If you are heading to Miami but are looking for a luxury hotel that escapes the hustle and bustle of South Beach, then look no further than One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa.
We checked in at the front desk located inside the two-story lobby that was beautifully outfitted with holiday decorations, including a massive Christmas tree set in front of a large window that overlooked the surrounding waterways. The rooms come in studio or suite form and are accessible by an elevator that opens to just two rooms per floor. We loved the spacious studios of dark wood, granite stone and seaside views and you will also find the usual high-tech gadgets here, including a 42-inch flat-screen TV, Bose SurroundSpace system, an in-room espresso machine and our favorite, in-mirror TVs in the bathrooms (so cool).
Speaking of the bathrooms, each features 10-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows, a free-standing tub that overlooks the ocean and inlet, and a separate oversized shower with rain shower head (Don’t worry, you can pull the shades if you must but we were assured no one can see in).
The service here is tremendous with every staff member seeming to personally want to make sure your stay is enjoyable. We headed out to the pool area where you can rent a private cabana complete with individual hot tub or simply lounge with a cocktail at the main pool area. While we didn’t have a chance to visit the 10,000-square-foot spa located on the lower level of the property, we were intrigued by the signature Secret Garden experience. The treatment incorporates the seductive properties of the rose starting with an exfoliation to regenerate the skin and ending with a facial and neck massage.
We had lunch one afternoon at the hotel's on-site restaurant, Mister Collins, which offers al fresco dining and oceanfront views from the patio seats. Our friendly and attentive server greeted us with a warm basket of addicting cheesy jalapeno scones. We started off with the tuna tartare appetizer, a deliciously fresh, generous portion of tuna arrived with a side of crispy wonton chips. Moving on, the cheeseburger was cooked to perfection and served with a side of French fries and tasty ketchup further complemented with the addition of lime and chipotle.
We were told every aspect of the meals here are hand-crafted from scratch, from the dressings to the chocolate ice cream. The steak sandwich was cooked to a medium rare perfection as well and was declared the winner of the table. The beer selection here is just as good with a nice selection of microbrews on tap or available by the bottle.
One Bal Harbour is on the northeastern end of Bal Harbour Village just 15 minutes from South Beach. Each month, the property hosts a “Movies on the Beach” night where you can snuggle up on a cozy couch on the beach, grab some free popcorn and check out some classic flicks like Casablanca, Midnight in Paris or Cinema Paradiso. In the morning, head over to the beach for a Yogilates class, a combination of yoga and Pilates offered on the northern end of Bal Harbour Beach. If you are more interested in shopping, be sure to inquire about the complimentary shuttle that can take you over to the nearby Bal Harbour Shops.
One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa is located at 10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, Florida. For more information, visit OneLuxuryHotels.com or call (305) 455-5400.
