined the Fontainebleau and the Novack family.