From incredible restaurants and entertainment to dazzling nightlife and gorgeous beaches, there’s no question why Miami is continually one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. With hundreds of hotel options and a countless array of atmospheres, décor, and offerings, it’s difficult to choose the best place to stay. But truly, what’s a trip to Miami without stunning views and easy access to the beaches they are so well known for? Take a look at a few of our favorite Miami beach hotels and start planning for that after Christmas vacation.
Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa
Located in Miami Beach, the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel that is well known for its health-driven approach to luxury getaways; so you won’t be afraid to bare it all on the beach. Set against 750 acres of beachfront property, modern architecture blends with coral, teak, and abalone interior features that are both stylish as well as serene. Guests have easy access to Miami’s hottest nightlife, shopping destinations, and culinary wonders, however if it is rest, relaxation, and health you’re aiming for, Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa can offer that too. The Aquavana, 70,000 square foot Wellness Spa is a favorite among many with unique features, such as their steam room infused with lavender aromas, rain showers and igloo room, which is a great way to cool down after a workout or an intensive session in the sauna. Eastern therapies at Aquavana include Ayurvedic Herbal Rejuvenation as well as Turkish Hammam Bath Rituals and Thai Massage, among others. Conveniently located right on the water, soak up some sun while relaxing on the sand, or take a beach yoga or beach boot camp class, right next to the water.
W South Beach
Fantastic views of the ocean and easy beach access are readily available at the W South Beach. Reserve an umbrella, chaise lounge and towel and get a little beach reading in while working on your tan. If laying around isn’t your style, the W South Beach also offers jet-skis, parasailing, and other water sport activities. Mr. Chow, which serves Asian specialties, entices guests with a salsa back-beat and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Celebrities such as George Clooney, Sean Penn, and Gwyneth Paltrow are often found dining inside the modern culinary destination, enjoying the chic décor and beach vistas. In walking distance from Ocean Drive, guests can also enjoy becoming immersed in the local area where they can discover great breakfast spots and shopping venues. Most all of the W South Beach studios and suites feature encompassing views of Miami’s turquoise waters and stretches of beach, so whether you’re dining out, exploring the W South Beach property, or reveling in some luxury room service, you know you’ll always be surrounded with a bit of paradise.
Photo Courtesy of W South Beach
Fisher Island Hotel and Resort
If you want a taste of the islands without the frenzy of South Beach, then Fisher Island Hotel and Resort may be just the compromise. Located on a private island surrounded by palm trees and mangroves in Biscayne Bay, the resort is comprised of what was an original Vanderbuilt Mansion surrounded by villas and cottages. In the 1920’s, William K. Vanderbilt II famously traded a yacht for 7 acres of waterfront paradise from Carl Fisher, who bought the property a year before. Historic architecture blends seamlessly with modern amenities and one-of-a-kind experiences. With imported sugar white sand from the Bahamas, guests can enjoy a Caribbean-worthy beach day on the uncrowded Fisher Island beach or take a dip in the salt water Vanderbilt Mansion Pool. However, for something a little untraditional, visit the resort’s aviary for a chance to experience a menagerie of colorful birds, some of which even have a talent for performing. When the sun sets, head to the island’s observatory where the resident, astronomer-in-training will show you the stars through a telescope. Cottage and villa-style living as well as world-class dining options helped contribute to Fisher Island being named a top 5 resort by Conde Naste and winning the 2012 Award for Excellence for “Most Excellent Small Hotels.”
Photo Courtesy of W South Beach
Acqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach
Conveniently located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami on four and a half acres of lovely Sunny Isles beachfront acres, Acqualina Resort and Spa combines the beauty of Mediterranean décor with the serenity of a Southern Floridian landscape. If you long for the ocean, you won’t be disappointed here. Whether relaxing in one of the 286 luxury accommodations, taking in dip in the pool, enjoying a meal, or having a treatment at the spa, the ocean is just a gaze away. The 20,000 square foot luxury, ESPA oceanfront spa offers a range of treatments, from massage and body scrubs to waxing and facials, which can be enjoyed while being lulled into a state of relaxation with waves meeting the Acaqualina Resort shores. For couples wanting to kindle a bit of romance, Acqualina offers intimate beach dining for two, where guests can enjoy a candlelit dinner, prepared by the resort’s Executive chef, ChristopherBlum, with the ocean and night sky as a backdrop.
Photo Courtesy of Acqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach
Four Seasons Miami
Latin American flair meets European elegance at this lovely art deco hotel, located on Miami’s Biscayne Bay. The Four Seasons Miami offers an urban appeal alongside waterfront access, with palm trees interspersed with cityscapes and views of Biscayne Bay. For those who like a taste of everything, guests can enjoy the vibrant city life of Miami while also enjoying the scenic, resort appeal of the Four Season’s property. The hotel offers two separate pools, including a heated outdoor pool as well as a wading pool, set amongst a pretty setting of Palm Groves. The spa offers poolside treatments to help you relax into a Miami state of mind, while the hotel dining, which includes two signature restaurants as well as in-room dining boasts a menu of Latin-inspired and tropical offerings.
Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Miami
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