Luxury Guide: Miami Winter 2021-2022

DESTINATIONS STAYCATIONS

A HIDDEN GEM Once known as the Lord Balfour, the Balfour Hotel in the SoFi neighborhood has been reimagined with a $4 million renovation, adding a second tower to the property. For those who want to relax away from the hubbub of South Beach, this is the place to unwind. ▶ Known For: Its art deco-meets-Latin design sense, from the terrazzo flooring to nods to gaucho culture in the suites. ▶ Worth Mentioning: Guests can kick back in the peaceful courtyard shaded by banana trees, take a dip in the plunge pool, or sunbathe on the sundeck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. ▶ Food & Libations: After a soft opening, the hotel’s Mehzcla Restaurant celebrates its grand opening in December. Sip on a pisco sour in the lobby or people watch while dining on the terrace. ▶ Florida Special Offers: The beach is just a block away, and guests receive two chairs gratis and an umbrella for the day for $10. 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.538.1055; balfourhotel.com; @balfourhotel

BEACH OASIS Locatedonexclusive“Millionaire’sMile”—which is known for itsbeautiful oceanfront mansions and sprawling yachts— Hillsboro Beach Resort is an all-new luxury beachfront oasis. Now open, the resort boasts 99 well-appointed guestrooms, breathtaking views and in-demand amenities. ▶ Known For: Luxurious oceanfront rooms and internationally inspired cuisine at Roí. ▶ Worth Mentioning: At Hillsboro Beach Resort, you can do a lot…or nothing at all. With a serene private beach and refreshing ocean-view pool, guests can feel cool, calm and at ease throughout their stay. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy complimentary paddleboards and kayaks on the Intracoastal or head out on one of the resort’s beach cruiser bicycles to explore the surrounding areas. ▶ Food & Libations: The internationally inspired cuisine at Roí features local flair, with specialties like white water clams with Florida orange slices soaked in a crème fraîche and Funky Buddha beer broth, and beef tenderloin over a bed of duck fat potatoes and roasted cipollini onions, topped with chimichurri. 1159 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach; 954.312.2000; hillsborobeachresort.com; @hillsborobeachresort

SWEET AND SWANKY The Gabriel South Beach is bringing back the glamour of 1930s Miami Beach with its modern- meets-Florida aesthetic and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can cool off in one of two swimming pools on the property, or lounge inside at Meet Dalia and the soon-to-open Meet Mia. ▶ Known For: An Instagram-worthy glass-bottom pool and 30-foot-tall mural by Mr. Brainwash. ▶ Worth Mentioning: The sister property to The Gabriel in downtown Miami, the hotel is former baseball player Alex Rodriguez’s first hotel investment on the strip. Comprised of three buildings, travelers are greeted with classic art deco design and architecture synonymous with Miami Beach. ▶ Food & Libations: Offerings at Meet Dalia include fattoush with pomegranate vinaigrette, a slew of vegetarian/gluten-free options, ground lamb dumplings, and a dessert menu featuring modern spins of classics like the coconut galaktoboureko and chocolate baklava. ▶ Florida Special Offers: Enjoy the Dine With Dalia package: $100 food and beverage credit, bottle of wine at arrival, and early check-in (based on availability). 640 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.685.2000; thegabrielsouthbeach.com; @thegabrielsouthbeach

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