Combining diving on paradisiacal beaches with cultural and gastronomic tours is the biggest attraction of South Florida – far beyond shopping
Beaches with turquoise water , the kind that’s perfect for long swims, are something that people would associate with the Maldives or the Caribbean islands in the blink of an eye. The first, a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean, is truly breathtaking. However, its distance puts off many travelers (it takes over 25 hours in transit from São Paulo to get there). The second paradise, a group of islands with fantastic weather for much of the year, is famous for cruises on gigantic vessels, or even a hop-and-hop-off trip between islands on board small planes, which also puts off those who want to get around quickly or relax without interacting too much with other tourists. For these adventurers who love extreme comfort, South Florida is increasingly becoming an option full of attractions and infrastructure, but without leaving aside beaches with fine white sand. And this is even more irresistible for those who love spas and sports, since the menu there is vast and full of technology, with the latest in the wellness atmosphere.
The best way to get around this beloved city is by renting a car. So much so that at Miami International Airport there is a sector full of options, accessible by a free, air-conditioned and well-signposted train. But the tip here is to make a reservation before boarding, with insurance already included, to avoid procedures that take up a lot of time and a bit of patience. There are public transportation options, which are improving every day, and also ride-hailing apps for those who don’t want to drive, but the convenience of having a vehicle really makes a difference, as it optimizes the time between trips.
That blue one
The beaches in the region are great for relaxing and have a variety of water and land sports options. If it’s not too windy, swimming is also great, as the sea there is clear and the temperature is very pleasant.
If you want to stay somewhere less hectic, a good option is to stay in Bal Harbour. In 2023, this seaside village will celebrate its 75th anniversary, which has become a sophisticated international destination. The area is a mix of strictly residential areas with smaller art galleries, restaurants with highly sought-after reservations, and open-air music festivals with lots of jazz and classical music. It’s a seaside resort on the edge of a big city.
Still under development, the Bal Harbour waterfront park, which opened in September 2021, is a meeting point for walks, Frisbee games, and meditation or yoga classes. All of these activities are already well-enjoyed by locals. Nearby, a dock with boats and kayaks has become a hub for water sports enthusiasts, both fast and slow. Many travelers take a day to rent boats, with food and diving equipment included, to enjoy the sea at their best. There are also a good selection of jet ski and stand-up paddleboard tours.
Between the sea and the resorts nestled there, bike rides or walks with pets are made even more enjoyable by the traveling exhibitions of local or international artists promoted by the city hall.
Very relaxed
For those who enjoy comfort, one of the afternoons can be spent in beachfront cabanas. At the St. Regis Bal Harbour, for example, you can enjoy seafood paired with glasses of Provence rosé wine. The hotel also has a pool dedicated to those who enjoy silence, including a private jacuzzi, great for relaxing away from prying eyes. Another jacuzzi, now indoors, also awaits guests at the property’s Remède Spa. Relaxation packages include treatments for couples and even options for “getaways” with friends, with facial and body treatments. And one of the body treatments stands out here: the 24K Gold Wrap. It offers 90 minutes to relax and reconnect body and mind with a body exfoliation, a head massage and, to balance the skin, a body wrap with a mask, removed with a Vichy shower, which is very reminiscent of hammam experiences. To finish, a massage to eliminate any tension knots that may still be present. You can add a 100% organic cannabis oil booster to the treatment, an active ingredient that is on the rise worldwide and has been considered a powerful and nourishing moisturizer for the skin, in addition to helping to relieve pain.
MIAMI CAN BE A GOOD DESTINATION TO RENOVATE YOUR WARDROBE, BUT IT GOES BEYOND THAT. WELL-BEING, GOOD GASTRONOMY AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS MAKE THE TRIP A VERY WELL BALANCED BETWEEN hustle and bustle AND PEACE.
International cuisine
When it comes to flavor, restaurants that offer world cuisine are a must-try in the neighborhood. Inside The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, for example, you can try oysters of unparalleled freshness at Artisan Beach House. The premise there is global cuisine with local ingredients, seeking sustainability. Other great and fresh options at Artisan are the crudos. Be sure to pair them with the house mocktails. Another attraction on the menu is the breakfast with a view of the sea. There is a buffet option available, but the best options are à la carte, including a surprising açaí bowl with fruits that leaves nothing to be desired for our Brazilians. This is a place for you to indulge in peace and privacy. You can even enjoy the drinks served at sunset as an accompaniment to moments of contemplation of the waves, birds and boats.
The restaurants inside the Bal Harbour Shops complex are places to “see and be seen”, as well as a good “warm-up” before the busy nightlife in Miami. An interesting option when it comes to menu is Aba. Although it is a very lively place, which sometimes leaves a little to be desired when it comes to personalized service, it has an interesting selection of Mediterranean flavors, including spices and recipes from Lebanon, Israel, Turkey and Greece. The hummus, a tender seasoned chickpea paste, is the best choice for a starter. It is fragrant and has the perfect texture to accompany warm bread. But there is also the very traditional Italian Carpaccio, Le Zoo and its very crispy and dry fries, and the oriental and contemporary (a favorite of many Brazilian tourists), Makoto.
To close the itinerary, after a few days of relaxation between beaches, cultural events and decompression, leave Bal Harbour and return to the hustle and bustle of another spot in Miami that is very new and vibrant: Brickell. This is the financial epicenter of the destination, but you’d be wrong if you think it’s a serious and corporate place.
In the area, you’ll find great bars and clubs, including a calendar full of acts that usually only perform at Brazilian festivals, such as Machine Gun Kelly and Car-di-B. And of course, a lively nightlife calls for a good bar. One of the best in Brickell is Sugar, a popular rooftop with a Balinese decor, lively DJ sets, international and homemade drinks, and a kitchen that serves sushi and other Asian snacks. All of this is on the 40th floor of EAST, a hotel and meeting point for young executives. The lobby always has a series of contemporary art pieces, in a kind of gallery that extends to other areas of the hotel, such as elevators, hallways, and restaurants. It’s an environment that makes you feel at home, with a mix of sophistication and unpretentiousness. For travelers who are staying longer in the city, it is also possible to rent two-bedroom apartments, very well equipped, to make you feel right at home.
Miami can be a great destination to renew your wardrobe or your makeup bag, but what you can do there is also becoming a priority for those looking for fun and well-being. And it’s worth it.