Drive Time: 1.5 Hours
Craving the energy of a big city escape without dusting off your passport? A weekend in Miami delivers that international thrill, no customs required. From world-class art and cutting-edge design to late-night Latin dancing in neon-lit clubs, Miami pulses with global flavor.
Step into a world of theatrical luxury at Faena Miami Beach, a masterpiece by Argentinean hotelier Alan Faena and well-deserved recipient of two Michelin Keys. If the $15 million gilded woolly mammoth on display on its grounds tells you anything, it’s that Faena is clearly no ordinary destination. The massive art installation— Gone But Not Forgotten by Damien Hirst—is just one of the property’s many incredible visual experiences. Faena’s grand entryway—aptly dubbed “the cathedral”—wows with gold-leaf ceilings, mosaic floors, and sweeping murals by Argentine artist Juan Gatti. Guest rooms and suites channel Art Deco glamour with curved lines, jewel tones, and Carrara marble bathrooms, while Italian-made linens, ocean-view balconies, and private butler service add an extra dose of opulence. Relax by the iconic pool or book a unique treatment at Tierra Santa Healing House, Miami’s first South American–inspired spa. When it’s time to dine, savor modern Asian flavors at Pao by Paul Qui, surrounded by leather booths and a shimmering unicorn sculpture, or unwind with cocktails at Veranda, the perfect perch for ocean views and stylish people-watching.
Just a few breezy miles north of Miami Beach, the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is where timeless glamour meets barefoot bliss. Sitting pretty on 800-plus feet of flawless beachfront in Surfside, this iconic escape boasts two Michelin Keys and vibes for days. Take a dip in one of three heated pools, zen out at the spa with hammam rituals and Euro-chic facials, kick back in a dreamy oceanfront room—or go big in the Marybelle Penthouse, rooftop pool and all. Hungry? Savor every bite at The Surf Club Restaurant or Lido’s Italian delights. And when wanderlust calls, the resort’s curated adventures—like Key West cruises, Everglades escapades, Little Havana bites, and helicopter joyrides—bring Miami’s magic alive.
Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach is your sun-soaked passport to Mediterranean-inspired luxury—minus the jet lag. Perched on 400 feet of pristine Atlantic shoreline, this AAA Five Diamond oasis flaunts 54 swanky rooms and 44 spacious suites, all with breezy balconies. Rent a cabana or “Acquabed” for the day to upgrade your poolside relaxation, and feast seaside at four fab restaurants, including authentic Italian fare at Il Mulino New York and the Greek-inspired Avra Miami. Need pampering? The 20,000-square-foot Acqualina Spa offers a range of treatments, while the AcquaFit program provides wellness classes and mindfulness experiences. Little explorers will love AcquaMarine’s ocean-themed adventures, along with many more family-friendly activities on the property.
Top Eats
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in the Design District
Miami has joined culinary capitals like Paris and Tokyo with its own sophisticated outpost of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon—the recipient of two Michelin Stars—bringing world-class French dining to South Florida. The space dazzles with signature touches like an open kitchen, elegant counter seating, rosewood walls, and sleek leather chairs. Guests can choose from à la carte options or indulge in the seasonal prix fixe menu, a recommended route for a true culinary journey. Begin with dishes like Kaluga caviar or foie gras with fig compote before diving into your main course—highlights include the Icelandic halibut with a buttermilk reduction and lamb saddle with spiced sausage.
Stubborn Seed in Miami Beach
Commanding attention on a lively corner, Stubborn Seed is the recipient of two Michelin Stars, one of which is a new Green Star earned this past April, recognizing Chef Jeremy Ford’s strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Ford proudly sources the ingredients for his constantly evolving and inventive menu and cocktail program from his 5.5-acre farm in Redland. At Stubborn Seed, guests are welcomed into a sleek, sultry space defined by industrial-chic design and a glass-front kitchen that puts culinary artistry on full display. The multicourse adventure begins with creative bites—think Wagyu beef tartare with kumquat gel—before building to refined dishes with bold flavors like striped sea bass with Swiss chard chimichurri.
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