There’s lots to do in Miami, but I mainly go for the beaches. By the time late January rolls around, I find myself thinking that I’ve had enough of winter. A few good rays of sun are just the right antidote to my increasing sullenness.
We fell in love with Miami Beach on our first trip last winter. We stayed at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in South Beach, a spacious, modern hotel with clean lines and a huge swimming pool. Alas, prices skyrocketed during our travel dates and we ended up searching for another hotel.
Stay
We ended up staying at the Palms Hotel and Spa. The hotel is located in Mid Beach, a relatively quieter section of Miami Beach not far removed from the action of South Beach. Our stay was quite pleasant, if it didn’t quite measure up to last year’s experience at the Loews. For about $15 extra per night, we booked an oceanfront room and got to wake up to this priceless view (see photo above).
The hotel had a tropical theme, which I eventually got used to even though I thought it tacky at first. The staff were welcomed us with smiles. The grounds were landscaped with lush greenery, perfect for weary travelers who need to unwind. The pool was small but got plus points for being heated. Food was pricey as expected, although I did enjoy the house-made muesli and Korean beef tacos. My husband loved the coconut water from the poolside tiki bar and drank at least two per day.
At the Palms Spa Aveda, my masseuse used an essential oil blend of rosemary and sage that all but lulled me to sleep. They had a steam room and relaxation area where I spent some extra me time!
Stroll
The weather was not as cooperative as last year’s visit and we got a good bit of rain in the mornings. When the sun eventually showed, we’d take walks by the beach. I skipped out on swimming this year as we saw lots of jellyfish on the shore!
In the evening we walked past Miami Beach’s art deco hotels and shops to Lincoln Road, a commercial strip packed with tourists (like us). My husband perused the apparel shops while I enjoyed the free music performances and art galleries.
Savor
Food was OK, nothing amazing but kept us running. We had snapper at Oh! Mexico in Española Way, dumplings at Hakkasan at the Fontainebleaue Hotel, and veal chops and cream puffs at Le Zoo at the Bal Harbour Shops.
Spotlight
My absolute favorite part of the trip was relaxing by the pool, listening to the wind rustle through the palms and to the waves crashing onto shore. I’ve had my dose of sunshine for now, but will definitely be back another winter!