The Art of Relaxing in Miami Beach

It’s been a long time since I’ve visited a city with absolutely no plans. I typically travel at light speed, days full and almost every minute planned and researched so when I had a few days in Miami Beach with my best friend we decided to spend our days based purely on our whims. Despite there being so many things to do in Miami I nothing planned and zero expectations beyond lazing on the beach and enjoying a mojito or two. That would be a perfect way spend the next few days but I soon learned there truly is an art to relaxing in Miami Beach.

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Miami is a popular destination for a romantic getaway in Florida but is perfect for a girfriends’ weekend as well.Having just spent an amazing couple of packed days on the Norwegian Bliss we opted to forgo the mega-resorts that line Miami Beach in favor of something a little bit more low key and relaxed. Circa 39, a small boutique hotel in Mid-Beach,  is away from the party scene in South Beach but close enough to dip your toe in if you so chose. Bright colors and fun artwork make Circa 39 feel much more like the home of your most stylish friend than a hotelThe terracotta tiles and palm trees throughout the courtyard and small pool tucked away from the hustle of Collins Avenue make Circa 39 feel both of and a world away from Miami.

While getting ready to go spend a few hours by the pool I spied a brochure out of the corner of my eye, a phone call and an hour later Amy and I found ourselves at the spa at the Palms Hotel & Spa, the sister property to Circa 39 . We spent the next few hours being thoroughly pampered with a massage, mani and pedi and couldn’t have been happier with our choice to spa it up. Treatments at the spa also come with beach and pool access, Amy and I made good use of both. Whether you choose t watch the turquoise waves crash onto the white sand beach or enjoy poolside lamb sliders there really are no bad ways to spend an afternoon at the Palms.

One the recommendation of a Miami-born friend we made our way to Havana 1957 on Espanola Way, a lively street denoting a historic Spanish neighborhood. Havana 1957 is famous for it’s mojitos, and a classic mojito with Don Q anejo rum finished with a slice thick sugarcane is always a good idea. The menu features Cuban favorites but do yourself a favor and order the ropa vieja, shredded beef braised for hours until it falls apart. My favorite way to enjoy ropa vieja was the tostones rellenos, mashed and friend plantain cups filled with shredded beef.

Day two started with a leisurely stroll down the beach, the sand still cool before the head of the mid-day sun. Joggers, cyclists and retirees populated the boardwalk, the 4 mile long wooden walkway flanked by some of Miami’s most storied art deco hotels on one side and the white sands of South Florida’s most famous beach on the other. After my palm-fringed walk I met back up with Amy for breakfast at Bird & Bone, the southern-style beachside bistro at The Confidante. On the patio we joined bleary-eyed partiers nursing mimosas to greet the day. I opted for the breakfast sandwich, buttery brioche piled high with organic scrambled eggs, Broadbent’s peppered bacon and pepperjack cheese all washed down with a couple of cuban coffees.

There was only one way to follow that breakfast and that was with some beach time. Even though Circa 39 is not on the beach it’s a quick five minute walk to their dedicated beach filled with loungers and beach umbrellas. The temperature was a breezy 80 degrees, the Florida sun was out and I had not a care in the world.

Life was good.

After a sun and sand induced nap it was time to start thinking about dinner. We opted for Peruvian and made reservations at Cev.che 105 which had me contemplating a trip to Lima. My passionfruit pisco sour would be a great start to any night and a trio of ceviche featuring lobster, octopus and locally caught fish was fresh and bright.

Miami is well known for it’s party scene but with world class spas, serene stretches of white sand beach and amazing food I discovered Miami Beach is also a great place for a relaxing girls’ getaway.

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