Fit for a King
Words: Michelle Wallace IG @my.michelle.w
Photography: Sergey Yusin @sergey_yusin
Wardrobe: Jaxson Maximus @jaxsonmaximus
Make-up: Julia Brig @juliabrigmia
style | June 01, 2021
Miami is well-known for its wild nightlife, but it is quickly becoming
the destination of choice for a self-care retreat.
Miami is much more than its infamous nightlife scene.
When we think of Miami, Florida, our minds immediately go to strobe-lit nightclubs, bikini models, and skittle-colored Lamborghinis. Our stereotypical thoughts were quickly shut down by health-conscious vibes after spending some time exploring Greater Miami and the Beaches. It's no surprise that Miami is ranked the healthiest city in the United States, with farm-to-table cuisine, a tranquil spa sanctuary, and sunset yoga, as well as a visit to one of the world's largest outdoor graffiti museums. Continue reading to learn more about this wellness-focused metropolis.
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Zening Out
If you're staying at The Palms Hotel & Spa in the center of Miami Beach, it's simple to merge with nature. Take a Vinyasa yoga session at the hotel on Sunday mornings in the tranquil tropical gardens or on Thursday evenings near the beach while watching the sun set over the water. The beach class has it everything, especially for those who don't mind a more sensory experience: birds chirping overhead, distant conversations, and hypnotic waves crashing. But as the class draws to a close and you lie in Shavasana with your body firmly planted on the ground and your hands gently resting on the sand, keep in mind to take a minute to look up at the brilliant moon floating above you. It has magic.
Organic Dine
Make a reservation at Essensia, The Palms' signature restaurant, while you're there. Inspired by nature, this farm-to-table experience serves up hand-crafted cocktails and fresh seasonal ingredients straight from chef Ilde Ferrer's on-site garden. But it's not just the adaptable nature-inspired dishes that make this restaurant popular with people of all diets; it's also the atmosphere, especially at night. Simply sit out on their Caribbean-style terrance for a peaceful candle-lit experience, and a wave of serenity will wash over you.
Going to downtown Miami? Stagionale, a vegan restaurant at Brickell City Center's La Centrale Italian Food Hall known for its vibrant plant-based cuisine and greenhouse-like garden decor, is a must-try. Feast on their Florida Jackfruit Tacos (a light starter) and Lasagne Bolognese while you're there (for a hearty dish). This restaurant is also perfect for an Instagram-worthy meal. Don't miss these 8 other ways to celebrate the 'Gram in Florida.
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Bike around
Take a Bike and Roll tour of Miami's South Beach. Bike down Ocean Drive (the city's most famous street), through Flamingo Park, where you'll see the locals' outdoor gym culture, and then to South Pointe Park for a leisurely stroll down the pier, where you'll be rewarded with an endless ocean view.
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Beach bootcamp
Surfside, with a population of around 6,000 people, is the beachside town to visit if you want to be active outdoors while avoiding the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. Stop by the opulent Grand Beach Hotel for a monthly Thursday evening Bootcamp & Brews for a full-body beachfront workout led by some of the best trainers in the business. What's the best part? Reward your efforts with a frosty local brew at the hotel's rooftop bar. And you won't want to miss out on their spectacular skyline view.
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Historic and culinary stroll
Miami Culinary Tours will take you on a food and art deco
tour of South Beach that will both enlighten your taste buds and your historical knowledge of the city. This walking tour has many treasures you're sure to remember, such as a hidden Columbian eatery that specializes in traditional empanadas, tasting all-natural Italian focaccia bread, and learning a detailed history of the most iconic buildings on Ocean Drive, such as The Villa Casa Casuarina (formerly known as Versace Mansion) and the Colony Hotel. And if you're fortunate enough to have Gina as your guide, she's a treasure in her own right.
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Luxe stay
The Biltmore Hotel, built in 1926, is an iconic landmark in Coral Gables, a city near Miami Beach and downtown Miami. The hotel's European architectural flair seeps out of its pores as it sprawls across 150 acres of tropical land. Prepare to be amazed once you enter its 50-foot-tall pillar lobby, which encircles a breathtaking ceiling mural, retro sofa sitting area, antique chandeliers, and two massive Finch-filled birdcages. A stay at this property entitles you to a sunrise and/or sunset meal in a courtyard restaurant, a sweat sesh in a cutting-edge fitness facility, a relaxing dip in a 23, 000-square-foot pool, and a rejuvenating massage.
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Serene escape
Finding peace and quiet after a night of drinking is always important, and the Biltmore Hotel's spa is a promised slice of heaven. This sanctuary, located on the seventh floor, offers a variety of hair, nail, and body treatments, facials, and massages. Their initials? The Chardonnay Massage, which uses Swedish techniques and French Chardonnay grape seed oil to relax you deeply. Quick tip: arrive early for your appointment and spend time in their Himalayan salt sauna before relaxing in their relaxation room with a chilled glass of coconut water. (The sounds of water running down the marble water fountain in the room and the faded tranquil meditation music are pure bliss.)
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Art in action
Visit the colorful Wynwood neighborhood and explore its breathtaking walls with Miami's Best Graffiti Guide to get the real deal when it comes to graffiti and street art. You'll be guided through unforgettable pieces by some of today's most notable and up-and-coming artists from around the world, led passionately by local artists Ryan the Wheelbarrow and Jose Mertz. Prepare to be educated, inspired, and completely blown away — and to take a lot of selfies!