Miami, FL
PASSIONATE, EXPRESSIVE, HOT
“The story goes that when designer Philippe Starck was a child, he would play under the dinner table at his grandmother’s house, and that’s where we are now…” our tour guide trailed off as I looked around the sinfully stylish lobby of the Delano hotel on South Beach. The lofty space adorned with floor to ceiling white curtains and towering columns did indeed look like the underside of a gigantic dining room table, and suddenly the space felt much more personal, even intimate. Just by standing in the lobby I got a sense of what the designer was like, what he valued, and how he felt about it. I had arrived in Miami barely an hour prior, and had been thrust into the world of high-end hospitality. A friend from college who now works as an event planner in Manhattan invited me along on this business trip, and I was gate crashing his tour of the iconic boutique hotel.
As we explored the guest rooms, restaurant, beach and conference space I listened to the philosophy behind each stunning piece of art. It was more museum than hotel – and I was happy to find throughout my weekend in The Magic City that this entire southern party mecca was, much like the lobby at The Delano, more than I anticipated it would be.
PASSIONATE:
I discovered almost instantly that when things are done on South Beach, they are done at 110%. From the security guard at the pool remembering my name after just one visit, to the dive-y bar that offered me a to-go water bottle branded with their name as I left at 3am – everyone and everything I encountered was bursting with a luxurious energy. I was cognizant that I was in a hospitality bubble, so I wandered west into the city itself and was surprised to discover that the fervent pride and high-touch attitude was consistent. The vibe in Miami is intense. Everything from salsa dancing on the beach, to the murals in Wynwood, to the cortaditos you can find at any time of day or night, is done with excitement, enthusiasm, and emotion. Everyone is vivacious, everything is alive. It is overwhelming, exciting, and dazzling all at once.
EXPRESSIVE:
In Miami, you never have to wonder how anyone is feeling. They tell you with their body language, their words, and their art. Every single opportunity for expression is ardently taken. The architecture is striking, the music loud and plentiful, and the food bursting with flavor. Miami is proud of its cultural impact, festive atmosphere, and historic significance. It is a pride you will feel from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
HOT:
This word can mean so many things, conveniently all of which can be applied to Miami. With an average yearly temperature of 77 °F, not a lot of clothing is required in this city. And that image serves as a nice segue into the second application of the word…because the people in Miami are so attractive that it borders on confounding. The bikini-focused fashion, notorious hospitality, and often higher-than-comfortable temperatures draw an attractive crowd. Everywhere you look is eye candy - everyone you see is sexy, confident, and nearly naked. Lastly, with distracting heat, prominent party scene and young, reckless population often comes less-than-legal activities. While I did not participate in or even witness anything illegal during my weekend, you can sense the salaciousness, even from the outside. If I were to personify Miami, I would make her a beautiful woman, wearing a skin-tight dress and 6 inch heels. From the end of the bar she smiles at you, before letting her fingertips lightly graze across her collarbone that is just barely misty from the heat and humidity. She dips her head, looks up at you through her long lashes, and delicately takes a bump of cocaine off of her graceful, well-manicured hand….
Needless to say, Miami brings the heat.
THE 3 THINGS YOU WILL NEED WHILE YOU’RE THERE:
Miami is a summer-time city, and Florida sun is no joke. Even walking to your car across a parking lot can be a bright, sweaty affair. If you plan on spending any time outside at all, make sure you’ve got your skin protected. SunBum is a great choice for Miami beaches, since it is coral-friendly sunscreen.
In South Florida, the sun is bright, the water is reflective, and your eyes are vulnerable. Before you step outside grab a pair of sunglasses with UV protection. Your retinas will be thankful.
The beaches in Miami are world class, and there are dozens of private and public options. If you don’t feel like springing for a cabana or a lounge chair from one of the many hotels or rental companies, then make sure you’ve got this lightweight tapestry in your bag. It is easy to pack, easy to transport, and is a much more stylish choice for sunbathing than your standard beach towel.
