ELLE Escapes: Miami

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Miami draws sun seekers year-round, but the coastal metropolis becomes a cultural roost when the ultimate influx of partygoers, sports fans, and cognoscente flock there from around the world for multi-day events like Art Basel, Formula 1, and this month’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The so-called Magic City plays host to a constellation of celebrity performances, sophisticated dining, and star-studded parties that have cemented it as one of the most talked-about places on the world stage. Not many destinations can strike the perfect balance of revelry and serenity like Miami can. With that in mind, here’s a guide for where to stay, indulge, and what to see, whether you want to hit the party circuit or sink your toes into the sand.

What to See

The Rubell Museum

The Rubell Museum houses one of the largest private contemporary art collections in America, from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Keith Haring. A Instagram-friendly highlight is undoubtedly Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Room” and the kaleidoscopic “Narcissus Garden.” After you’ve worked up an appetite from lapping the museum, stop by its inventive on-site Basque restaurant, Leku, with a charming dining room and outdoor garden.

St. Regis Bal Harbour Spa

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Spa offers luxe treatments inspired by Caroline Astor, the late 19th-century American socialite, at a five-star hotel (what could be better?). The signature treatment is the 24K Gold Wrap, a golden sugar scrub full-body exfoliation, which notably isn’t found anywhere else in the world. The spa also features breathtaking tubs, private rain showers, and a whole menu of options for even the weariest traveler. And, if you’re on a lover’s retreat, grab your other half and snag one of the spacious couples treatment rooms to try out the 90-minute-long Four Elements Couples Journey, featuring a hydro bath, back and scalp massage, and more.

E11EVEN

Miami’s world-renowned, 24-hour ultra club is an immersive adventure known for its unforgettable entertainment, from trapeze artists and burlesque dancers to A-list performers by the biggest names in music. The star-studded upcoming lineup features Nelly and Ashanti, Lil Dicky, and more. Don’t forget to snag an E11EVEN snapback—the Miami version of a Yankees cap.

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Where to Eat

Contessa

Inspired by the old-world sophistication of Northern Italy’s iconic estates, Contessa is the dining destination by Major Food Group that transports guests from the Miami Design District to Lake Como. The plushy, jewel-toned interior gives it a glitzy “grand trattoria” style of elevated dining, with dishes like squash carpaccio and spicy lobster capellini that will definitely have you coming back for more. Nearby, you’ll find fashion brands dominating the area, like Fendi’s Casa, Loro Piana, and Prada.

Gekkō

This eatery from hospitality mogul David Grutman is a Japanese-inspired steakhouse opened in partnership with Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny. Located in Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood, Gekkō serves up premium steak cuts and jaw-dropping sushi inventions ensconced in a dark and sultry atmosphere—a nod to its name, which translates to “moonlight” in Japanese.

Giselle

Start your club night at Giselle Miami—a rooftop restaurant located three floors above E11EVEN, to further expand on its hospitality offering. The space boasts a menu that combines Asian, Mediterranean, and French-inspired fare and a swanky dining room with panoramic views of downtown Miami. According to its website, “Giselle serves up a journey to remember. Upon arrival, guests are transported in a private elevator up to the main entrance of the indoor-outdoor restaurant featuring a fully retractable roof, where they are invited to step into the sultry fantasy world of Giselle.” Sign us up.

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Where to Drink

Soho Beach House

The unofficial HQ of Miami (and most other cities, for that matter) is always Soho Beach House. Whether you’re passing by for an event, rooftop dinner, or meeting friends for a picante night cap, the venue always brings some of the most memorable experiences into the early hours. Psst, its new sister house, Soho Pool House, is also a good time.

The Living Room

Designed in part by Hollywood luminary Baz Luhrmann, Faena Miami Beach is pure decadence, from the Argentine murals that flank the lobby to the candy-striped lido deck and Art Deco-inspired suites. The Living Room bar in particular is the see-and-be-seen locale for late-night drinks, with live bands on rotation throughout the week. And before you head out, make sure to venture through the back for a quick photo next to the colossal 24-karat gold Damien Hirst mammoth, because if you don’t, were you ever really in Miami?

Dante’s HiFi

Dante’s HiFi is a tucked-away soulful haunt in Wynwood playing tunes exclusively on vinyl. The vintage-inspired décor and library of records make you feel like you’re hanging out in someone’s living room (offering a totally different vibe from your typical Miami going-out spots), but it’s a must-visit for craft cocktails and disco energy. (When in Wynwood!)

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Where to Stay

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Indulge in the ultimate R&R experience at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. The sweeping property, located in North Beach, is a wellness haven, with the largest spa on the East Coast and AI-powered smart beds in select rooms. It makes sense, then, that it’s included in our list of Best Wellness Experiences to Book in 2024.

The Miami Beach EDITION

Part of American Express’ Fine Hotel + Resorts program, Ian Schrager’s stay-and-play hideaway is an icon of modern glamour on Collins Avenue. Beyond its dreamy rooms, jungle-like lobby, and epic dining options, the true magic of the EDITION is its entertainment program. Attempt a strike in the technicolor bowling alley, ice skate, or dance your heart out in the nightclub to a rotation of DJs.

Esmé Miami Beach Hotel

This newly opened boutique hotel has quickly become the gem of the historic Española Way, once frequented by Al Capone and actor Desi Arnaz. The property is splashed in an eclectic color palette with Arabic and French-influenced interiors, a nod to the neighborhood’s bohemian past when it was once an artist colony built to resemble Mediterranean villages. Its cocktail bar, El Salón, has become a favorite hideout, with DJs spinning old soul and funk records, while the restaurant Drexel serves Mediterranean plates dreamed up by the creators of Mandolin Aegean Bistro. As an added bonus, New York City spa and treatment center JECT is currently popping up through spring, if you’re in need of a skin refresh while in town.

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