Miami is, pretty much, our second home. We spend so much time laughing together on the beach, wondering around the bars and taking in the cultural sights. Famous for its bright blue sea, Miami’s 1950’s architecture and Cuban influences add a certain je ne sais quoi to the overall atmosphere. One of freedom, electric nightlife, and living history, it is definitely somewhere to visit – and seriously enjoy – as soon as your are physically able.
Essentials for packing:
Bikinis (duh)
2-3 Cover-up’s and dresses- all white goes best with the bright beaches of Miami. Trust us.
Sandals/ Flats – easy for that day-to-night vibe
A wide brim hat
Shorts- we like to bring one white pair and one denim pair
1 pair of high heels for that inevitable night out and looking your absolute knock-em-dead best!
Transportation:
Miami Beach is about a 35 minute car ride from Miami Dade Airport, so keep in mind you’ll need some post-flight transportation – there are plenty of cabs and Uber drivers at the airport. In fact, we recommend using Uber throughout your stay – it comes out pretty cost effective. Hiring a car is always a liberating option, but remember that valet parking can range between $20-$40 per night. It quickly adds up! If you can’t resist however, visit our friends at Lou La Vie who specialize luxury car rentals. You’ll travel in some serious style.
Restaurants:
Byblos Miami- Mediterranean cuisine. Without a doubt, one of our favorite restaurants in Miami. If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll be well aware of our love for this place. It is pretty hard to miss! It’s great for a date night or dinner with the girls; there’s always an excuse to go. To get the best ambiance, we suggest you reserve a table for 9pm. Our menu must haves: The Organic House Labneh, the Roasted Halibut and the Sweet Jeweled Rice. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it. YUM.
Price range: Medium to high
Nobu- Japanese Cuisine. Seriously, who doesn’t love Nobu?! The Miami destination is pretty unique, offering some specialty dishes that are exclusive to this particular outpost. Make sure you ask about them. Delicious and great for sharing, Nobu is famous for it’s top quality sushi and sexy atmosphere. Price range: High
Versailles- Cuban cuisine. Versailles is known as the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant. And for good reason! Family owned since 1971, this Cuban food is as authentic as it gets (other than what you’ll find in actual Cuba, of course). The restaurant is about a 20 minute drive from Miami Beach, so make sure to check your maps and traffic before heading over. Menu must haves: Chicken Versailles with cuban mojo & sweet plantains!
Price range: Low to medium
Cecconi’s Miami Beach- Italian cuisine. If you’re looking for ambiance, look no further then Cecconi’s Miami Beach. It is, without doubt, one of the cutest restaurants we’ve ever seen. Located on an outdoor patio at Soho Beach House, it’s decorated with hanging lights from trees, beautiful tufted furniture and beachy glassware. Make sure to book a reservation ahead of time – this hot spot is always full! Menu must haves: Burrata, Octopus, and the black truffle and goat cheese pizza!
Price range: Medium to high
Nightlife:
If you’re looking to party, Miami is definitely the place for you. The city is sprinkled with revelry come day or night, and its quality makes the city famous. There is always something to suit every mood – and stamina! Some of our favorite spots:
The Edition Hotel bowling alley and ice skating rink. Yes, we said ice skating rink. In tropical Miami. Located in the basement of the Edition Hotel, you can head down for drinks, dancing and a night of serious fun any day of the week. To bowl, make sure to call and reserve a lane ahead of time. This space is also available to rent out for private parties!
South Beach- take a stroll down Ocean Avenue on a Friday or Saturday night and we promise you won’t be bored. The Ocean side street is lined with restaurants, salsa clubs, bars and plenty of interesting characters for a night of thorough entertainment.
If you prefer clubbing, our take on the hottest venues include:
Liv- located at the Fountain Bleu (best night to go is Sunday)
Story
Wall (located at the W Hotel)
Activities:
Beach, beach, beach! – funnily enough, we spend as much time as we possibly can at the beach in Miami. The water is forever warm and known for its glittering turquoise blue, and the sand is a crisp white. Pretty much all hotels and beach clubs offer beach chair rentals so you’re always comfortable. A profusion of food and drinks are also available on the sand. Why would you ever leave?
Jet skiing- look out for jet ski rentals dotted along the beach.
Shopping- Check out the shops at Bal Harbour or the Ventura Mall.
Miami Design District- Home to over 70 galleries, museums and collections, the Miami Art District offers a serious dose of culture for those interested in the arts. You can stroll around to see some amazing local street art and visit some great galleries. It’s all there in front of you!
Accommodation:
The Miami Beach Edition- Our favourite may just be The Miami Beach Edition. This stunning hotel has the most beautiful lobbies with gorgeous white marble, accentuated with the lushest of greens. We were initially drawn by it’s modern decor alone, but it’s impeccable amenities and service have kept us coming back. As we mentioned above, the hotel has a bowling alley and an ice skating rink, pool, gym and full spa. Everything you could need for a fun filled and relaxing stay. Literally.
Price range- $350-$900 per night
Thompson Miami Beach- Filled with color and an absolutely perfect setting for envy-inducing pictures, the Thompson hotel is adorable and oozing that cute boutique hotel vibe that many yearn for. Located smack in the center of all the action, you’re close enough to walk to a lot of the other resorts and beach hot spots.
Price range- $300-$650 per night
Soho Beach House
We are so obsessed with Soho Beach House. Obsessed enough to fly to Miami for the sole reason of spending some down time there. Its atmosphere is pure perfection; we could lie on those candy-striped beach chairs all day. Its food is just as delicious as the scenery is appetising, and the service is truly five star. Soho House is reserved for members only, but booking a hotel room allows you to utilize the same amenities as members. This includes the bar, restaurants, spa and steam rooms, gym, pool and cinema.
Price range- $4500-$1000 per night
1 Hotel South Beach- The hottest spot in Miami right now is the 1 Hotel. It’s all the rage and we’ve heard fantastic things about it. Located ocean side, the 1 Hotel is a new fresh and modern resort that offers the full Miami experience. Ocean view rooms and suites are available.
Price range- $507-$1,300 per night
Locals:
Miami locals are kind, warm and an absolute pleasure to be around. They have such a sense of calmness around them! We’re sure its because of the weather. How can you be mad when you live in a place like that?! A working knowledge of Spanish is great due to the profusion of Latin locals – the atmosphere is sprinkled with a serious dose of Latina zest, too!
Weather: As beautiful as the weather in Miami is known to be, it can switch from sunny to stormy in a matter of minutes. So be sure to check the local weather report before dedicating a day to the beach! If you do get caught in a Miami thunderstorm, enjoy it. They’re so dramatic, they’re kind of fun! Remember that Miami is incredibly hot and humid. Take this into consideration when doing your hair and getting dressed!
Best time to travel to Miami: March-May
We hope that this bikini destination article can inspire you to visit this beautiful, spirited city. Just writing this has made us want to run back, dip our toes in some of the whitest sand we’ve ever seen and head out for a night of dancing and memory-making. Miami is made up of individuals and some serious culture; there’s not many other places which have that brilliant combination of atmosphere and pure, simple fun. It’s an easy and guaranteed fun trip, perfect for anything from a romantic getaway spent frolicking in the sea, to a girls’ trip of completely unadulterated mayhem.
Fun fact: Tash lived in Miami for 3 years when she was younger. That explains a lot…!
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