Why Hibernate When You Can Migrate?
Escape the snow and head to Florida for some heat before winter gets the best of you. Grab a pick me up and check out some of my favourite spots from my recent trip down south.
THE FREEHAND HOTEL
Hotel Type: Hostel and Hangout Spot
Cost: $
*includes complimentary breakfast, day bar & pool, lounge area & bar games.
*enjoy lunch & dinner @ the hotels local restaurant THE BROKEN SHAKER
There's no better way to travel than with your friends and the Freehand Hotel couldn't have made for a better meeting spot.
With a colourful cuban aesthetic, cool music covers, and locals all over, we couldn't have been happier in the space. There's nothing better than immersing yourself in culture when in another city and we were lucky enough to be right in the middle of it... plus its like half the price of your typical W or Loews (without a bunch of other tourists too lol). So hang out by the pool during the day and meet locals and by-passers throughout the night. This hostel type hotel offers just about anything for the avid traveller! Stay in a chic bungalow apartment for the posh or a super 8 shared room for the backpacker; Whether you're travelling alone or with the crew, the Freehand's got the perfect room for you.
THE BROKEN SHAKER @ THE FREEHAND
The Broken Shaker, the restaurant attached to the Freehand Hotel and probably the food you're ordering from the pool (unless Uber Eats is your go-to) - this jazzed up beach bar serves items like Artichoke Fries, Falafel Sliders, Sesame Cold Noodles and more. Escape to one of the coolest backyards in Miami and enjoy with a drink in one hand and burger in the other.... or do it on a floaty like I did... either way ;)
THE SOHO HOUSE *MIAMI
Type: Hotel and Day Resort
Cost: $$$ (membership only)
Boujie is an understatement when it comes to the Soho House, expect nothing but the best..
Guests have access to the club's bars, restaurants, cowshed spa, screening room and rooftop pool with DJ and more.
With aztec aesthetics, health kicked food and a stand up view, it's the perfect place for some R&R (and if you have the balls you can do some networking too). Lay on pool cabana's, take a walk by the beach and order food & drink without having to move from your seat.
Enjoy the luxury of Miami's Soho House & find out how you can become a member here
BOCA BEACH RESORT
Type: Hotel & Day Resort
Cost: $$$
Enjoy this oceanfront property and immerse yourself in absolute relaxation when staying at the Boca Beach Resort.
Whether you've come for the day or planning to stay a few nights, you definitely won't run out of things to do. Ride waves at Surf Boca, splash into a choice of sparkling pools or relax on half a mile of private beach. As a member, enjoy full access to endless activities at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, including the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa.
COCO BAMBU
Restaurant Type: Seafood / Dinner
Cost: $$$
Recommendations: Whole Lobster sharing plate, Lobster Crispy Pastry & Beer Shrimp.
Looking for more of an upscale dinner experience where the food actually meets its prices? Head over to South Beaches brand new Coco Bambu. A Brazilian seafood styled restaurant, where the drinks are stiff and the food is rich! About six of us enjoyed dinner in the newly built restaurant! 4 hours flew by without even knowing it! Ordering a number of delicious sharing plates, recommended by our server... we couldn't have picked out better dishes for ourselves. The fish was cooked to perfection , spices blended impeccably and lobster still tasted of the ocean. If you're looking for a unique seafood experience while in Miami, this is definitely a place to check out. Thanks to the staff at Coco Bambu for the unforgettable experience!
KAPOW
Restaurant Type: Asian Fusion / Lunch-Dinner
Cost: $
Recommendations: Wok-Charred Edamame, Ahi Tuna Poke Gyoza Tacos, Kapow! Crack Fries, Thai Donuts.
Drinks: Garden Variety, Blueberry Lavender Mojito & Wanderlust
Want good, cheap, fusion? Hit up Kapow Noodle Bar! I was surprisingly pleased with my experience in the little restaurant off of Mizner Park. The menu is wide, creative and definitely not JUST noodles.
With dishes like the Gyoza Tacos, Dim Sum, Kapow Crack fries and so much more, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied. And don't even get me started with the drinks! Cocktails like Hot Night in Bangkok & Mexican in a Bush, you'll be laughing harder with every order.
The staff was so nice here and really made our dinning experience a treat. Providing the perfect recommendations, great conversation and even sending us home with free dishes... I couldn't have asked for a more genuine evening.
ROCCO'S TACO'S
Restaurant Type: Mexican
Cost: $$
Rcommendations: Molcajetes (surf & turf), Guacamole, Carne Asada Tacos.
When in Rome.. am I right? Ok, Florida might be no Mexico but it's close enough... and if you're craving Taco's stop by Rocco's. The restaurant celebrates Mexico's vibrate culture with colourful art deco and spices hand picked from the South American country. Prepare for a treat, with the authentic flavours of Rocco’s Tacos. Whether you’re looking for a tasty lunch or late night fun, you’ll find it here. I don't know what's better... the guacamole made table side or the variety of 425 types of tequila.