How To Do Miami In 48 Hours (Yes, It’s Possible)

If you’re going to do Miami in two days, the first order of business is to find the right place to stay. Skip the bustle of South Beach and opt for the tranquility of St. Regis Bal Harbour. Old world luxury and modern amenities come together at this picturesque beachfront property that feels far more like a tropical paradise than a city escape. The lobby is grand, with opulent chandeliers, black marble floors and flower arrangements making up the decor. 

There’s plenty of on-site dining options, starting with Gourmandise – Parisian-inspired cafe serving up french pastry and complimentary morning coffee, followed by afternoon tea service (a St. Regis signature). The pool-adjacent Atlantikós has classic Greek and Mediterranean fare on the menu, while BH Prime features traditional steak and seafood offerings. The tableside-smoked ribeye is a fan favourite, alongside the bone marrow rosemary butter. Don’t miss the live music at the St. Regis Bar, starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

It’s nearly impossible not to unwind and relax in the spacious suites here, outfitted with cozy, king-sized beds and spa-inspired bathrooms with a separate shower and bathtub, designed for an evening soak. Downstairs, The Spa at St. Regis Bal Harbour boasts one of Miami’s most luxurious facilities with a hot water spa and steam room, and a menu of signature treatments like the bespoke 24K Gold Wrap. After the spa, head over to a beachfront or poolside cabana. 

The hotel is also located just steps from the Bal Harbour Shops, with first come, first serve rides offered in the house Bentley. 

Wine & Dine

Madrid’s hottest restaurant, Amazónico, is now in Miami. Escape to the Amazon jungle – albeit a ritzy version – at Brickell’s newly opened Amazónico. The menu takes inspiration from Latin and Spanish cuisines, with an excellent cocktail list to boot. The animated menu is beautifully designed, showcasing their signature drinks – including Peacock Spritz (vodka, aperol, maracuja, lemon, and champagne), Rainforest Old Fashioned (Zacapa Centenario 23 Rum, hops, fair açaí, green strawberry bitters) and namesake Amazonegroni (pineapple infused tanqueray, carpano classico, Campari, and sesame). The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list of both by the glass and bottle options from around the globe. 

Sunday jazz night is where Delilah truly comes to life – but any day of the week, this 1920s inspired room is an exquisite setting for a cocktail. Just entering the dining room here is an experience thanks to the glamorous marble staircase and gold art deco accents. Pop culture lovers will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek cocktail names, referencing some of Delilah’s biggest fans. Most notably, there’s Drake’s “Champagne Papi” – a reference to his Instagram handle – which peach, mango, lemon, and honey with gin and a touch of Moët & Chandon brut. The Miami location also has its own Brickell Spritz, with tequila, aperol, orange juice, agave, and prosecco. Not quite a drink, but Kendall Jenner’s signature “Kendall’s Slutty Brownie” is a perfect post-dinner (or pre, we won’t tell) dinner treat. 

a’Riva is inside the exclusive members-only Harbour Club, but open to the public (if you can get a reso). This mediterranean inspired spot strikes a cool yet dressy vibe – think hip hop soundtrack but chic ‘fits – that is a breath of fresh air from Miami’s party infused dining scene. While simple, the menu here is excellent: the filet mignon was cooked to perfection, and the spaghetti pomodoro with san marzano tomatoes and fresh basil tasted just like a dish from Italy. The room is gorgeous, too, channeling the Italian Riviera circa 1940s. a’Riva is also open for brunch and lunch. 

Carbone’s spin-off restaurant Carbone Vino is nestled in cozy Coconut Grove. This wine-forward concept offers most of the same classics by Mario Carbone in a more laid back environment. Dinner begins with the restaurant’s signature complimentary appies (the pickled veggies are a delight, as is the bread). We recommend a glass of red, followed by the iconic Caesar alla ZZ – the croutons are out of this world – and then the spicy vodka rigatoni that put this restaurant on the global stage. Truthfully, you can’t go wrong with the entire menu but we have to shout out the off-menu (and must be ordered a day prior) chicken parm. Dessert is excellent here, too: the passionfruit cheesecake and carrot cake are two of our faves. Both Carbone Miami and Carbone Vino reservations are available via the members-only Dorsia app for guaranteed seatings. Open for lunch and dinner.

Sister restaurant to buzzy Mila, AVA MediterrAegean takes culinary influence from Greek and Cycladic dishes in a stunning island-inspired setting. Start with the Greek spreads appetizer, which includes beetroot hummus, baba ganoush, spicy pepper feta, and crispy lavash, before moving onto the salata horiatiki. Seafood is where this restaurant really shines, particularly the Mediterranean sea branzino which comes simply grilled with lemon and garlic, spetsiota style with wild oregano, roasted tomato sauce, and seasonal shellfish selection, or salt-crusted. Open for brunch and dinner. 

NBA icon Jimmy Butler has taken his passion for coffee off the court, opening up BIGFACE in Miami’s Design District. The ultra-modern café is both cool and futuristic, serving up the city’s best espresso-based drinks straight-up or infused with vanilla, lavender, or pistachio. Every detail is thought out here, from pastry display to the on-brand silver cups. BIGFACE has also spun off into a coffee accessory and apparel brand: there’s to-go coffee merch, chicly packaged beans, and a streetwear line with crewnecks, t-shirts and more. 

Spend & Sweat

Miami Design District is a blend of luxury shopping, modern architecture and art displays. Thanks to influence from the city’s annual Art Basel, stores here take immersive displays to the next level. Cartier’s newest flagship is housed in a unique glass facade nothing short of an architectural marvel. Nearby, Dior fans are known to line-up for the Parisian brand’s patio café, serving up logo lattes and desserts. Louis Vuitton, Kith and the Real Real are also all in the neighborhood, amongst several hotspot restaurants. Major Food Group’s Contessa concept has its only other location outside of Boston here, while the original location of their members club ZZ’s is just blocks away with some of the city’s best sushi. Hot tip: ZZ’s is now open to non-members for lunch service only.

Stepping into The Webster feels a little bit like a Wes Anderson film. The store is somewhere between a retail experience and a gallery, with a keen eye for curated designer goods. The Webster has a distinct point-of-view when it comes to fashion: think bold pops of colour, and elements of streetwear and cocktail coming together. Find pieces from contemporary labels like The Row and The Attico mixed in with classic luxury lines Gucci and Ferragamo. The Webster’s beauty edit is also a sleeper hit, full of indie gems like the brightly packaged Olviaumma skincare, and German label Gezeiten.

LA fitness guru Tracy Anderson has arrived in Miami. Based in Coral Gables, the luxe 5,500 square foot studio blends elements of holistic wellness and fitness. The entire space is tech-controlled with custom humidity systems, heat panels, and a CardioFly Super G floor. Classes are offered for both members and non-members, focused around Tracy’s signature dance cardio programs and muscular structure techniques. The gorgeous facilities also include expansive changerooms with private showers, and a retail store with Anderson’s apparel line.