Bling On A Budget

Beyond the yachts, supercars and mega-mansions, Miami luxury is truly accessible to all. —Noa Nichol

Fly for less: Less time, and potentially less dime. Air Canada‘s new thrice-weekly service from Vancouver International Airport direct to Miami International Airport, which includes the only non-stop flights connecting YVR and MIA, means you won’t have to book or pay for two flights. The Boeing 737 Max 8 Passenger is comfortable, with both business and economy class seats (some of the latter are preferred, with extra legroom). Plus, an upgraded inflight entertainment system and access to power ports at every seat, so you can simultaneously wind down and charge up before hitting the ground. Aircanada.com

Stay for a steal: During Miami Hotel Months, from June to September, you’ll find discounted stays, resort credits and even comp meals at inns throughout the city, so you can truly rest easy. We checked into two participating properties, beginning with Eden Roc Miami Beach—the third-largest (and arguably most iconic) hotel in the area, which sits on 16 acres of true oceanfront, so sand and surf are literally steps from your suite. In fact, each of Eden Roc’s 600-plus well-appointed rooms boasts an ocean-view deck (these are said to be the biggest among Miami Beach hotel balconies, and will be “decked out” with new patio furniture in the coming year), so you can enjoy the sea 24-7. Another restful option is located in Miami’s Coconut Grove district; Mayfair House Hotel & Garden was recently named to Condé Nast’s 2023 Hot List and, with a lush, tropical courtyard (listen for live music) and gorgeous rooms done up in jewel tones, we fully understand why. We loved the surprise soaker tub next to the bed (there’s a shower in the bathroom, as well), along with thoughtful touches like a welcome note in the antique typewriter on the desk. Plus, the surrounding shopping area, rife with boutiques and eateries, can’t be beat. Edenrochotelmiami.com | Mayfairhousemiami.com

Dining deals: For more than 20 years, Miami Spice Restaurant Months (August and September) has showcased the very best of this town’s tantalizing cuisine. The program features three-course meals, prepped by world-class chefs, at prices that are truly appetizing—following, a few of our favourites. Ocean Social at Eden Roc has tapped the talents of chef Tristen Epps, a former executive chef under Marcus Samuelsson whose menu riffs playfully on the idea of “surf and turf”. The updated News Café is a landmark of South Beach (Gianni Versace used to come here for his daily paper) with a novel newsprint menu offering all-day breakfast items like café con leche French toast and piña colada pancakes. MILA Rooftop Restaurant is a Michelin Guide hot spot, with Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are meant to be shared, and fire dancers for fun. Leku, at the Rubell Museum, brings Northern Spain to Miami; from the menu, the ooey-gooey Basque cheesecake is not to be missed. Glass & Vine, with pretty outdoor seating, has a new Israeli chef, who is bringing tastes of his home country to Coconut Grove. And, for Italian fare, both Sofia in the Design District and Fiola in Coral Gables won our tastebuds over with their handmade pastas.

See for free: Or nearly free, thanks to such initiatives as Miami Attraction & Museum Months, Miami Entertainment Months and Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months. Miami has a fascinating history, and an equally enticing present. Art and culture can be found at every turn, and local galleries, exhibits and tours are available to show you the ins and outs. Check out art deco architecture (including the famous Versace Mansion) during an immersive walk around Miami Beach’s historic district, via the Miami Design Preservation League; or, take a look at stylish-and-functional outdoor public art (not to mention, top-shelf designer duds) throughout the Design District by accessing a free guided tour. Among the city’s can’t-miss museums and galleries: Artechouse for a playful Pantone experience; Frost Science Museum for level upon level of sea life, space, dinos and more; Pérez Art Museum to walk through both Yayoi Kusama’s kaleidoscopic Love is Calling infinity mirror room and Leandro Erlich’s mind-bending hair salon, classroom and laundry room; the Rubell for one of the finest private art collections we’ve seen (including two more Kusama infinity rooms to try); and, across the street, Superblue, where a trippy and touching time awaits.

Beauty bargains: No need to drop a bundle on beauty. During Miami Spa Months (July and August), top spas in this health-conscious city put together amazing offers (up to half off) on their top treatments. At Eden Roc’s massive (22,000-square-foot) Esencia Wellness Spa, we enjoyed a 50-minute Ignite Your Senses full-body Swedish massage—soothing and indulgent, it left us feeling soothed and relaxed, mind, body and spirit.