Falling in love with a city or place is a bit like falling in love with a lover, it can be love at first sight, or can evolve over time. While my love for New York was like that undefinable connection that strikes you like a flash of lightning and instantly feels like 'coming home", Miami snuck its way slowly into my heart. Maybe it was the blend of fast-paced city life and tropical, relaxed atmosphere; its colorful cultural palette and the way diversity is embraced that got me, but it was not until my last visit that I realized I was in love with this city.
With so much diversity running through its veins, you can expect nothing but an overflow of accommodation choices and hotel brands for every type of trip and travel style. Whether you opt for trend or tradition, it ultimately comes down to the experience and the memories you bring back.
Ever since I can remember, I have always had a soft spot for hotels. I am sure that many of you can relate to the addictive feeling of being pampered and taken care of, of coming back to a freshly cleaned room, fresh towels, and a beautifully made-up bed; and of waking up looking forward to the fragrance of a richly stocked breakfast buffet.
Then, there is something magic about hotels too... you never know who you can meet next, it may be someone who could change your career destiny or rock your heart.
Suite Life: Go BIG or go home
Marylin Monroe has done it. So have Keanu Reeves, Coco Chanel, and John Travolta. Jose Mourinho has been living in a £411-a-night suite at the luxurious Lowry Hotel in Manchester. David Beckham – and family – lived in the AC Santo Mauro hotel when he first moved to Real Madrid. Robert DeNiro loved his penthouse at the Marmont Hotel in Hollywood Hills so much that he extended his stay to two years. And they are not the only ones to set up home in a hotel, people of far lesser fame and means have done it too.
When it comes to hotels, I live by the code of "go BIG or go home". And it is not about the size, it's about the experience and the features, the comfort and the pleasure. I want luxury in the details and a place that creates memories for all the senses.
In random order, here is a rundown of hotels where I felt so good that I'd move in.
1HOTEL
The flagship for the 1 Hotels brand, 1HOTEL Miami got me at hello with its echo-chic style and large spaces where every detail is a tribute to nature, from the driftwood furnishings, the ever-present sounds of the ocean to the abundance of plants and flowers. Blending luxury and sustainability the hotel offers marvelous spacious rooms decorated in soft tones and featuring oversized windows for loads of natural light. They are all decorated with natural elements and furnished almost completely of reclaimed material. This is a place where you can be one with yourself and one with your surrounding.
THE SETAI
Nothing can be said about The SETAI that hasn’t already been said. The sense of private luxury and its Zen ambiance created by the Asian inspired design are intoxicating and offset the hectic life of South Beach. Indoor or outdoor, beauty, intimacy, sophistication, and elegance at the Setai lie all in simplicity, and it is the details that make a statement.
Eating is a full-on event at the Setai, and their breakfast is to die for. Service is second to none, they just know what you might want, in advance of you wanting it.
ACQUALINA RESORT
And if you want a Miami beach vacation with a Mediterranean flair and world-class services nothing beats the ACQUALINA RESORT AND SPA.
Built completely open to the ocean on a postcard-worthy stretch of beach, laid-back and sophisticated all at the same time, this hotel delivers a lifestyle experience of its own created with great care and nicety of details.
Beach umbrellas, plush lounges, and beach butler service are just a few of the many indulgences that make Acqualina Resort's beach so special.
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