by Alix
The Easter break in France is coming up soon and since every year I receive the same questions “ Alix could you give me your vacation recommendations for Miami, I am coming for a week or my sister in law and her new husband are coming to party in Miami, what are the cool hang outs, the best shopping areas….” ,I decided to share my little vacation guide on our blog so that next time I’m asked about museums or culture in Miami I can send them directly to blushandbeyond.net! Good idea, no?!
Let’s start with hotels, like I’ve already mentioned in a previous article, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend my little favorite, the Hotel Gale! For the sun starved French, this hotel is sunny all day long! In Miami Art Deco style but with a pinch of French savoir -faire! Ideally located at Collins ave. and 17th street, it has a fantastic view of the white sands of Miami Beach and because of it’s orientation has a pool that remains under the sun’s rays all day long. Perfect for replenishing your vitamin D! Another touch that gives this hotel it’s caché is the super cool and trendy Rec Room, a club with the best music and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel was just entirely renovated and I like that… no traces of old finger marks on the walls or showers that only work on certain days… zero defects for the Gale!
Ok, not to make anyone jealous, I will mention as well the W Hotel, we’re talking the big guns here, Basquiat on the wall, stars everywhere, luxury XXL, classy restaurants… Mr Chow is one of them. And here again I mention my little weakness for the Wall, the hotel’s club, but be aware, entry is very selective, dress code is trendy fashion!
There is also the Delano hotel, that despite being older, hasn’t gone out of style! Lovely restaurants, a crazy pool, nice ambiance and cool decor, thank you Mr. Stark!
I also like the Tides, across from the ocean on Ocean Drive. The room decor is really well done.The Tides is in the center of the Art Deco area and you can tour it by renting a DecoBike, the equivalent of our Velib’!
No visit is complete without a stroll on Lincoln Road, our local Champs Elysées…did I really dare to compare?? This pedestrian only street is the center of Miami Beach packed with boutiques, restaurants and people watching… I recommend you take a peek in JCrew, Madewell ( the sister store of JCrew) and also the concept stores Base and the Alchemist. The newly installed Ladureé ( yay!), not quite as exquisite as our boutique on rue Royale, but you could bring back the special edition Art Deco box to add to your collection! Finish your stroll with a drink at Segafredo, under parasols and palms, it’s lovely.
Since we are talking about going out, I must mention Casa Tua, one of the best Italian restaurants in Miami, the atmosphere is warm and intimate. Next step, if you are lucky enough to know someone who is a member: Club Privé first floor is fantastic! It feels like you are in a Bahamian house, exquisite yet simple decor reflect the style of the owners who have traveled extensively. The ambiance is elegant, relaxed and trendy. You could always try the Mynt as well, always cool and full of models.
Of course when one lives in France , one doesn’t come to Miami for it’s gastronomy…but there are a few restaurants that you will thoroughly enjoy all the same. I’m thinking of Barceloneta on 20th street, serving fresh and unique tapas. Ice Box on Purdy ave. with it’s fun decor and finally Smith & Wollensky at the very end of south point, where the best views of the sunset can be had! Another must, leave Miami Beach and venture into Miami proper to Happy Wine on 27th ave. A complete change of scenery, you choose the wine ( all wine producing countries are represented…) and you sit and sip on oak barrrels accompanied by home made tapas! That’s a real experience! You might even be lucky and be treated to a bit of local music!
Compared to France, museum wise Miami is not the best! But still it is worth visiting the Bass museum in Miami Beach and the private galleries in Wynwood such as the Rubell Collection and the De La Cruz Collection, where you will also discover the graffiti walls and have a coffee at Panther cafe.
If you are coming as a family, don’t miss the Everglades Park where you can take the infamous airboat ride among the many alligators that call the park their home. If you like dolphins and you haven’t already seen the film Black Fish, don’t leave without visiting the Miami Seaquarium where you can swim with the dolphins, although if you have seen the film I doubt you would want to go to this type of park.
For lovers of nature there is Viscaya and it’s gorgeous gardens, built by an American enamoured by European culture. He created his majestic home in European style accompanied by French style gardens!
Of course Miami is also home of the NBA champions the Miami Heat and the american football team the Dolphins!
For shopping you can’t miss out on Sawgrass Mills the XL outlet shopping center with 40 luxury boutiques counting Prada , Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch among them. There is also the Dolphin mall a similar style outlet mall but a bit smaller and closer to Miami’s center. And not to forget how the French love the good life, there are the cigar shops where you can watch the cigars being rolled right on the premises! But Miami is above all famous for it’s beautiful beaches and it’s warm turquoise ocean!
Welcome to Miami and Enjoy…
Hôtel Gale
1690 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 673 0199
Hôtel W
22001 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 938 3000
Hôtel Delano
1685 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 672 2000
https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/delano/delano-south-beach
Hôtel Tides
1220 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 604 5070
http://www.tidessouthbeach.com
Casa Tua
1700 James Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 673 1010
http://www.casatualifestyle.com/miami/
Mynt
1921 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
1921 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 532 0737
http://www.myntlounge.com/web/
Barceloneta
1400 20th Street
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 538 9299
Ice Box
1855 Purdy Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. 305 538 8448
http://iceboxcafe.com/the-restaurant/
Smith & Wollenski
1 Washington Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 673 2800
http://www.smithandwollensky.com/locations-2/miami-beach/
Happy Wine
2833 Bird Ave
Miami Fl 33133
Ph. (1) 305 460 9939
Bass Museum
2100 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
Ph. (1) 305 673 7530
Rubell Collection
95 NW 29th Street
Miami Fl 33127
Ph. (1) 305 573 6090
De La Cruz Collection
23 NE 41th Street
Miami Fl 33137
Ph. (1) 305 576 6112
http://www.delacruzcollection.org
Cafe Panther
2390 NW 2nd Ave
Miami Fl 33127
Ph. (1) 305 677 3952
Gator Park
24050 SW 8th Street
Miami Fl 33194
Ph. (1) 800 559 2205
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbaker causeway
Miami Fl 33149
Ph. (1) 305 365 2518
http://www.miamiseaquarium.com
Vizcaya
3251 South Miami Ave
Miami Fl 33129
Ph. (1) 305 250 9133
Très intéressant ! Dommage que les français aient toujours besoin de comparer l’étranger à la France (il y a Laduree mais en moins bien, les musées ne valent pas les musées parisiens, …)
Oui tu as raison Snowgirl!
Bon c’est vrai que niveau musées, la France a un avantage certain, mais niveau Laduree on y vient…
Merci