Miami Nice

Written by Christy Waller of CW Luxury Travel

Miami is hot hot hot! And it’s not just the sultry weather. Diverse in culture and abundant in natural beauty, Miami is a paradise for travelers seeking authentic experiences without sacrificing luxury. Miami nightlife is scorching, thanks to a strong Latin influence and spicy salsa culture. Dance the noche away in a nightclub or indulge in a fancy meal at one of the city’s celebrity-owned restaurants. By day, hit the beach, of course, or have yourself a walkabout, taking in Miami’s colorful art deco architecture. Grab a Cuban sandwich in Little Havana, then ride the vintage carousel at Virginia Key Beach Park.

Historically considered America’s premier coastal resort city since the 1950s, today, Miami Beach remains a hub of art, culture, shopping, and dining. Fashion’s most coveted labels are moments away on Lincoln Road in South Beach. Proximity to the bohemian Art Deco District is a constant reminder of the city’s historical origins. Flanked by Biscayne Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, surrounding areas, include Bal Harbour, Downtown Miami, Little Havana, and the Wynwood Art District—home to iconic attractions and events such as the Bass Museum and Art Basel.

WHERE TO STAY: From the moment it first opened its doors on New Year’s Eve in 1930, The Surf Club has hosted history. It is here that you will find Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, an oceanfront destination bringing a new era of glamour elevated with chic Italian dining and a world-class spa. The resort is situated along a 9-acre stretch of beachfront in the district of Surfside. The hotel is just blocks from the luxury shopping district of Bal Harbour and minutes from South Beach, and a half-hour drive from downtown Miami.

WHERE TO DINE: The Four Seasons at The Surf Club is committed to a culinary experience like no other. Of course, no vacation is complete without Champagne. Enjoy the largest selection in Miami and an exciting mixology program at The Champagne Bar. Head Bartender Valentino Longo has created a spectacular array of one-of-a-kind craft cocktails. After enjoying bubbles and/or cocktails, enjoy a world-class dining experience in The Champagne Bar Restaurant. Executive Chef Antonia Mermolia has created a simple yet sophisticated menu of Mediterranean cuisine.

For a more casual, al fresco dining environment, Winston’s on the Beach offers a delicious selection of salads and light meals focusing on local Florida flavors. And no visit would be complete without visiting The Surf Club Restaurant. Thomas Keller’s first Florida venture is as grand as his reputation and channels the spirit from another era focusing on continental cuisine and classic libations.

WHERE TO EXPLORE: “Museum of the Streets” is nestled in Miami’s hip Wynwood district—about a 20-minute drive from The Four Seasons Surfside Hotel is a feast for the eyes. Wynwood Walls encompasses 80,000 square feet of internationally-renowned outdoor murals, created by more than 50 artists spanning 16 countries. To experience the art up close, you can stroll along or let the hotel staff drive you. Your guide will enlighten you about the rotating works and their eccentric creators, including Miss Van and Lady Park. After the tour, be sure to stop by Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop for a slice of his famous key lime pie.

WHERE TO SET SAIL: Experience a unique Miami tour and its surrounding coastal towns in style by reserving your very own private yacht. Guests will depart from the Haulover Beach Marina, only 10 minutes from the Resort, with a specially prepared picnic lunch from The Four Seasons culinary team. Champagne in hand, let the yacht’s private crew guide you through the causeways and natural landscapes of Star Island, Hibiscus Island, and the Venetian Islands on your way to the city. In Miami, you can dock to enjoy dinner at the Concierge’s recommended hot spot or continue cruising on in the calm waters.

WHERE TO STAY: Surround yourself at The Miami Beach EDITION, the urban resort for the 21st century. This boutique hotel comprises 294 individually designed guest rooms and suites, including 28 private oceanfront bungalows (some with two stories and private plunge pools) and a spectacular rooftop penthouse. Every space enjoys soft, neutral colors, marble bathrooms, large desks, mini-bars, and fine linens. The resort boasts a luxury spa and fitness center, two outdoor ocean-facing pools, sophisticated indoor and charming outdoor venues.

WHERE TO DINE: Renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten lends his culinary expertise to the restaurants in this Miami Beach hotel. Tropicale is inspired by all things tropical and seduces with casual al fresco dining. The original landmarked Sundial restaurant and bar, now restored to its original grandeur, offers a palate of fresh and light menu selections. Both savory and sweet, a perfect complement to sun and sand, Tropicale serves cocktails and cuisine that fit the lush beach setting.

Market at EDITION is a food hall-inspired restaurant, part patisserie, part boulangerie, and part salumeria; the restaurant features gourmet cuisine counters serving everything from pizza and ceviche to wine and pressed juices.

The Matador Room, the Miami Beach EDITION signature restaurant, is a real experience for those who love culinary creativity. Featuring a supper club-like atmosphere reminiscent of the 1940s, the Matador Room tempts guests with innovative cuisine inspired by the flavors of South America, the Caribbean, and Spain.

WHAT TO DO: Experience the best of Miami living at The Miami Beach EDITION. This luxury beachfront resort grants guests a direct path to some of the most expansive sand in the city. Take advantage of the hotel’s private access, umbrellas, chaises, and towel service. Numerous outdoor sporting activities are also available.

BASEMENT is a new kind of multi-dimensional entertainment hub in Miami Beach. Here, guests will be able to choose among a dazzling range of environments, to be experienced one at a time or together across a night. Adding a new layer to Miami Beach nightlife, BASEMENT features a nightclub, bowling alley, and ice-skating rink—all outfitted with a state-of-the-art sound system, as well as dramatic lighting and projection effects.

WHERE TO STAY: Unlike many hotels on Miami Beach, which require a hop and skip across the hot sand to get to the sea, the Acqualina Resort and Spa earns its beachfront title by practically merging with the water. Only a thin strip of sand dotted with lounges, bright red beach umbrellas, and water-toting butlers separate you from the calm waters of the Atlantic. The lush grounds feature outdoor living room settings with luxurious furniture on Seashore Paspalum grass and three oceanfront pools with restaurants and cabanas to retreat to for extra privacy. The spa is the first ESPA in North America, where treatments run the gamut from exotic massages using Himalayan salt stones to blissful three-hour-long massage experiences. As for the cuisine, three restaurants vie for your attention, but the undeniable ace-in-the-hole is Michele Mazza’s Il Mulino (yes, the same as in Nashville) and the classic Italian dishes it churns out are as exceptional as you expect them to be.

FUN FOR KIDS: Children ages five to twelve have complimentary access to marine biology-inspired activities, and guests of all ages can enjoy an oceanfront soccer field, basketball court, and a variety of organized outdoor pool and beach games. Whether participating in on-property Miami activities or local experiences, happiness awaits the whole family. WHERE TO RELAX: Set against the tranquil ocean and stunning white sands of Miami Beach, Acqualina Spa by ESPA is an indulgent retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Experience the true pleasures of its world-class, 20,000 square foot facility, which features state-of-the-art treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, private and special occasion Royal Spa Suite, and magnificent outdoor terrace retreat. Embracing the legendary European Day Spa philosophy that each visit is a journey, your experience begins with a signature selection of Ayurvedic-infused holistic, restorative, and meditative treatments for face and body. For the ultimate mind-body connection, Acqualina Spa offers yoga and other premier wellness services, in addition to a healthy spa menu.

WHERE TO DINE: Within Acqualina’s Mediterranean villa environment, you will find the best in alfresco dining in all of Miami. At Costa Grill, experience delicious Mediterranean selections steps from the beach while Il Mulino New York offers renowned Italian cuisine in a high-energy setting. Ke-uH is a newer restaurant at the Acqualina serving Japanese fare. The resort’s gorgeous outdoors also sets the scene for a beautiful picnic in paradise. As the sun sets, Acqualina transforms into one of the most beautiful places where you can enjoy a memorable evening with your family with its under the stars beachfront dinners. sl