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As the snowbirds flock to Miami for the winter season, we had the chance to take a staycation in our hometown and experience one of the city’s top stays at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Here’s how your clients can get the most out of their luxury stay.
Location: In Miami, it’s all about location, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is sitting on prime real estate. Once your clients arrive, they don’t need to worry about driving, since everything is practically within walking distance. The hotel is set on the beach with easy access for guests, and located at the end of Lincoln Road, so they can easily walk to the surrounding restaurants, bars and shops.
Perfect For: Girlfriend getaways, couples, and families. Unlike some of the other more club-like hotels nearby, The Ritz-Carlton has a low-key vibe, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as happening. The pool scene heats up with music and guests lounging in private cabanas, and the DiLido Beach Club features live acoustic music that more channels John Mayer than Lady Gaga.
Rooms: 375 guestrooms and suites, with two poolside lanai wings and Club Level rooms with a concierge and breakfast and light bites throughout the day. We settled into a 400-sq.-ft. Lanai Pool View room with a private balcony and two lounge chairs overlooking the infinity pool. We loved that the lanai wings are separated from the hotel, adding a level of privacy to the rooms. The room was also outfitted in a modern style with plenty of space to spread out, natural light flooding though the balcony sliding glass door, and the large bathroom with separate marble bath and shower. This is the kind of hotel where you actually want to stay and relax in your own chambers and can people-watch while catching sun from the comfort of your balcony.
Dining: Stop by Lapidus Lounge for cocktails, small plates and sushi, or enjoy the American Bistro One LR, with indoor dining and al fresco seating. The DiLido Beach Club, meanwhile, is a prime place to enjoy the Florida sunshine. One of the only oceanfront restaurants and lounges on South Beach, this restaurant is a cozy retreat with a stellar view. Your clients can catch live acoustic music and other events, such as the new Nautical Nights on Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event features an all-you-can-eat buffet with raw bar ($59 pp) and Veuve Clicquot drink specials.
Standout Dish: The Atlantic oysters with tequila and yuzu ice at DiLido will have guests feeling instantly transported to an island paradise. The liquid nitrogen pineapple cocktail with Champagne is also a must-try for cocktail lovers.
Spa: While the spa dons 14 treatment rooms, it has an intimate feel with a Miami-inspired beach design. Guests can turn a spa treatment into a spa day, stopping by the relaxation lounge, salon, sauna and steam room. The spa’s menu is also top-of-the-line, offering a menu of La Maison de Beaute Carita treatments along with wellness therapies and beauty treatments.
Must-Try Treatment: The 50-minute Rhythm massage ($155) incorporates Miami’s Latin beats with music-inspired movements following either energetic or relaxing music. We loved the Spanish guitar and tropical scents from the oils.
Package It: The Discover with You package includes deluxe accommodations, daily American breakfast for two, $100 hotel credit per night, and complimentary use of two cruiser bikers for one hour. Rates start at $429 per night.
For more information, call (786) 276-4000 or visit ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/southbeach.
