OUR TRIP TO SOUTH BEACH MIAMI + THE EDEN ROC

Well, it’s about time I write an article about this trip - don’t ya think? What is better than a weekend in South Beach Miami?! Sun, sand and warm weather, you couldn’t ask for anything more! We booked a 5 star hotel and packed our bags for a long weekend of fun. We spent less than 72 hours in this wonderful city, but I am already dying to go back. The vibes are there, and if it wasn’t so over populated already - we would move in a heart beat. Well, I would move in a heart beat (and roxy’s coming with me, sorry Addison). Anywhere on the coast, I need to be living. If my boss is reading this too, just know that’s my dream, and I won’t be staying here forever (apologies in advance).

Anyways - back to Miami - the arrival was a little challenging, because we got there around 11:00 PM on friday night (really last minute trip), so checking into the hotel was difficult. It had been a while since we went to Miami, and the last time we went - we were going to the Hit Factory, which happens to not be in a good part of town. Which led us staying in not a good part of town. So, this was the first time I stayed at a luxury south beach miami resort. and oh boy, let me tell you, I was blown away. The moment you walk into the Eden Roc in Miami Beach anytime past 8 PM, there is deep house music playing in the lobby, the lights are dimmed, everyone is dressed to the nines, and I just walked in this hotel in my Aritzia sweatset. Once I got the memo, and checked into our hotel room - we changed our clothes immediately and went out to explore the nightlife for the time remaining that we had.

Walking through Eden Roc’s grounds, I was honestly surprised at how much it had to offer! There are three pools, multiple restaurants/bars, and ample space to sit/lay by a pool, on the patio, or on the beach! One of my favorite places to stroll was on the boardwalk parallel to the ocean. It spans from the public beach to the end of the hotel zone. It was a wonderful place to take a stroll at any time of day! The next morning when we woke up, I had the day to myself, which was actually really nice. I started the day with a cuban coffee, because duh - Miami. Then, started looking up some shops to visit. The first place I traveled to was Lincoln Road, after I managed getting through that traffic.

SHOPPING ON LINCOLN ROAD

If shopping is your thing, then Lincoln Road Mall is a pedestrian road on 16th and 17th Street that’s filled with 200 designer boutiques, local shops, national retail stores, art galleries, and nightlife. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion or unique souvenirs, Lincoln Road has it all. Here, visitors will find stores like Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Mango, American Eagle, Anthropologie, and All Saints. There’s also a great independent bookstore called Books and Books that is a must-see for people who love reading. The streets are lined with restaurants as well, making it a perfect stop for lunch, a drink, or dinner, and Sundays it boasts a farmer’s market.

BIKE ON THE MIAMI BEACH BOARDWALK

The Miami Beach Boardwalk begins at 46th Street and continues south to 23rd Street. Most hotels in this area offer complimentary bikes so I enjoyed biking down the boardwalk! Miami is a great biking town, with the beach bike path ideal for riding along and stopping for quick bites along the way. Ride to South Point Park and Pier, where there are plenty of Citi Bike stations.

Spend the afternoon at the beach & have lunch by the ocean

If you’re only spending one day in South Beach, but still want that “sit by the beach under an umbrella” experience, plenty of hotels offer day passes for use of their facilities. A company called Resort Pass allows you to purchase directly through them and see what options are available. Check out the South Beach options here.

Many of the resorts offer food and beverage service right on the beach. End your day relaxing, snacking, and sipping by the ocean!

Little Havana

You’d be remiss if you didn’t order a Cubano sandwich and a cup of Cuban coffee at Islas Canarias, a family-owned restaurant that opened in 1977. Anthony Bourdain famously paid a visit on an episode of Parts Unknown. Azucar Ice Cream is also in the heart of Little Havana, serving frozen sweets with cuban flair. Try flavors like café con leche or plátano maduro (sweet plantain).

CATCH THE SUNSET AT SUNSET HARBOR

One of my favorite things I did throughout the whole trip. My brother’s show went over a little longer than expected, so after a long day at the beach and shopping - I took a trip over to sunset harbor and watched the sunset on the dock. From yachts pulling up to pick up their friends, other tourists being just like me, and the beautiful water against the sunset. It was definitely the best way to end the trip.

Miami was definitely a must-see! And Eden Roc was an amazing place to stay while experiencing all the amazing sites and activities of Southeast Florida! From the amazing grounds with three pools, farm-fresh restaurants, to the gorgeous ocean views from your spacious room, Eden Roc comes highly recommended.