Visitors flock to Miami for a novel getaway promising alluring late nights and seaside afternoons. But at G&F, we only had one thing on our minds: sunshine. The winter had us longing for early morning rays that transform into a sun-kissed glow, so we set out exploit all the sun Miami has to offer. We took Mr & Mrs Smith up on their enticing Flee the Frost offer—jetsetting to sunny Florida for a week holed up at the Thompson Miami Beach hotel. Set in the up-and-coming mid-beach and adjacent to an old-fashioned boardwalk, the Thompson bestows the most sunny disposition to delight the winter grump.
We summoned Miami’s elite to come sit and chat beach style, fun in the sun and inspiration in Miami. From the most sought after makeup artist to an Art Basel discovered street artist, our Miami Getaway Guide is filled with the who to know, where to go and what to do. Explore the interviews, videos + maps below. This is #GFTravel’s Miami. >>
Our favorite watering hole in Miami was a twofer—sips and a dip! We sipped poolside treats at the Thompson Hotel, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun-drenched locale. We had mixmaster Diego teach us how to whip up a mean Mai Tai that paired perfectly with the steamy ambiance. Watch along to learn how you can drink up a little bit of paradise—and save the recipe to mix up celebrating the first balmy temps!
Founder of the The Fashion Poet, Annie Vazquez is a highly touted miami blogger living life in the fast lane—from doing campaigns for brands like Mercedes Benz to Tresseme, and being featured in glossies from Vogue to Marie Claire. Always with her finger on the city’s pulse, we picked Annie’s brain on spring trends and local designers—she swears by MIA for cool pumps and Lisa Schwartz for bracelets. We also invited the eclectic and adventurous style of Annie to soak up some rays by the Thompson Hotel pool sporting a super kitschy swimsuit that we absolutely fell in love with. Want it? Lucky for us, Annie plays nice and shares the goods. She’s wearing The MV one piece by Beach Riot.
1. Si, Soy Sirena! Bandeau bikini top, $102, by Luli Fama
Annie says: We love anything with Miami pride down here and this suit is sexy without revealing too much.
2. Pretty Bird Easy Tee, $55, by Wildfox
Annie says: Primary colors are hot for Spring and Summer and we have so many parrots flying around South Florida that this shirt truly embodies our lush tropical life.
3. Luna Sunglasses, $219, by Wildfox
Annie says: The “Hippie Shake” trend is going to be major this season and in Miami eyewear is a must!
Learn more about Annie at TheFashionPoet.com.
We laced up some rollerskates and hit the boardwalk with designer Jasmine Dearden for a creative way to enjoy the shoreline and the sun—and our sun-deprived selves had way too much fun doing it! We rolled through this interview to learn about Jasmines’s multidimensional designs from fashion design, graphic design and graffiti. Her various mediums all pay homage to her Miami roots and embody a laid back urban style. We especially love Jasmine’s Nine Design graphic bombers that elevate basic streetwear, and for the woman who loves fashion with comfort.
Shop the collection at NineDesigns.Co
You watched Jasmine and host D. Graham Kostic roll around the Mid-Beach boardwalk. Now it’s time to go Pro in South Beach. First, start with a peaceful and shaded al fresco breakfast at Frenchie favorite A LA FOLIE CAFE, 516 Espanola Way (1) followed by a stroll down the pedestrian only ESPANOLA WAY (2)—may we suggest you scope out a super kitsch place for dinner while you’re at it.
Head to FRITZ’S SKATE, BIKE + SURF (3) to pick up your rental. Deciding between blades and skates? Go classic. Head to LINCOLN ROAD (4), a pedestrian stretch where you can cut your teeth with your new wheels. On Collins Avenue, don’t miss the triple threat of Art Deco masterpieces: the RALEIGH HOTEL (5), the DELANO HOTEL (6) and the SAGAMORE HOTEL (7). Thirsty? Deskate and grab a martini poolside at the Raleigh Hotel pool. You’ll recognize the Esther Williams aesthetic immediately.
Continue onto Ocean Drive and stop at the CARDOZA HOTEL (8) to scope out the charm and check out the Leslie Hotel next door that is in a gazillion postcards. Need to stop for some fun? THE PALACE (9) bar boasts a sidewalk-style drag show at almost any hour of the day. Continue down Ocean Drive to the ART DECO WELCOME CENTER (10) with information, more self-guided tours and a charming gift shop that’s worth a peek. Finally, end up at OCEAN DRIVE + 7TH STREET (11) to take your skates off, hop over the dune and end up beachside.
All the sun and beachside hangs is bound to work up an appetite. We didn’t venture far to experience some of the best cuisine Miami has to offer. Seagrape redefines the style of old Miami for a new generation, a true modern day Floridian brasserie. The interior speaks to many eras of Miami style pairing with cordial charm and easy luxury seen throughout the Thompson Hotel. And next door to the pool is the charming 1930’s House—a hacienda style home that was transported from across the street and welcomes guests with twinkling lights and thoughts of cocktail hour mischief. Sous Chef Serge Novozhilov served us up Seagrape Scallops and the 1930’S House Raw Bar Plate, which featured East and West coast oysters, lobster tails and ceviche—and left us dreaming of every bite!
The moment you check in to the Thompson Miami Beach, you’re bound to meet Carlos Zorilla. A bottle rocket of good, pure energy, this Miami-born lead bellman is here to make your stay memorable and fun. Afterall, his hospitality motto is to always smile and you will always be happy—we like this guy a whole heck of a lot. First thing on his agenda? He’ll find out why you came to visit. “A birthday? An anniversary,” he says, “I then make sure to let the concierge know so we can do something extra special to make your day.”
We had to ask Carlos the funniest request made by a guest? He recounts the tale: “A guest had asked for a certain brand of cigarillos that can be hard to find. I knew a store close to Thompson Miami Beach that had them, but it was closed. The next day, on my day off, I drove out to find them. I brought them back to the hotel and found him in the lobby—he was so excited! That was a great request and a great outcome.”
We invited street artist Homero Ganem to our suite at the Thompson to paint and bring to life one of his creations. After a knee injury left Homero unable to play professional soccer in his native Colombia, he began to paint leaving his work for the masses to consume. Also working with mixed media on canvas, Homero’s style is reminiscent of ’60s pop art and the cartoons he grew up watching with a signature addition of metallic paint. And Homero’s Miami must-see? “The Fountainbleu. You have everything in one place. Various restaurants to pick from, great views, big pools, beach access and, of course, LIV night club. A must while in Miami.”
Keep up with Homero on Instagram and check out Lou La Vie Gallery where he is shown.
With only a weekend in Miami, we want to make sure you have time to see and do everything you’d like. While it’s easy to spend a lot more time in Wynwood, we’ve boiled down some of our hot spots in the area so you can get in, get inspired and get out. MIAM CAFE (7) is a perfect jumping off point with a bright interior and excellent coffee.
To get your shop on, grab some cool kicks at DEL TORO SHOES (2), oogle at the vintage selection from KENI VALENTI (3) and local design house MALAQUITA (10) has housewares that are must-take souvenirs. We also love ELEMENTAL (8) for its fusion of art and home design. The real piece de resistance are the WYNWOOD WALLS (1)—an outdoor gallery where you’ll find plenty of backdrops for photographs.
Want more art? Make a dinner reservation or grab a glass of wine at WYNWOOD KITCHEN AND BAR (5), the whole place is packed with more pieces from Wynwood’s impressive list of artists. Have more time? JUNIOR & HATTER SALON (4) is a must-see spot (and the Thompson is opening a Junior & Hatter in their space as well) as well as the charming floral studio of SPROUT FLOWERS + COFFEE (6) which also serves up a great cup of joe. If you want to spend a little more time in Wynwood, see what’s happening at the MIAMI LIGHT PROJECT (11) which features great performance and theatrical works or check out the WYNWOOD BREWING COMPANY (9).
Two sisters bring their passion—and sweet tooth!—to life with the promise of delivering Miami delicious and true cakes. Named after a family nickname, Trutrula, these sisters bring together all aspects of their heritage, even creating flavors that infuse their Bolivian roots with classic American tastes. Set to open this spring on Brickell Avenue, Alejandra and Daniela Calbimonte bring together an inventive and sumptuous vision with a family bakery at it’s core. We had to taste test a few flavors just to make sure you guys will love it—and let’s just say there’s no beating grandma’s chocolate cake recipe! And since these sweet, sweet sisters have a knack for desserts, they let us in on their favorite indulgent spots in Miami below:
4D GELATERIA, Various Locations
The perfect place to enjoy some of the city’s most flavorful and creamiest gelato
BROKEN SHAKER, 2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Enjoy their delicious craft cocktails at the lively Freehand Hotel. The property also recently launched 27 restaurant right next door where I am obsessed with their oatmeal apple crisp.
DRUNKEN DRAGON, 1424 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Get the “choco jar” which is served in a mason jar
GIGI, 3470 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Offers the best chocolate cookies in town!
TruTru Cakes & More is set to open this Spring at 909 Brickell Avenue. TruTruCakes.com
Born and raised in Miami, Aileen Quintana still finds inspiration all around in her sunny hometown. From sunsets to live music, she’s always creating concepts and ideas for larger-than-life beauty. A sought-after talent in beauty and fashion, Aileen has worked with Fendi, YSL Cosmetics, Vogue, Elle, Soho House, Ultra Music Festival and more! Aileen serves up a beauty tutorial inspired by the deep aquas of Miami beaches. The end result? Galactic Mermaid. This flawless look is fit for a day enjoying Aileen’s favorite things Miami has to offer, from strolling around Wynwood to a late night snack at Gigi in Midtown.
Step 1: Begin with a clean & hydrated face. Apply foundation—I use temptu airbrush to apply on the base.
Step 2: Gently contour the eyelids with Urban Decay Naked Palette, then highlight the base of the eyes with some ocean blue from YSL Palette.
Step 3: Add drama with a graphic eyeliner from Stilla, working from the inside corners of the eye toward the outside corners and adding a little highlight at the end.
Step 4: Finish the look with a little brown lipstick in Maison from NYX cosmetics
PRO TIP! Aileen says: I love lipstick–it has so many uses. I use this lipstick for contouring around my cheeks as a fast and easy way to bring out color throughout the face.
See more of Aileen’s work at MakeupbyAileen.com
Next to the striped umbrellas and the great big blue, we’re doing it downward dog style on The Thompson Hotel beach with yoga instructor Dawn Bianca Feinberg. We’re balancing through poses and soaking up rays to get grounded and meditated first thing in the AM. Dawn B Yoga incorporates inspiration from a blend of the breath based essence of ashtanga and the evolving freedom of Jivamukti Yoga–topped with her signature sense of humor. And after your toes grip the sand and you chaturanga into the Miami sun, Dawn gives us three post-yoga jaunts.
JUGOFRESH, Various Locations
They have the best fresh juices, amazing bowls & great staff
HONEY TREE, 5138 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137
Super vegan food, friendly and pop vibes
FLAVORISH, 7283 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138
Awesome sandwiches, soups, empanadas—plus, fun chachques to buy!
Get more of Dawn’s practice at DawnBYoga.com
Want to getaway? Book a room at the Thompson Miami Beach with rates from $319