Perfect Weekend
in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is our Hamptons. It’s less than a three-hour flight from NYC, and with a lot of large upscale hotels, it can feel like Las Vegas by the sea, without the gambling. Many great chefs now have restaurants in Miami Beach. So if you’re looking for warmer weather or a quick beach getaway, Miami is perfect.
The Miami Beach Edition
Dream
We have stayed at many good hotels in Miami Beach, and new hotels are always popping up. It’s hard to pick a favorite as they all have their charms. We prefer the hotels on Collins Avenue because of their access to the boardwalk and beach. We also prefer a hotel where it’s easy to get a chair at the pool and/or at the beach. Based on our personal experience to date, here are our top five recommendations in order of preference:
1 Hotel South Beach (2341 Collins Avenue): Sophisticated eco-luxury meets beachfront chic: reclaimed wood décor, living green walls, four pools including a rooftop oasis, expansive white-sand beach access, and a holistic wellness hub with Bamford Spa and Anatomy fitness.
W South Beach (2201 Collins Avenue): A high-energy, design-forward beachfront oasis that blends modern luxury with Miami’s vibrant culture. With oversized balconies and ocean views in every room, bespoke wellness programs, DJ‑driven poolside events at the WET Deck, basketball & tennis courts, and curated experiences like evening wine & cheese or cigar tastings, it’s a favorite with the fashion and nightlife set.
The Miami Beach EDITION (Collins Avenue at Mid‑Beach): An upscale, multi-acre resort designed by Ian Schrager that combines boutique intimacy with full-scale resort amenities. Spread across a 3.5‑acre private enclave, the property features minimalist‑modern rooms, two ocean-facing pools, a spa, nightclub, bowling alley, ice‑skating rink, and world‑class dining by Michelin-starred Jean‑Georges Vongerichten—all tucked neatly along the Atlantic shoreline.
Four Seasons Champagne Bar
Dine
With new hotels popping up everywhere, so are new restaurants. Here are our current top choices for breakfast and dinner.
The Surf Club Restaurant, Four Seasons Surfside: Thomas Keller’s coastal classic—flawless service, mid-century glamour, and perfectly executed continental fare
Champagne Bar, Four Seasons Surfside: An intimate, Art Deco gem—small bites, vintage bubbles, and a transportive, velvet-draped ambiance.
Matador Room, Miami Beach Edition: Latin-inspired plates by Jean‑Georges served in a dramatic, sunken dining room with candlelit terrace seating.
Prime 112, 112 Ocean Drive: The original South of Fifth steakhouse—power dining with big portions, sharp service, and a scene to match.
Prime Italian: Across the street from Prime 112 leans more casual but is just as satisfying.
Casa Tua, 1700 James Avenue: Hidden villa charm and Northern Italian cuisine—ask for a garden table for a quiet, romantic escape.
Katsuya, SLS South Beach: Sleek, high-energy sushi spot by Katsuya Uechi—fresh sashimi and signature cocktails in a moody setting.
Cecconi’s, Soho Beach House: Twinkling lights, rustic Italian fare, and old-world charm in the lush courtyard—best enjoyed alfresco.
Do
When we usually break to Miami it’s to get out of the cold and to be in the sun. So we spend most days by the pool or at the beach.
One of our other favorite activities is to run on the long wooden boardwalk sandwiched between the hotels on Collins Avenue on one side and the stunning white sand beach and turquoise water on the other. Miami also has a bike share program, if you prefer to cycle.
If you have shopping in mind, Lincoln Road is filled with high street shops and restaurants. Or for luxury shopping, head to the Design District (15-minute drive) or Bal Harbour (20-minute drive).
Also of note are some of the architectural highlights of the new and old hotels on Collins Avenue. In terms of the new, we are looking forward to exploring the new Faena Miami Beach Hotel and Casa Faena, both set within a huge area of new development known as the Faena District, running from 32nd Street to 36th Street on Collins.
As for the old, visit the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, next door to the Soho Beach House, and you may recognize aspects of the hotel exterior featured in the Miami Beach swimming pool sequence of the 1964 classic Bond movie Goldfinger. At the Miami Beach Edition, look for signage, swimming pool diving boards and other original features retained from the old Seville Hotel, as part of the historic preservation efforts in the area.