An oceanfront hub of culture, style and creativity, Miami is constantly evolving. This year, the destination will serve as a tropical retreat from the extreme weather plaguing the rest of the country. And in true Magic City fashion, the South Florida playground has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
Prepare to taste the flavors, feel the magic and dance to the beat of Miami. From foodie hotspots to lavish lodging, here’s a look at the city’s latest and greatest.
STAY
Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort: Centrally located within a short driving distance from large urban areas of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Solé Miami in Sunny Isles Beach, FL is a breath of fresh air and an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of South Beach and the Art Deco District. The stunning oceanfront, boutique resort, offers various amenities including beachside concerts, an oceanfront pool, water sports and a daily fireside happy hour on the beach with build-your-own, complimentary s’mores.
W South Beach: Escape to the iconic beachfront W South Beach for large and beautifully appointed rooms, each boasting their own private balcony with striking ocean views, and luxurious amenities including two exclusive guest-only pools, breezy cabanas, a full-service beach, on-site restaurants The Dutch, MR CHOW and WET Bar & Grille, and a multi-million dollar art collection boasting pieces from legendary artists including Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel.
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour: Boasting more than $3.5 million worth of contemporary art, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour offers ultra-private accommodations with only two guest rooms per floor. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s spa Exhale Bal Harbour or relax by the heated swimming pool in a luxurious cabana with a private hot tub.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort: One of only two Five Diamond hotels in Miami, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort boasts 227 luxurious rooms, 14,000- square-foot Remède Spa, new Roche Bobois-designed oceanfront villas, the Rosenbaum Contemporary gallery, and dedicated butler service.
EAT
BALEENkitchen at Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort: Serving global cuisine for brunch, BALEENKitchen is the third iteration of the Noble House restaurant brand; known for bringing its nomadic lifestyle to life with a menu that celebrates the flavors of the world and design reflecting the same. The oceanfront restaurant (which boasts both indoor and outdoor dining) serves fresh juices, a bottomless Bloody Mary bar, hearty Huevos Rancheros or Breakfast Burrito and the classic Eggs Benedict.
Zuma Miami: Zuma Miami offers the city’s most flavorful and sophisticated Ebisu Tasting Menu. Served Monday – Friday from noon to 3 p.m. at the restaurant’s desirable waterfront location, the three-tier prix-fixe power lunch menu offers the choice of (1) entrée including: salmon with teriyaki sauce, 5-ounce prime skirt steak, black cod marinated in saikyo miso or spicy beef tenderloin. Each entrée is served with miso soup, dessert and the choice of (2) appetizers including: spicy fried tofu, avocado tempura or salmon (Price: $35).
La Centrale – Italian Food Hall: La Centrale’s bustling Mercato level offers everything from a $4 slice of Alla Pala pizza to $9.50 build-your-own salad and $2.25 espressos – there's cheap eats at every one of the mercato’s 6 grab-and-go counters. Pro tip: make sure you pay with the La Centrale App to get $9 off every $99 spend.
Atlantikos: Boasting bright blue and white contrasting colors reminiscent of Greece, St. Regis Bal Harbour’s Atlantikos offers an authentic dining experience with Chef “Tasos” Chasekioglou who launched his career in Greece.
Bagatelle Miami: Without leaving Miami, whisk yourself away to the French Rivera and indulge in Bagatelle’s decadent brunch, which pays homage to the French Mediterranean. Guests can sip on Rosé alongside the jet-set of South Beach over eclectic tunes and a new seasonal brunch menu that won’t disappoint – think truffle galore, a full crudo bar, French delicacies with a twist and more.
MR CHOW – Miami: Coming up on its 10th Year Anniversary in July, MR CHOW’s international clientele have found its authentic classics Beijing cuisine here along with new and creative recipes. MR CHOW – Miami's stunning dining room is centered by a unique 123 foot Gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier designed by Michael Chow. Located directly at the beach, the restaurant has quintessential Miami vibes mixed with the classic MR CHOW style.
Bal Harbour Shops: One of the best celeb-watching spots in Miami, Bal Harbour Shops offers four distinct dining outlets – Carpaccio, an Italian restaurant that has become a hot spot for celebrities over the past 15 years; Makoto, owned by famed restaurateur Stephen Starr and presenting classic Asian dishes with a twist by Chef Makoto Okuwa who worked closely and learned from Iron Chef Morimoto; The Grill at Bal Harbour, featuring American cuisine; and Le Zoo, a stylish French brasserie with classic bistro fare.
dbakers Sweet Studio: As a family-owned bakery located in Midtown, Miami, dbakers sweet studio is THE up-and-coming Miami foodie hotspot with out-of-the-box style, extravagant flavors and fun atmosphere for a quick breakfast treat, afternoon pick me up, or late night snack. In addition to their collection of unique croissants such as strawberry goat cheese, everything bagel, charcoal dulce de leche, and Nutella, they offer macaron flavors including milk chocolate passion fruit and earl grey salted caramel; oversized gourmet cream puffs; cheesecakes, tarts and more paired with the perfect taste of all your express and cappuccino needs.
DRINK
The St. Regis Bar & Sushi Lounge: Featuring an exclusive selection of the world’s finest champagnes, rare vintage wines and handcrafted cocktails, the lounge also offers an innovative sushi menu. Indulge in $200 cocktails served in LALIQUE glassware, which guests can take home.
Aloft Miami Aventura: Aloft Miami Aventura is launching family friendly 'Live at Aloft' happy hour events at their W XYZ Bar. Open to the public and available on Thursdays to Sundays from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m, the happy hour will feature $3 chips and salsa, ½ off select apps, BOGO draft beers/house wine and $5 drink of the day specials for the parents. For the young (and young at heart) the property has classic and new age board games including Risk, Card Against Humanities, Operation, Jenga and more available to play alongside the oversized outdoor chess board.
SHOP
Brickell City Centre: At the height of Miami shopping is the exclusive new Brickell City Centre, which opened to much acclaim in Downtown Miami in late 2016. Shop four levels of high-end boutiques, including more than 10 flagship stores like Italian fragrance and skincare expert Acqua di Parma and minimalist women’s clothing brand Fabiana Filippi, then look up to take in the $30-million wave trellis overhead. Made of striking steel, fabric, and glass, the installation is both beautiful and environmentally friendly, providing natural climate control and collecting rainwater for reuse.
Bal Harbour Shops: With a 350,000-square-foot expansion in the works, Bal Harbour Shops has just announced it will be home to the first Florida location for Barneys New York. From fashion consultations and make-up masterclasses to on-demand services in a customer’s home, workplace or hotel room, locals and travelers can shop until they drop at the Shops.
