In The Name Of Love, Evan Williams

MODERN DEBUT

HILTON AVENTURA MIAMI HOTEL

AVENTURA, FL is Located in Aventura, a northeastern suburb part of the Miami metropolitan area, the newly built Hilton Aventura Miami Hotel opened its doors on March 2021, to the guests. With 208 rooms, luxuries amenities, and delightful cuisine, Hilton Aventura Miami Hotel makes a perfect getaway for travelers seeking comfort and luxury. Their clean and luxurious interior and the thought-out art selection will leave you in awe as well.

Surrounded by Miami beaches, Hilton Aventura is in a prime location with a short drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports and right next to the Aventura Mall, where you can indulge in shopping the luxury stores, such as Bloomingdales, which offers a Concierge Shopping Experience to the HA guests on another level. Get a firsthand look at Hilton Aventura Miami’s “Shopping in Style” package and partnership with Bloomingdales at Aventura Mall, that includes a dedicated personal shopper and other VIP perks you will love as much as you love fashion. Hotel’s luxurious amenities include 24-hour fitness centers, eight story yoga studio, and outdoor yoga on the patio, complementary Wi-Fi, valet, and self-parking garage featuring electric charging stations.

The hotel features delightful cuisine options, with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The two signature locations Gala and Muse Bar bringing an upscale twist on Southern American cuisine with an Instagrammable dining experience. Gala’s cocktails and fine dining showcases some of Miami’s freshest seafood, flavorful tapas, outdoor and indoor seating serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing the experience to be delightful. Muse Bar provides an array of specialty cocktails and light bites to accompany social activities, entertainment, and endeavors.

My favorite breakfast highlight is acai bowl, which is not only a fabulous visual treat but the most delicious and nutritious breakfast in their demographic. From amazing charcuterie board to delicious main courses it’s just impossible to leave anything on the plate.

Not only is the hotel a hot spot for bustling night life, but it is also home of Aventura’s second largest event space with more than 15,000 square feet. For ballroom space capable of accommodating 600 persons, makes Hilton Aventura Miami Hotel the perfect space for large events. Committing to the safety of large group travel, Hilton Aventura Miami also takes part in Hilton’s EventReady with CleanStay, a global industry-leading cleanliness and customer service program specific to create event experiences that are clean, flexible, safe and socially responsible.

In line with Hilton, Hilton Aventura Miami is taking part in Hilton’s Clean Stay Program; helping deliver a cleaner stay using industry-leading hygiene practices to keep guests safe. The program allows to set new standards for cleanliness, which include a Hilton CleanStay Room seal, to showcase the freshly disinfected room with a seal to indicate the room has not been accessed since its last clean and sanitized service.

“We plan to create an ambiance that is welcoming to all by offering premium amenities for the discerning luxury traveler, “We plan to create an ambiance that is welcoming to all by offering premium amenities for the discerning luxury traveler, as well as a vibrant lifestyle amenity for those seeking to socialize and relax in an upscale, yet laid-back environment”

—Kai Fisher

as well as a vibrant lifestyle amenity for those seeking to socialize and relax in an upscale, yet laid-back environment,” said Kai Fisher, general manager, Hilton Aventura Miami. With an exceptional stay, and accommodating services, guests are encouraged to participate in sharing their experience by interacting with Hilton Aventura Miami’s social media campaign by hash tagging their experience with #LuxeinAventura or #HiltonAventura hashtags.

If you’re looking to step outside your zone and enjoy some activities, as I certainly enjoyed an adventurous Tour of the iconic Gulfstream Park, South Florida’s premier horse racing destination, and delicious lunch at Ten Palms Restaurant. I certainly felt the adrenaline rush as I watched a race and the competitors in action while sipping on my margarita. Explore some top-notch dining experience with the view! Treat yourself to a delicious cuisine at ETARU Hallandale with panoramic ocean views, located in one of the area’s most stunning beaches of Miami area. Aventura is recognized worldwide for its art scene and is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami. Head out and explore a local art scene on one leisurely afternoon touring the museum and enjoying fine modern art. At night, if you’re hungry, head over to Serafina Miami for dinner – it’s one of the top Italian restaurants with superb service and right by your table delicious pasta cookout in front of your eyes.

For additional information on Hilton Aventura Miami or to book, visit www.hiltonaventura.com Elle Taylor

OLD With The NEW

The Old San Juan is the oldest European settlement in Puerto Rico and the United States and the second one continuously inhabited in the American continent. It is historically documented that the Viejo San Juan had the first municipal government in the America continent after the city of Santo Domingo in neighboring Hispaniola.

The Old San Juan Historic District’ s distribution and organization of the urban core by means of an orthogonal grid was inspired by European Renaissance ideas, particularly Italian of Classical extraction. The Old San Juan Historic District has the oldest house, Christian temple, executive mansion, convent, and military defenses in the United States. All these structures can be found within this unique core that includes the Diputación Provincial building. The Casa Alcaldía de San Juan, Palacio de la Intendencia and Diputación Provincial form a government triad from which the Spanish Crown governed the city and the island until 1898. Their elegance and monumentality are reflection of their role as visual icons of the Crown. The fact that they always served similar uses adds an additional layer of historic and cultural relevance. The Casa Alcaldía, Intendencia Real and the Diputación Provincial formed a government triad from which the Spanish crown govern the island until 1898. These are three of the finest architectural examples in the city and the island; their location and architectural uniqueness are intrinsic

Hotel Palacio Provincial makes history

components of the historic urban landscape forming Old San Juan. The elegance of the Diputación Provincial building reflected its prominent role as a visual icon of the Spanish crown. It continued to serve similar uses under the United States government, adding another cultural and historical relevance.

José Ramon Fernández, Marqués de La Esperanza was the owner of Hacienda La Esperanza in Manatí and the wealthiest sugar baron in Puerto Rico in the 19th century. He was also one of the most powerful men of the entire Spanish Caribbean. In 1898, Spain granted autonomy to Puerto Rico and the Provincial Council became the Insular Chamber. Architect Patricio de Bolmburu redesigned the interior of the building in 1898, and this is where the first Puerto Rican Parliament conducted its affairs. In 1893, Infanta Eulalia of Spain, the youngest and last surviving child of Queen Isabella II of Spain and the youngest sister of King Alfonso XII and her husband Antonio de Orleans visited the Diputación Provincial representing the crown. They came to Puerto Rico on their way to the Chicago World Fair. The fair was to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Colombus’ arrival in the New World.

To celebrate the anniversary of the “discovery” of America and Puerto Rico, a marble monument to Columbus was erected in the Plaza de Santiago, located at the entrance of the city. The forty-two feet high sculptural group motivated a change in name for the space to Plaza de Colón. The sculpture was the work of the famous Genoese Achille Canessa.

The History repeats itself, as Puerto Rico welcomes their First New Hotel in Old San Juan in decades, Palacio Provincial, offering a distinctive local and luxury experience stunning, restored property brings first-class hospitality for travelers to the wonderful Puerto Rico and beautiful Old San Juan.

This landmark hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Set within a storied Colonial-era building in San Juan’s most historic neighborhood, the 43-room hotel has been meticulously restored and reimagined into a flawless, light-filled home base for discerning travelers seeking the best of Old San Juan’s rich history with top-service and accommodations.

Embodying the spirit found in the streets of Old San Juan, Palacio Provincial celebrates the history of the destination, while incorporating edgy design elements throughout the property. As an early 19th century building, the hotel’s antique structure reflects Colonial Architecture and is full of rich diplomatic nods throughout its decor. For most of its 200 years of existence, the building housed the center of diplomacy for Puerto Rico. Through its halls walked the most distinguished congressmen, thinkers and artists, whose lives are reflected throughout the building’s newest transformation. Perfectly marrying the antiquity of the structure with modern cosmopolitan style, guests will be transformed to another past time while feeling like they haven’t left the present.

Palacio Provincial boasts 43 guest rooms and spacious suites with strikingly high ceilings consistent with its Colonial-era architecture, all modernly appointed with regional and residential spirit. Each comfortable and sumptuous guest room incorporates locally curated artwork, Juliet balconies, and unobstructed views of Old San Juan’s vibrant streets. In partnership with Aroma360, Palacio Provincial offers custom

scents in each room, subtly filling each space with a scent of the guest’s choice.

The highlight of the historical property is the Infanta Suite, inspired by the iconic Princess Eulalia of Spain, known for her progressive yet elegant personality, which is reflected throughout the unique design of the suite through the neutral inviting tones and pristine, white-tiled accents.

Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed with a locally beloved icy treat Limbers, which gained its popularity in 1928 when Charles A. Lindbergh enjoyed this sweet while staying at the Governor’s Mansion just down the street from the hotel. Hotel guests can soak up the Puerto Rican sunshine while sipping hand-crafted cocktails and enjoying delicious bites on the rooftop, where infinity pool blends into the sky, or on a beautiful terrace with a view to remember of Old San Juan and San Juan Bay.

The property also houses an elegant library space, enclosed in beautiful 14 ft. glass walls. Filled with nods to the building’s rich past, the library provides guests with an escape through its specially curated book collection, or a relaxing moment with its intimate afternoon tea ceremony, served by a personal attaché.

In the evening, visitors can enjoy hotel’s happy hour, Forty-Three x Forty-Three, which features a special cocktail every night. Other on-site amenities include a unique open-air dining concept, Consular Restaurant and Bar, an impressive diplomatic-themed mixology program, spacious private courtyards and beautiful, intimate event spaces for small group gatherings or a wedding.

Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Palacio Provincial is the ultimate destination for an authentic travel experience. Whether travelers seek historic attractions, such as the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista and San Felipe del Morro Fortress or want to absorb the vibrant street energy found in the colorful rows, the hotel is conveniently steps away from it all. Old San Juan’s iconic street, Calle del Cristo, is also nearby, where guests can experience some of the destination’s top culinary and cocktail scenes, including world renowned La Factoria, known for the best authentic music in town, or a walk away to the Hotel El Convento and its phenomenal bar and restaurant, where visitors enjoy wonderful Puerto Rican Cuisine and artisan cocktails.

www.palacioprovincial.com @palacioprovincialsj

Elle Taylor Photos by Hector Guajiro