The Location

The Biltmore Miami is tucked away in an upscale residential neighborhood in Coral Gables. It takes less than 20 minutes by car to get there from the airport and 15-30 minutes to other key locations in the city such as Brickell, Miami Beach, and Wynwood. Although there’s valet parking, there is also a free self-parking area which makes it easy to get around. For this trip, I had meetings all over Miami and needed a central place to stay. I also love that once you’re at the property, you’re removed from the noise of the city. It’s like having your own personal oasis.

The Vibes

The sprawling property has a golf course, full-service spa, fitness center, three restaurants, and several conference room spaces. The crowd is a combination of families, business travelers, and couples looking for a getaway. Although the hotel has a large capacity, I was amazed at how intimate it felt. I really enjoyed my morning breakfast at Fontana where I would grab a seat in their patio and take in the lush tropical décor with a few bright green parrots making guest appearances throughout the morning.

The Room

My room at The Biltmore Miami was beautifully decorated with classic furniture with some modern touches. Loved the little details, such as chocolates and cordials left during turndown service, the charging cables attached to the alarm clock, and the delicate amethyst chandelier. My only point of improvement was the bathroom. Wish there was a deeper tub. Then again, they make it up with the massive pool!

The Food

The Biltmore Miami has three restaurants: Cascade, the casual poolside restaurant, Fontana, an Italian restaurant, and Palm d’Or, a five-diamond French restaurant. I dined at both Cascade and Fontana. Highly recommend ordering passion fruit jalapeno rum cocktail poolside with fresh ceviche. I was a bit underwhelmed with dinner at Fontana. I ordered fried squash blossoms that had too much batter, taking away from the beauty of the dish and the lobster ravioli was drowning in sauce. The restaurant did redeem itself with the dessert: a tangy key lime pie. Perhaps it was an off night as the breakfast buffet offerings were superb throughout my stay.

The Amenities

Make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the pool. Although it is enormous, you never feel crowded as there is so much space. If you need a little privacy, reserve a cabana. The Spa is known to be one of the best in the area. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to experience it, but I’ve heard great things from my local friends. If you are a golfer you’re in luck: there’s a sprawling golf course with a clubhouse and pro-shop. Eating a bit too much? Try their full-service gym that includes an extensive array of classes such as spinning and yoga.

The Biltmore Miami: The Verdict

If you’re looking for relaxed luxury far away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach or Brickell, The Biltmore Miami is the place for you.

The Biltmore Miami, 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL, Website

Disclaimer: I was hosted by The Biltmore but opinions are my own. I have also stayed at the property previously without media affiliation.

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The Location

Coconut Grove is a picturesque neighborhood with access to the beach and lined with quaint shops and restaurants. You can get away spending a few days in the neighborhood without having to venture further. The vibe is very local: as I went to Panther Coffee in the mornings I ran into plenty of people walking their dogs and families taking their kids to school. I enjoy staying in places with a residential feel as they give me an idea of how locals live.

The Amenities

When looking for where to stay in Coconut Grove or the rest of Miami for that matter, a rooftop pool is a must. The pool at The Mayfair Coconut Grove has a bar, some cozy cabanas, and an enviable view to the sea. The property also has a Jurlique Spa with beautiful Art Nouveau glass windows. The outdoor courtyard is perfect to relax with a cocktail or a glass of wine after a long day. Needless to say, it would be easy to stay a weekend at The Mayfair without even leaving the property.

The Rooms

The rooms and large and comfortable. Bonus: most rooms also have an outdoor hot tub in the balcony. The higher level rooms also have hot tubs inside the rooms. Because, Miami. The décor is a bit dated but the General Manager confirmed that The Mayfair Coconut Grove is gearing up for a major room renovation in the near future so will definitely look forward to seeing what they do with it.

The Food

I only had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast at The Mayfair Coconut Grove. The Mayfair Kitchen has a diverse breakfast menu with wood-fired breakfast sandwiches to some lighter dishes. I’m trying to eat a bit lighter these days so I appreciated the variety of healthy options on the menu. I ordered a spinach frittata with feta cheese that was delicious along with a cortado because when in Miami one must have a strong Cuban coffee! I also hosted an event for my book launch at The Mayfair and they did an excellent job with the setup and service.

Where to Stay in Coconut Grove: The Mayfair

If you’re looking for where to stay in Coconut Grove, The Mayfair Coconut Grove is definitely a great choice. The rates are reasonable, especially now that low season is upon us, the atmosphere is intimate, and you will experience friendly service throughout. I highly recommend.

The Mayfair Coconut Grove, 3000 Florida Ave, Coconut Grove, FL, Website

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Location

Located at Brickell Key, the Mandarin Oriental Miami brings you the best of both worlds. The hotel is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but a hop, skip and a jump from South Beach, Miami Design District, and Wynwood which are 20-25 minutes away by car. Miami is a bustling city, and it was great to return to my retreat after the day was over.

The Rooms

Our room was spacious with a great view of Biscayne Bay. The big comfortable bed with fluffy pillows was a treat after a long day. The design is classic with clean lines and warm neutral colors. As for the bathroom, I like the separate shower and bathtub accompanied by their fluffy signature robes.

Pool & Beach

The thing about a property such as the Mandarin Oriental Miami is that the amenities are so lovely that it makes it hard to leave! There’s a pool, spa, and private beach area. In addition to the fitness facility, there’s a running trail that circles all of Brickell Key. While we were there, we saw plenty of locals running or walking their dogs in the early morning.

I hung out by the pool area but it was a bit too crowded for me. I found the pool to be quite small for the scale of the property. If you’re looking just to sunbathe, I suggest you head to the private beach area. Order a smoothie at the bar, lay back and enjoy the views of the bay.

The Spa

Even if you don’t stay at Mandarin Oriental Miami, make sure to check out the spa. With a stunning view of the bay, friendly staff, and beautifully decorated treatment rooms, it’s the place to unwind. I still think of the amazing massage I had during my stay. If you go during the month of July, you’re in luck! July is Miami Spa Month and you can get discounted treatments.

The Food

I first dined at La Mar at Mandarin Oriental Miami three years ago and was entirely taken by the menu, service, and fantastic view of Brickell. Chef Diego Oka who hails from Peru has been the executive chef for years, but that does not mean that the menu is stagnant. He continues to push his boundaries with the list.

Chef Oka recently went to Italy for an externship with Massimo Botura, who owns the #1 restaurant in the world. From this experience, he brought a unique taste of ceviche with a creamy parmesan sauce. If you are a purist, do not worry. The ceviche mixto and their causa boat will not be leaving the menu any time soon!

Mandarin Oriental Miami: The Verdict

Miami can be an overwhelming place. There’s so much to do and see and it’s great to have a sanctuary to return to at the end of the day. That’s how I feel about the Mandarin Oriental Miami with its unparalleled service and amenities the brand is known for.

Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL, Website 

Disclaimer: I was hosted by Mandarin Oriental Miami but as always, opinions are my own.

 

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One of the highlights of living in the east coast of the United States is that you can visit Miami quite easily. Although there’s a risk of tropical storms, I love fall and early winter travels to Florida and the Caribbean. There are great deals to be found and you get to avoid the masses of tourists. I’ve traveled to the Miami area for years and this is my idea of the perfect three days in Miami.

Although Miami has a party city reputation (and it truly is), it can also be very relaxing with its beautiful beaches, great spas, and delicious Latin food.  It’s the perfect long weekend escape destination and it’s only a two hour trip from most cities on the East Coast. With so many cultures in South Florida, you truly feel like you are in a foreign country even if you don’t need a passport.

Dining Traveler’s Three Days in Miami

Where I stayed:  I arrived late on a Saturday and left early on a Wednesday so technically I only had three full days.  I wanted to experience two radically different neighborhoods so I spent two nights at South Beach at Sense Beach House and the last two in Sunny Isles at Acqualina Resort & Spa. (More about these properties soon).  Dining Traveler Tip:  Miami’s attractions are pretty spread out.  I highly recommend renting a car if you are the explorer type like me.

South Beach:  Sometimes South Beach gets a bad reputation.  People tend to think of crazy parties and Jersey Shore type tourists on Ocean Drive.  Although those types do exist, there’s also a pretty zen vibe to the area.  I lived in South Beach in 2011 for three months and loved the scene.  On this most recent trip, I found many improvements to the area.  If your agenda is to relax, I recommend the most southern point of South Beach, 4^th Street and below for less crowded beaches with a local vibe.

You can catch free yoga classes on the beach almost every morning and sunset.   One of my favorite brunch spots is Books and Books with is an eclectic menu and wide selection of coffee table books.  On this trip, my South Beach food highlight was the brunch at Europa Delicatessen.  This inconspicuous spot off of Washington Ave has a delicious European menu that ranges from smoked salmon to a Turkish breakfast platter.  If you’re craving some European goodies like Milka chocolate or eastern European cured meats, it’s all available in their retail area.

Brickell:  When I used to travel to Miami on short business trips, I stayed at the Conrad Miami.  The view of Biscayne Bay from the modern high-rise building is stunning.  Although Brickell has a more business vibe, there’s a lively nightlife scene at Brickell Center.  It’s the perfect cross between business and pleasure.  One of my favorite things to do in that area is going for an early morning run. The sunrise against the water is enough motivation to wake up early.

One of the foodie highlights of my three days in Miami was lunch at La Mar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which is located on Key Biscayne off of Brickell Rd.   This acclaimed restaurant by Gaston Acurio has a delicious three-course lunch menu for $25.   The tucked away location of property feels like an oasis in the busy streets of Brickell.

Wynwood and the Arts & Entertainment District:  I always pay a visit to Wynwood during my trips to Miami.  It’s an escape from the glitzy waterfront neighborhoods of the area.  The area has grown quite a bit since I lived there in 2011.  It’s filled with hip art galleries and restaurants. Not to miss: the monthly Wynwood art walk.  While in Wynwood, I headed to its new hip neighbor, the Arts and Entertainment district.  This up and coming area is focusing on art and design.  The area is currently hosting some fun events for the fall.  What to eat in Wynwood: an acai bowl topped with coconut and cocoa nibs at Jugo Fresh.

Sunny Isles:  My last two nights in Miami, I stayed at the gorgeous Acqualina Resort at Sunny Isles, located in the north of Miami.  This area is perfect for relaxation.  It is not as busy as South Beach as it has plenty of high-rise residential properties with a more mature yet glamorous crowd.  You can catch locals walking their dogs early in morning or on their evening runs.  I was fortunate enough to catch a free moonrise yoga class offered by Sunny Isles.

I am not big into yoga but the instructor was awesome, she made it very easy for non-yogi’s like myself to follow along.  For luxury lovers:  head to Bal Harbor if power shopping is your workout.  Even if you are just window shopping (like me), I must say that it is one of the most beautiful outdoor shopping areas I’ve seen in the United States.  My foodie highlight: breakfast at Acqualina Resort.  The breakfast buffet has everything your breakfast loving heart desires- an extensive selection of cheese, made to order omelets, and fresh fruit.

The verdict:  Regardless of your taste, Miami has something for every taste.  Three days in Miami is the perfect escape from the madness of the cold city. This trip was very relaxing for me. Writing comes so much more fluidly to me when I have the warm ocean breeze on my skin. If you book ahead, you can find fall and early winter deals to Miami as cheap as $200 from DCA.  American Airlines has really stepped up their game with their fares to compete with low-cost carriers. I must admit, this airline has been on the bottom of my list for a while, but I have been very impressed with my flights to Miami and Puerto Rico this fall. Did you visit Miami and don’t want to leave? Here are some real estate gems.

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The Location:  Acqualina Resort is in the northern part of the Miami Metropolitan Area.  The vibe is very laid back as Collins Avenue is lined with luxury residential high-rises.  If you love to shop, there are plenty of options with Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall a short drive away.  If you want a change of scenery, it will take you 30 minutes to get to South Beach or Brickell.

The Rooms:  I stayed at a one-bedroom suite with an amazing ocean view.  Even if you’re not a morning person like me, you MUST set your alarm and take in the glorious sunrise view from the property.  The suites are spacious and come with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, office, bedroom, and one and a half bathroom.  The decor is modern and minimal with neutral tones which place you in vacation mode right away.

The Property:  Upon entering the property, you are engulfed in luxury.  I was welcomed with champagne upon arrival, and a staff member gave me a personal tour of the property and accompanied me to my suite.  The property has three pools for hotel guests, a private pool at  ESPA Spa.  I didn’t get the chance to swim at the pool but they all looked very enticing.  I did have the chance to go to the beach in the late afternoon and that was the one part I was a bit disappointed by.  Although the pool staff set us up with chairs and towels, the beach area was dirty with garbage lining the beautiful shoreline.  I did address it with the management and they explained that the city was responsible for the upkeep of the beach and they were going to bring it to their attention.

The Food:  The breakfast at the Acqualina Resort is a must.  I indulged in their vast selection of fruit, breads, and cheeses. There is also an extensive selection of hot choices and an omelet bar.  I also dined one evening at the AQ by Acqualina.  The menu is not as extensive as the flagship restaurant Il Mulino New York, but it holds its own with simple yet delicious dishes such as the kale salad and steamed salmon with purple potatoes.

The Spa:  I had a massage done at ESPA, the spa on property.  I had a tour of the facility by one of the friendly staff members who showed me the private pool and steam rooms which spa guests have exclusive access to when they purchase a treatment.  The massage was epic.  I really did not want it to end.  I was bummed that I had to go to my conference in the afternoon and miss out on staying at the spa after my treatment.

The Verdict:  What I think the Acqualina Resort does perfectly is service.  I almost felt as if the staff was reading my mind as my needs were always anticipated.  Everyone from the front desk to the valet to the housekeeping staff was friendly and looked like they loved working at the resort.  There’s a balance with feeling pampered and feeling overwhelmed by the attention that is difficult to strike.  The Acqualina does it perfectly.  So far,  the best service, amenities, and spa I’ve seen in the United States.

Info: Acqualina Resort & Spa, www.acqualinaresort.com

Disclaimer:  I was hosted by Acqualina Resort & Spa. As always, opinions are my own.

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The Scene:  As I walked by the gorgeous vertical planters (a design aspect I’m fascinated with), I was immediately taken by the modern simplicity of the restaurant with its open kitchen, dark woods, and ample dining area.  November weather in Miami is just right for outdoor dining, so we had lunch outdoors at their ample patio.  The outdoor dining area was filled with Brickell and Key Biscayne movers and shakers having their power lunch.  Despite the execs running around, scent of the sea, sunny skies, and colorful dishes give the restaurant a very relaxed vibe, ideal for a friendly catch-up session with a good friend.

The Food: My friend chose the prix fixe menu which started with a dish of three miniature samplings of classics such as causa and ceviche, followed by a lomo saltado (a traditional Peruvian dish with beef and potatoes), and ended with mascarpone ice cream.  All the dishes arrived promptly and were beautifully presented.

Given that there’s no Gaston Acurio restaurant in DC, I decided to order the regular menu and indulge in some of my favorites: causa and ceviche. My causa (a Peruvian dish of stuffed mashed potato) was plated on an adorable small wooden boat with its colorful toppings of beets, octopus, and tuna tartare.  Almost too pretty to eat!  Not to miss: the ceviche.  Ceviche has become a trendy dish of late, however, many miss the mark when it comes to the balance of the citrus with the fish.  I must say that the ceviche at La Mar struck that balance exquisitely.

The Service:  One of the things I love about Miami is the Latin warmth I encounter in many of the establishments of the city.  You can see this with the staff at La Mar Restaurant as well with their smiles and attentiveness.  Our server knew the menu by heart and took the time to explain to my friend some of the dishes she wasn’t familiar with.  I not only saw this attention to detail with our table but with those around us, especially a table of indecisive businessmen.

The verdict:  Lunch at La Mar Restaurant is a must add to your Miami itinerary.  I have been a fan of Gaston Acurio, the man behind La Mar, since I dined at Astrid y Gaston in Santiago, Chile four years ago.  That memorable dinner ingrained in me a love affair with Peruvian food and this experience continues to reaffirm it. Hopefully the next time I get to dine at his restaurant in Lima!

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