The first thing you notice as you walk into the Standard Spa on Miami Beach is the incredible view of Biscayne Bay. Ideally located off the main drag of Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue on a quiet patch of land that fronts the Venetian Causeway, the spa is the Standard Hotel’s … Read more
“Now this is the winter outfit I’ve been waiting to wear all season,” said my new friend Richard as he strutted onto the pool deck of Miami Beach’s Surfcomber Hotel. He wore short shorts and a naked torso, accessorized by a pearly white smile. “I have friends who go skiing … Read more
If you crave being in the vortex of the SoBe (South Beach) scene when you’re weekending in Miami, then head to Quattro. Don’t even think about what came primero (first), segundo (second) and terzo (third), Quattro, although 4th in name should be first in mind. Quattro, the restaurant of “gastronomia … Read more
As one of Miami’s most cherished landmarks, The Raleigh Hotel encompasses fashion, elegance and glamour. The oceanfront hotel was built and designed in 1940 by famed architect Laurence Murray Dixon, one of the most prolific and acclaimed architects of South Beach’s historic Art Deco District. One of the most famous … Read more
Opening the Blade The famous Blade Sushi is back at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach. The restaurant closed about a year ago, but it’s back in full swing. It now shares the large dining room with Vida, a classy American restaurant with a “modern brasserie menu,” but it definitely asserts … Read more
The Squire was struck by the ornate shell chandeliers gracing the dining room of Michy’s, Michelle Bernstein’s cozy, haunt on Biscayne Boulevard and soon learned that the whimsical lighting fixtures were made of Florida sand dollars. Such is the unexpected nature of this self-professed “gourmet neighborhood restaurant” where the eclectic … Read more
RED, The Steakhouse You have to be curious about a restaurant called RED … what comes to my mind is Russia, Diana Vreeland, Valentines hearts and high fashion lipstick, all associated in one way or another with the dramatic color. But allow me a gratuitous thought or two, well, yeah, … Read more
Soleá – The W Hotel’s Unwavering Perfection Soleá … even the name spurs your imagination. Could it mean something about the sun or perhaps as there is an accent on the “a” maybe an obscure Spanish verb that has something to do with using the sun to achieve a … Read more
It’s no lie; the Squire’s got an eye for Miami. Why? The weather, of course. If, like him, you also find yourself also craving the Miami sub-tropical heat, want to commune with nature in a jungle-like atmosphere and have a nice alfresco feast while you’re at it, head for Wish … Read more
Photos courtesy of Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. South Beach has long been associated with extravagant glitz and glamour. Daytime is beach time: bikini-clad beauties sizzle in the sun and cool off in the clear surf. Nighttime is party time: fabulous folk stand in line at thumping clubs, blazing bars, and … Read more
The Clinton Hotel and Spa New Miami Newly opened in 2004, The Clinton Hotel fully embodies the new Miami, with its finger on novelty but with a subtle nod toward the past. This boutique hotel and spa in the heart of South Beach just steps away from its white sandy … Read more