(Updated April 24 2017) I’m not the biggest fan of birthdays, but this year I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of a trip I won to South Beach Miami. Once my roommate booked her ticket too, the girls weekend planning commenced. I am the ultimate planner (I mean it IS my career too), but I decided to research just a couple things and then let the weekend play out. With a mixture of perfectly planned destinations and spontaneity, it turned out to be the best birthday girls weekend ever. Here are my recommendations:
BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY IN MIAMI BEACH WITH PASSPORT TO FRIDAY AND RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST, RESORT CREDIT, UPGRADES & MORE!
STAY
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
The minute I stepped foot onto Faena Hotel’s property, I was head over heels. This hotel not only has impeccable service, a great beach, and great amenities, but it is also absolutely stunning and designed impeccably. From the red and white striped beach umbrellas, to the cheetah print subtle accents, to the influx of art throughout the property and South American influences – it is pure heaven. The 111 suites and 58 guest room hotel has a dedicated butler service on each floor, enhancing your experience even further. Also not to be missed – the two oceanfront restaurants by award winning Chefs Paul Qui and Francis Mallmann and the two-level theater with live performances including their signature C’est Rouge! show.
Book with Passport To Friday and receive:
- 4th NIGHT FREE (through September 30 2017)
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two
- $100 resort credit
- Welcome amenity
- Upgrade upon arrival, if available
- Early check-in/late check-out, if available
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
CONTACT ME HERE TO BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY AT FAENA MIAMI BEACH OR ANY OTHER MIAMI PROPERTIES!
3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
EAT
View from brunch at Terrazza at Shore Club
Sunday Brunch at Terrazza at Shore Club
Brunch: Terrazza at Shore Club
Quite possibly my favorite brunch I have been to in my life, ever. First off, Shore Club is the quintessential perfect South Beach hotel in my opinion aesthetically. Bright colors, comfortable areas to hang out, and attractive people. Now place a restaurant poolside with a perfect view of all that pool action, add bottomless mimosas and amazing food, and you have a happy girl. I spent my birthday doing the “Ladies Who Brunch” Sunday Brunch here which is $44 per lady (add $20 for males) and includes an impressive buffet selection and bottomless mimosas, bellinis, and bloody marys. They also serve up brunch on Saturdays and breakfast daily.
Shore Club South Beach, 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Lunch: Taquiza
Don’t feel guilty about giving into your taco cravings at Taquiza, an authentic taqueria serving up tacos on some of the best, fresh tortillas. These handmade tortillas are made out of house-nixtamilzed corn ground fresh daily. My favorites were the Huitlacoche (corn ‘truffle’, corn, scallion) and Camaron (shrimp, red ‘mole’, slaw). Grab a Topo Chico or cerveza and sit outside at their quaint, fast-casual patio.
1506 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Croque Monsieur & The SOBE Club at La Sandwicherie
Lunch: La Sandwicherie
Cheap but oh so delicious eating at its finest in SOBE at La Sandwicherie. Good quality sandwiches, huge portions, and an easy take-away counter (or phone-in your order to make it even more time efficient). You could easily split the SOBE Club (turkey, brie, avocado, and you better get that on a croissant) amongst two people, but that’s boring so we ordered the Croque Monsieur as well.
229 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Happy hour spread at Cecconi’s
Photo courtesy of Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Happy Hour: Cecconi’s Miami Beach
This. Happy. Hour. For a restaurant of this caliber both food and ambience wise, their happy hour almost seems too good to be true… except it’s not. Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 7 pm, Cecconi’s offers a happy hour menu featuring different items priced at either 4 or 7 dollars. Personal faves? The chickpeas & lentil dip, taro root, cucumber ($4), blue crab & avocado toast ($7), meatballs with tomato sauce & basil ($7) and the Ciao Bella cocktail which is Bombay Dry, prosecco rose, apricot liqueur, grapefruit ($9).
Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Sweet Liberty Oysters + Happy Hour Drinks
Happy Hour: Sweet Liberty
Sweet Liberty‘s happy hour is a must if you are looking for great craft cocktails and lots of oysters. Their daily happy hour runs from 4 – 7pm and features 75 cent oysters, $5 beer and wine, and $5 – $7 cocktails. The Aperol Spritz was my favorite! Their food was incredible as well with fun dishes turned “healthy” such as Cauliflower Nachos, Beet & Farro Risotto, and Tuna Poke.
237-B 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Cuba Krack Pie & Guava Cheesecake at Moreno’s Cuba
Dinner: Moreno’s Cuba
The minute a few locals sat down next to us and asked how the heck we had known about this place, I knew I loved Moreno’s. Truly a local spot that somehow has not gotten bombarded by tourists, this is your go-to spot for a great Cuban sandwich, a pitcher of sangria or mojito, live music, and an overall amazingly authentic vibe. I would say this was the best find of our trip! Order the Cubano Clasico, a pitcher of Moreno’s Signature Sangria, and the Cuba Krack Pie!
318 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
DRINK
Biscayne & Mango Goodness at Florida Cookery
Florida Cookery
The Florida Cookery is located at the Royal Palm Hotel in the heart of all of the action. The Florida Cookery bar serves up a good selection of tropical and frozen drinks. The Mango Goodness (mango puree, Bacardi, Malibu, Bacardi Anejo) is a sweet but secretly boozy treat, and the Biscayne (Absolut vodka, Cointreau, strawberries, mint, prosecco) is very light and refreshing.
Royal Palm South Beach, 1545 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Photo courtesy of Business Insider Indonesia
Broken Shaker
The most awesome bar… inside a hostel? Well, yes. Located inside The Freehand Hostel, Broken Shaker serves up killer craft cocktails in a laid-back but trendy backyard vibe. Lounge in one of the uniquely designed chairs (some are uncomfortable but so cool looking) and sip on one of their phenomenal drinks. Order one of the specials that day or my personal favorite, the Summer Scorcher Old Fashioned (Charred Local Peach infused Old Forester Bourbon stirred with Bitters and Mesquite Tincture).
2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Faena’s Tree of Life Bar
Probably the prettiest bar I have ever seen, Faena Hotel’s Tree of Life Bar also serves up gorgeous and delicious drinks. The outdoor seating area is intimate yet inviting, and the menu is perfection. I highly recommend getting the Faena Spritz (Absolut Elyx Vodka, Perrier-Jouët ‘Grand Brut,’ Aperol, Rose Water, Hibiscus)!
3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
PARTY
Hyde Beach at SLS
Photo of Liv courtesy of Matt Root via Red Eye
Hyde Beach
Day party insanity. If you’re looking for a Vegas-style pool party, look no further than Hyde Beach. It can get a little crazy however, so if that’s not your scene still check out SLS Hotel for a drink at some point during your stay.
SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Liv Nightclub
I’ve always heard of Liv and although I am not much of a nightclub girl, since going there I understand the hype now. It is truly a Vegas nightclub experience and a great time. Be prepared to spend some $$ on drinks and if you’re a guy expect an entrance fee.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The Mansion
Through meeting some locals at Moreno’s, we ended up going to The Mansion and ringing in my birthday there. I would have never thought to go here, but it really is quite the spectacle with acrobats everywhere and may be worth checking out.
1235 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
SHOP MY MIAMI BEACH ESSENTIALS
Safe travels y’all!
Best,
Chelsea Rose Martin
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