This article appeared in the July Issue of Up and Away Magazine It is reprinted here with permission. Photographs Couurtsey of The Seati, Lona Cocina Tequileria, Rusty Pelican, Biltmore Hotel. Click here to see the original version: Up and Away.
When the allure of tropical breezes and sapphire-hued waters beckon, the sexy and vibrant cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale answer the call. Both Floridian gems are playgrounds for romantic escapists, and gastronomes who seek the exquisite combination of luxury and sultry ambiance. Here are some of the sexiest hotels and restaurants these cities have to offer.
Miami, Where the Heat is On
In the heart of Miami's pulsating vibe, breathtaking architecture and ocean views meld seamlessly with sophisticated hospitality.
Offering an oasis of tranquility amidst the vibrancy of South Beach, The Setai is a vision of Art Deco elegance and Asian design. Its serene courtyard with towering palm trees and three infinity pools create the ambience of a seductive retreat. For an exquisite romantic experience enjoy an ocean dinner at their Pan-Asian Restaurant Jaya. If luxurious serenity is your romantic vibe, another getaway option would be The Four Seasons at The Surf Club or the St. Regis Bal Harbor. Don’t miss The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller, where the dining experiences combine nostalgic glamour with a contemporary American menu in an elegant oceanfront setting.
Speaking of sexy, Miami Beach Edition is an embodiment of Miami's playful spirit, offering an exclusive and high-end hospitality experience that combines the classic charm of the historic 1950s Miami with modern sophistication. This beachfront property features lavish accommodations, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Miami skyline. The resort is on a gorgeous slice of beachfront with lively resort style swimming pools and multiple stylish dining venues. These include Matador a restaurant by the acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. All these amenities provide guests have a variety of entertainment and culinary options without ever needing to leave the comfort of the hotel.
The SLS South Beach Hotel is a vibrant and sexy hotspot located in the heart of Miami's most iconic beach destination, wowing guests with its avant-garde design by Philippe Starck and exuberant art centric atmosphere. Guests can indulge in culinary excellence at on-site restaurant, Katsuya combining exquisite Japanese cuisine with a sleek and contemporary ambiance. With direct beach access and a luxuriously tempting pool scene complete with cabanas, the SLS South Beach ensures every moment of your stay is infused with glamour, fun, and unforgettable Miami flair. Another sexy, art centric hotel is the Arlo Hotel in the Wynwood Arts District where you can view amazing street art from your balcony or while enjoying a cocktail at the roof top pool bar.
The Faena Hotel Miami Beach dazzles with its opulent design, boasting interiors by film director Baz Luhrmann and his costume designer wife, Catherine Martin. This oceanfront property is celebrated for its plush rooms with sweeping ocean views. The hotel's crowning jewel is the Tierra Santa Healing House, an expansive spa that combines age old healing rituals with contemporary wellness therapies, ensuring every guest departs feeling rejuvenated and pampered in the utmost style. If opulent European design is your hotel love language, you may also enjoy a stay at Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles.
Prefer a bit of history with your romance, The Betsy in South Beach or The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables are the places to stay. The Betsy Hotel, located in the heart of South Beach, Miami, is a colonial gem with a rich history that dates back to 1942. You will find a blending of classic elegance with boutique intimacy from its Art Deco facade, inviting atrium, to its rooftop pool that offers breathtaking views.
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables stands as a national historic landmark, distinguished by its majestic Italianate architecture, opulent rooms, and a legendary pool, one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the continental United States. The hotel is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a world class golf course, telling a story of grandeur and luxury from the roaring twenties.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to Southeast Florida
Logistics:
There are 3 airports that service Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach: Uber and Taxis are available. Tri Rail and Brightline trains service Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airports. Private and Multiple Passenger Transfers are available from all three airports: ☆Transportation Service Miami Hotel - Miami International Airport
Advanced Tickets for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
Save on entry fees: If you plan on visiting multiple museums or attractions, it is more economical to purchase a Miami Sightseeing Pass to save money, you can buy this pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.
Top-rated Southeast Florida Tours and Experiences:
☆Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour (one of my favorite Southeast Florida experience)
☆Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour (great for foodies)
☆Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour (perfect for art lovers)
☆Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale (essential to avoid lines)
☆1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury, Miami)
☆Yotel (Budget Friendly, Miami)
☆Hollywood Beachside Boutique (Budget Friendly, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The Pillars Hotel (Luxury, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The White Elephant (Luxury, Palm Beach)
☆The Canopy (Budget Friendly, West Palm Beach)
☆Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas (Amazing Tropical Vibe, Delray Beach)
My favorite Guidebook for Florida: DK Eyewitness Florida
My favorite Novel about Southeast Florida: The Last Train to Key West
Don’t forget to pack: Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing Sun Screen Comfortable Walking Shoes **My Favorite Packable Hat.
Sizzle and Savory, Exploring Miami's Sexiest Eateries
If your date night dream is a decadent meal with flawless service, Miami’s culinary landscape shines with the seductive allure of Michelin-starred restaurants. Hiden, an intimate omakase style Michelin starred Japanese spot tantalizes your palate and your heart with its exclusive, speakeasy like, ambiance and innovative flavor combinations while creating a discreet and sensuous dining journey that's as mysterious as it is delectable. Hiden is a must visit for epicureans seeking a sultry taste of Miami's fine dining scene.
Boia De, in Miami's trendy Buena Vista neighborhood, is a charming and stylish little nook of a Michelin starred restaurant that has quickly garnered acclaim for its inventive Italian-inflected dishes. Its chic yet whimsical décor and an intimate, buzzing atmosphere captures the essence of Miami's dynamic dining scene. Don’t miss the beef tartare starter.
COTE Miami, situated in the heart of the stylish Miami Design District, is a Michelin starred Korean steakhouse that pampers the palate with a harmonious blend of classic American steakhouse charm and the table side theatrics of Korean barbecue, all set within a sleek, space that radiates sophistication and culinary prowess.
If candle lit, gardens dotted with intimate tables for two speaks to your romantic soul, the Michelin mentioned Mandolin Aegan Bistro will delight you with its atmosphere and superb Mediterranean cuisine. Another garden restaurant oozing with romantic charm is Casa Tua in the heart of the Art Deco district of Miami, Beach. It’s imitate dining tables are hidden behind seven foot, verdant hedges.
Panoramic views and sparkling city lights, set the stage for passion at these three Miami restaurants. Klaw, set in the bustling Edgewater neighborhood of Miami, is an upscale seafood and steak establishment that offers a stunning rooftop dining experience. Patrons can indulge in a sumptuous selection of the freshest oceanic fare and prime cuts, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay.
Also in the Edgewood neighborhood is Amara at Paraiso, perched on the shores of Biscayne Bay. This waterfront retreat offers contemporary Latin influenced cuisine. Their menu delivers a fusion of bold flavors enhanced by the tropical backdrop and panoramic views of the Miami skyline.
The Rusty Pelican, located on the edge of Key Biscayne, is an iconic dining destination known for its fresh seafood, modern American cuisine, and breathtaking views of Miami's skyline. They offer a waterfront escape where guests can savor gourmet dishes while immersed in the serene beauty of a Miami sunset. If you are a fan of octopus, try their light and succulent grilled octopus.
Fort Lauderdale, The Venice of America
Fort Lauderdale, with its intricate canal system and laid-back sophistication, is the quieter yet equally alluring cousin of Miami. Fort Lauderdale beckons you with intimate and luxurious havens designed to ignite the senses and inspire romance. These hotels will tantalizing you with enchanting design, exclusive amenities, and breathtaking vistas.
An anchor of luxury, standing proud on the Fort Lauderdale Beach is the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. This hotel combines refined sophistication with beachside charm. Guest are welcomed with sumptuously appointed all-suite accommodations, a 20,000 square foot Sky Deck complete with a shimmering swimming pool, and unobstructed ocean views. Spinnaker’s, the hotel's rooftop bar buzzes with an intimate atmosphere both day & night. It perfect for a nightcap under the stars after a day in the sun.
Other vibrant beachfront hotels in that offer a luxurious romantic vibe include B Ocean Resort, with its famous Wreck Bar, Pelican Grande Beach Hotel where you can spend an afternoon floating in their lazy river, or Lago Mar which offers guests the largest private beach in Fort Lauderdale.
Plunge Beach Resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea infuses an irresistible, sexy vibe into the classic beach vacation. It delights guests as they step into a lobby that doubles as an art exhibit, where vibrant colors and bold pieces reflect the spirited character of the surrounding beach life. Each meticulously curated piece of art complements the resort's chic, inviting decor. Visitors immerse themselves in a world where contemporary design meets seaside serenity. The harmonious blend of aesthetic allure and casual elegance makes the Plunge Beach Resort's lobby a dynamic gallery that ignites the senses and sets a lighthearted, playful tone for an unforgettable romantic getaway.
The Pillars Hotel in Fort Lauderdale is an exclusive haven of elegance, where intimate ambiance and personalized service blend to create a uniquely sophisticated experience. From every corner exudes a chic and sexy charm. In the heart of a tranquil intercoastal neighborhood, this hidden gem offers a luxurious escape, boasting a stunning collection of rooms that harmonize classic refinement with modern flair. The sultry mood is palpable as guests bask in the serene glow of sunset at the private poolside, surrounded by lush tropical gardens that whisper the tales of old Florida with a flirtatious, contemporary twist. Another option for quiet, intracoastal views is Villa Venezia, which is walking distance to the restaurants and nightlife of Las Olas Blvd. Both properties allow you sip a cocktail and watch the mega yachts Fort Lauderdale is famous for.
The Dalmar Hotel epitomizes urban sexiness, soaring as a modern beacon of style with its sleek design and avant-garde flair that captivates the essence of Floridian chic. From its rooftop oasis, guests can sip artisan cocktails by the pool, all the while taking in the breathtaking skyline views that blends the city's pulsating energy with a dash of tropical tranquility. Inside, each space is a celebration of sophistication and playful elegance, brought to life through bold art installations and cutting-edge design, promising a getaway that dances to the beat of relaxed, luxurious romance.
Fort Lauderdale's Allure, Top Picks for Enchanting and Sexy Dining Hotspots
Steak 954 is a culinary treasure that marries the sultry ambiance of its chic decor with the indulgent pleasure of prime cuts and freshly caught seafood. The restaurant's alluring atmosphere is accentuated by a mesmerizing jellyfish aquarium, casting a soft, entrancing glow that complements the sizzle of expertly prepared steaks and the pop of fine wine bottles. Another option for meat lovers in Fort Lauderdale Is Chima Steakhouse, an upscale, sexy Brazilian Steakhouse experience.
If you are looking for a spicy, oceanfront meal, dine at Lona Cocina Tequileria. Perched on the edge of sun-kissed sands, this restaurant offers a seductive twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. With its vibrant atmosphere and a tantalizing menu it ignites the palate and soul. Diners feast on sumptuous dishes, like lump crabmeat topped guacamole and innovative cocktails, like the passion picante margarita, under a canopy of chic, rustic décor. At Lona Cocina Tequileria the ocean breeze and pulsating Latin flavors blend seamlessly, crafting an irresistibly sexy dining experience that's as spirited as it is refined. Another romantic oceanfront dining experience can be found at the historic Casablanca Cafe.
At the heart of Fort Lauderdale's picturesque intracoastal waterways, the Boathouse sets the stage for a romantic rendezvous where the gentle ebb and flow of the water harmonizes with exquisite dining. Guests at Kaluz are treated to an elegant culinary journey, where each dish is served with a scenic backdrop of yachts gliding by, and sunsets painting the sky in warm hues. The ambiance at both the Boathouse and Kaluz whispers of love and luxury, with softly-lit dining areas that offer a peaceful retreat for couples to connect over a sumptuous meal. This intracoastal dining experience is a symphony of flavors and sights, creating an atmosphere that's not just about the food, but about creating lasting memories in the embrace of the tranquil waterway.
In the enchanting enclave of Wine + Garden one block off of Fort Lauderdale beach, lovers find themselves enveloped by the romance of al fresco dining amidst lush greenery and twinkling lights, creating a secret garden ambiance perfect for an intimate evening. The clink of fine wine glasses accompanies the symphony of nature, as the venue's curated selection of vintages complements a menu of charcuterie boards and grilled delights created with the freshest local ingredients.
Across town, Holly Blue charms with its chic garden setting, where the allure of modern gastronomy is served under a canopy of stars, offering a tranquil escape from the ordinary. Each dish is a celebration of flavor, enjoyed amidst the rustling of leaves and the soft glow of ambient lighting, making every meal at Wine + Garden and Holly Blue a page out of a romantic fairytale set.
Whether you're sipping sunset lit cocktails by a rooftop infinity pool, indulging in a fabulous dining tableau with the ocean as your backdrop, or enjoying a serene massage in a lavish spa, these Miami and Fort Lauderdale establishments welcome you to a world where every sense is delighted and every stay feels like an encounter with love.
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