Who fancies a weekend away in Florida’s first city? Oh go on then. Words: Tony Stanton. Images: Stephane Sensey.
OK so we all know that Miami is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots, but if you happen to find yourself there of a weekend, what to do, where to go, who to see? You could take in the trendy nightlife of South Beach, or be bejeweled by the eye candy of the Art Deco district. Then there’s the bustle of Calle Ocho and the highly caffeinated energy of Little Havana. The plush hotels of Miami Beach and the historic hideaways of Coral Gables. Seemingly endless shopping opportunities in modern, sprawling malls and the quiet, personal attention offered by the family-owned shops of Coconut Grove and many other corners of the region. The lures of deep-sea fishing, golf and tennis. Major league football, basketball, hockey and baseball. Boat shows and auto racing. Art festivals and outdoor food and wine extravaganzas. There’s a lot going on. So we figured we’d ask a few of our friends over there to suggest where to go and what to do if you find yourself Miami bound – this weekend.
A Weekend in Miami: Your Insider’s Guide Itinerary
Wake up in a private bungalow at new hotspot The Miami Beach EDITION, Ian Schrager’s chic oceanside hotel with bowling in the basement and restaurants by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Start your morning with a Vinyasa yoga class at Green Monkey in the popular Sunset Harbor neighborhood. Afterwards, grab a fresh juice at one of Jugofresh’s many locations. Locals love Jugofresh for their cold pressed juices in every flavor under the sun, acai bowls boosted with superfoods, and a great selection of raw snacks. If you need a caffeine fix, stop by Panther Coffee for a small-batch roast and chat with the hipsters who come by for their vegan treats.
Soak up some sun along Lincoln Road and the boardwalk, stopping at Miami Beach classic La Sandwicherie, a French sandwich counter with a delicious, simple menu. Join a perpetual, Vegas-worthy pool party at Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel, the wildest scene in town on a weekend afternoon.
Head to the Design District for an afternoon of shopping to rival Rodeo Drive, with usual suspects like Dior, Céline, Prada and the recently opened Hublot store alongside upscale home design showrooms from Janus et Cie to Holly Hunt and of course, Versace Home Miami. Grab a bite nearby at Michael’s Genuine, an always packed eatery with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. Browse the art galleries of Wynwood afterwards, taking in some Koons and Haring at the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse.
Get dressed up and head downtown to Zuma for a modern, upscale take on Japanese. For a romantic Italian dinner, Casa Tua can’t be beat. The elegant Mediterranean villa has a private member’s club upstairs, but make a reservation in the candlelit dining room downstairs. Head to Soho Beach House after dinner for a few drinks in the hip art deco member’s club frequented by a trendy crowd of locals and New Yorkers down for the weekend. Jump next door to LIV nightclub in the Fontainebleau, the place to drink and dance on Saturday nights to sets spun by internationally renowned DJs like Calvin Harris and Cedric Gervais.
Laze your Sunday away at The Standard Spa for a little detox, hanging out in the amazing hammam and enjoying rejuvenating treatments (our pick: Soul Temple. Trust us.) If you have the energy, try paddle boarding in Sunset Harbor. No trip to Miami is complete without a meal at old favorite Joe’s Stonecrab, a classic spot for Sunday dinner and snow crabs, so beloved they’re shipped round the world. Better yet, since you don’t have to wear a bikini on the plane tomorrow, dig in to sinful fried chicken, buttery biscuits, and sweet tea at Yardbird Southern Table and Bar.
