*By: Jennifer Steele*
Miami’s warmth, swaying palms, delectable restaurants and upbeat social scene make it an ideal destination for a girls’ weekend getaway — especially for those looking to escape winter whites and retreat to greener pastures…
This was exactly the motivation behind our recent girls’ trip: my girlfriend Lindsay and I decided it was time to shed some wool layers and step into the light! The perfect luxury holiday was in plain sight and we needed no convincing to book a direct three-and-a-half hour flight from YYZ to MIA. We knew it would be a memorable vacation, and that it was…
Sublime Seafood: Joe’s Stone Crab
The night we landed we beelined to my dream restaurant: Joe’s Stone Crab on Washington Avenue in South Beach. Joe’s is a legendary seafood restaurant that opened over a century ago and is known for its sweet stone crab with mouthwatering mustard sauce. In fact, the tender delicacy is so popular that you may have to wait hours before getting a table. But don’t fret, they have a beautiful bar to belly up to and sip on a few cosmos before your table is ready. Be sure to dine at this restaurant between October and May during stone crab season. The shrimp and oysters are also to die for.
Swanky Nightlife: The Faena
The Faena Hotel Miami Beach is the place to be on a weekend getaway. There’s no shortage of entertaining bars, nightclubs or exuberant lounges. After dinner we immersed ourselves in live music at The Living Room where the band was popping and the crowd was fashionably glam. The outdoor courtyard, just a few steps away, filled with social excitement and made for great people watching. Close to midnight we headed downstairs for some dancing at the very intimate and dimly lit Saxony bar. The Faena as a whole oozes luxury and old-world lavish décor. This hot spot is not to be missed with photo ops upon every turn. You won’t want to take your eyes off this scene…
Photo c/o Faena Miami Beach.
Life Of The Rich And Famous: Bal Harbour
We spent a good amount of our time on Harbor Island, which is about a 20 minute drive north of South Beach, and loved the peaceful, laid back surroundings of the tiny island. But luxury at Bal Harbour Shops tempted us so we zipped over to the bougie, open-concept shopping centre. Enthralled in greenery, flower beds and coy ponds, it is where you’ll want to head to satisfy all of your Chanel, Dior and Escada desires. The mall is also home to the famous Carpaccio restaurant, with see-and-be-seen crowds.
Photo c/o Bal Harbour Shops
Boating On Biscayne Bay
Boating was a complete treat the next morning through Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach’s inner coastal that’s lined with some of the most extravagant mansions on the market…
We departed from Haulover Marina and went south to The Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard Spa Hotel for some afternoon apps and cold drinks. The vibe at The Standard is light and airy — a hot spot where everyone is lounging, soaking up the rays and loving life to the fullest…
Photo c/o The Standard Spa Hotel Miami
Elevated Sushi: Nobu
We also indulged in world-famous Japanese cuisine at Nobu Miami. As one of the most distinguished and iconic sushi restaurants around the globe, you’d be remiss not to stop by for a memorable experience. This is elegant dining that’s worth the price tag…
Photo c/o Alessa Delgado
Exclusive Pool Party: Hyde Beach At SLS Hotel
Another activity we very much enjoyed was chilling poolside in a cabana at Hyde Beach. SLS Sunday’s are the perfect day to do this. When we arrived late in the afternoon the pool was packed with guests enjoying the poolside cuisine, signature cocktails and bottle service…
As the sun set, we checked into the boutique hotel and admired our ocean views and fully-stocked room. Everything we needed for a luxe girls’ getaway was at our fingertips at SLS. They also offer guests The Suite Life, for an extra personalized experience that includes airport pick up, branded beach bag, in-room bar, house car and preferred access to venues.
Before saying goodbye to Miami we popped by Lincoln Road. Lined with gorgeous tall palms, it was the perfect spot for a quick patio session…
Miami is by far one of my favoured vacation spots because it offers so many options on so many levels. The cuisine, the music, the ocean, the fashion and the people we met are truly what make it so culturally-rich and memorable. The city left us feeling like we were on top of the world, as any great girls’ getaway should.
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