Beach at the Delano Hotel, Miami
Living in South Florida definitely has its advantages, and mid-70 degree temperatures all winter long definitely tops the list. While our summer months can be extremely hot and muggy, most families enjoy sleeping with the windows wide open and spending every available moment from Thanksgiving through Mother’s Day outdoors. If you’re visiting Miami Beach this season and want to join the locals at some truly unique outdoor activities, here are a few you’ll find fun, free and fabulous!
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Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
In the rush to finish holiday shopping, consider ditching retail therapy for a bit of escapism. Travel-based gifts tend to impart distinct lasting memories, and are gifts far more personalized and personal than mere objects. Below are three unforgettable, reasonably-priced, mini travel experiences within South Florida.
Tea with Versace for $55 – 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, (305) 576-8003
Following Versace’s death and Donatella’s unmanageable plastic surgery bills, South Florida mogul Barton G. purchased and transformed Ocean Drive’s most historic icon, the Versace Mansion, into a 10-room boutique hotel and intimate restaurant. Now known as the Villa by Barton G., Versace’s former sanctuary is more spectacular than ever, finally permitting the public to experience the mansion’s design splendor and sophistication. Thursday through Sunday the Villa serves full afternoon tea with exotic teas, sumptuous sandwiches and freshly baked sweets presented on Versace by Rosenthal Byzantine Dreams china, exclusive to The Villa. Advance reservations required. The Villa by Barton G. is located next to the Hotel Victor, Miami.
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Blue Sea at Delano Hotel is a leading sushi restaurant in Miami
Miami’s contemporary restaurant scene is a hit or miss of “sceney” hangouts, Northeast imports, jazzed-up seafood joints, and pimped-out steakhouses. A far cry from the predictable, recognizable chains and strip mall eateries, Florida’s glam revival has ushered in a new wave of more original eating establishments which merit bragging rights for both the food and the clientele. From boutique sushi counters to re-invented steakhouses to high-end Pan-Asian trendsetters that fulfill all your fat-kid fantasies, below are South Florida’s best bets for fabulous sushi, bloody steaks with decadent sides, and show-stopping super-sized portions.
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The Loews Miami Beach Hotel is home to one of Miami's best ice cream parlors
When Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month back in 1984, it seems he had sun-drenched summer afternoons on South Beach in mind. And while July sadly slipped away too quickly, you’ll be happy to know that you can still enjoy these top ice cream spots all summer long.
1. The Loews Hotel has long enjoyed a reputation as a kid-friendly resort with SoBe Kids Camp poolside activities, Nintendo Wii game consoles, and a teen hideaway done up in Pottery Barn brights. That’s why the latest addition of a nifty 1950s-styled ice cream bar called SoBe Scoops makes it that much cooler for guests looking to beat the heat and celebrate the season. Executive Pastry Chef Renee Contee is creating whimsical custom flavors daily and filling out the menu with a limited selection of hand-crafted Graeter’s of Cincinatti options and plain old Häagen-Dazs as well. The shop also spins up fresh cotton candy, cookies, and sweet treats from 11am until 11pm. 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.
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Sushi Samba on Lincoln Road serves delicious Peruvian-influenced Japanese fare.
South Beach tends to make us all feel a bit more body conscious than usual, but luckily, great healthy fare is readily available. These three fabulous sushi restaurants offer myriad light dishes and raw fish masterpieces with minimal consumption remorse!
Sushi Samba (600 Lincoln Road) – Peruvian and Japanese cultures crossed for two major events in history: the Peruvian presidency of the controversial Alberto Ken’ya Fujimori, and the conception of Sushi Samba, an exquisite taste explosion of East-meets-South. The “sashimi seviches” blend the tanginess and zest of Peruvian flavors with the tenderness of top-grade sushi, most notably through the “Yellowtail Sashimi Seviche” bathed in ginger, garlic, and soy and the “Lobster Sashimi Seviche” infused with mango and lime. Regardless of the countless sushi options, the highlight of any trip to Sushi Samba is still the exceptional “chicharron de calamar”—cornmeal-crusted calamari with tamarind sauce, tomato salsa, and plantain. The innovative drink menu focuses heavily on the sweet and fruity. Sushi Samba is located on Lincoln Road, up the street from the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.
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Jungle Island hosts a 3 day long Easter egg hunt
Easter Sunday in Miami Beach is always a party. If you’re traveling with your family for the holiday, here’s what to do:
Brunch: The traditional Sunday brunch gets a gourmet update at South Florida restaurants, including Hakkasan’s tender steamed dumplings at the Fontainebleau Resort, Nemo’s whole roast suckling pig, and Sakaya Kitchen’s kimchee scrambled eggs. Just be sure to make reservations well in advance. Read More »
Why not bring the pets along for the ride?
South Beach bodies just seem to be more tan and toned than anywhere else in South Florida. To help you discover how these beach bunnies stay so fit, tag along on the Community Bike Ride and the First Friday Skate and tour the city like a native. Participation is free, equipment rental is reasonably-priced, and the chance to make new friends on Miami Beach is priceless! Read More »
The Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami
While few tourists leave the confines of South Beach during their vacations, repeat visitors may want to discover some locally famous places that have nothing to do with beaching, tanning, or partying. Below are three Miami attractions far off the beaten path.
Freedom Tower (600 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown): The Ellis Island of Miami, the Freedom Tower was used by the federal government to process and document Cuban immigrants between the late 1950s and 1960s and to provide medical and dental services for the immigrants. Originally a printing facility and later abandoned, the Freedom Tower has now been restored and converted into a monument for the refugees who once fled Cuba and passed through the very doors of the establishment nearly 50 years ago. Inside, it houses occasional art exhibitions. The Freedom Tower is a short walk from the Intercontinental Miami.
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The Pool at the W South Beach
South Beachers have been holding back some pretty guilty smiles on FaceBook and Twitter pages recently as tales of shoveling out from Snowmageddon and Snowpocalypse overwhelm their friend’s updates. We know it’s hard to handle grey days of frost and slush but it’s also hard not to reply, “Hey! I’m tanning right now and your snowbound stories are messing with my Bliss!”
If you have had enough of the wicked winter weather, here are a few easy steps to realigning your chi (or just defrosting your toes) on South Beach. Read More »
Entrance to the Art Deco Walking Tours in South Beach, Miami
Most people think there is more culture to be found in a cup of yogurt than in South Beach — they are (sort of) misinformed. Visitors to the sunny shores of the Magic City who find themselves bored by the fantastic shopping, the dizzying variety of restaurants, and the endlessly beautiful beach days can discover quite a bit about the history of our little stretch of sand without ever straying too far from a frozen drink purveyor. Set aside your rum runners for an hour or so and you can learn a little bit about our past… Read More »
