Mandarin Oriental, Miami – Florida

 

Destination – Miami

The city is sophisticated and sexy; featuring its famed nightlife, beaches, fashion, lots of Latin culture, and globally influenced food. With plenty of upscale shopping, luxury properties, and many hot new restaurants, Miami has a lot to offer for both its local residents and the traveler.

While this bustling city might have a reputation for its wild and crazy side with a Latin beat, we saw another side to this very popular international destination. Not far from the late-night clubs and hectic streets of South Beach is the small gated island of Brickell Key, one of the most unique paradise island communities in the world. Primarily residential with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, Brickell Key is just minutes from the heartbeat of Miami’s major activities and attractions.

 

 Where to Stay

The award-winning Forbes Five-Star (2015) Mandarin Oriental, Miami is a modern Asian inspired luxury property situated on the southern point of Brickell Key. The spacious and elegant lobby with floor to ceiling windows provides a dramatic view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Gracious service, a part of Mandarin-Oriental, Miami’s experience, begins with a traditional greeting and bow, with palms together at chest height, from the front desk staff and continues with arrival to your room with a personalized welcome on the flat screen television.

 

What makes it special

Just outside the hotel property are numerous walking paths along the waterfront and Miami River on this scenic 44-acre man-made island. There is a beautiful infinity pool and private white sand beach club along the bay. The resort atmosphere is particularly relaxing as the breeze blows in over the bay and the palm trees provide shade from the hot afternoon sun. There’s a sense that you’re in the Caribbean, but the beautiful Miami skyline reminds you that the shopping and nightlife are just a bridge away.

Our suite was airy and bright featuring a unique design of art deco combined with Oriental sophistication.  The muted tones and calming atmosphere of the room felt much like a spa experience.  Overlooking the city and the bay, the morning sunrise reflected off the Miami skyline creating a breathtaking view of the city while the evening sunset provided a truly romantic setting.  It was the night lights that created such a warm and comforting feeling that made it difficult to leave the comforts of our room.

 

Time to relax

I did take time to visit Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s spa.  One of just four Forbes Five-Star awarded spas (2015) in the state of Florida, the 15,000 square-foot tri-level spa offers treatments inspired by ancient techniques, enhanced by modern philosophies from around the world. In addition to the private treatment rooms, guests can have the ultimate spa experience in the spa’s suites, some of which are two-level and feature personal jet tubs, perfect for a couple’s massage. All of the suites have views of Biscayne Bay. The spa also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, steam rooms, and private cabanas for outdoor massages.

 

Acclaimed Dining

While there are many great restaurants in Miami, we decided there was no need to leave the property when it came to dining. Azul, the contemporary modern American and Asian inspired concept under Chef Benjamin Murray, is an award-winning restaurant with a Forbes Five-Star rating (2015). This intimate and elegant restaurant has an open kitchen, an extensive world-class wine list, and beautiful views of the bay.

For a more casual evening, we chose to have dinner at one of the most talked about dining experiences in Miami, La Mar. Featuring the highly acclaimed Peruvian cuisine of Gaston Acurio of Peru and Chef Diego Oka, who has worked alongside Chef Acurio for many years, Oka combines his Japanese and Peruvian heritage and travels the world to create an exciting menu with unique and diverse flavors and dishes. There will be more about this evening and Chef Oka in a future article.

After dinner we spent time at the property’s MO Bar + Lounge. This recently redesigned space offers spectacular views of the Miami skyline and the bay. The bar menu features expertly crafted classic and specialty cocktails and small bites.

Reasons to return

Our time spent at Mandarin Oriental, Miami was completely relaxing following our cruise to the Caribbean. It was the perfect way to transition before heading home.   Just minutes from the nightlife and excitement of Miami, we found ourselves totally embraced in a soothing and calming environment with Asian inspired elegance.  The resort atmosphere offers a complete travel experience from the pool area and spa to the restaurants.  There’s no reason to leave this beautiful property, especially for a weekend or brief stay.

For a complete luxury experience with attentive and gracious service, top-notch amenities, outstanding dining, an award-winning, spa, and extraordinary views all within minutes of one of the most exciting cities in the country, Mandarin Oriental, Miami is a perfect destination for the sophisticated traveler.

 

The Cocktail Hour

Bar Manager of MO Bar + Lounge, Steve Minor, has shared a recipe for one of the bar’s signature summer cocktails, a Southern Swizzle. Featuring one of the South’s most beloved ingredients, the peach, it’s a refreshing cocktail for summertime entertaining.  The sweetness of the peach liqueur and nectar is offset by the spicy ginger beer; it’s a wonderful pairing of flavors.

Disclosure – Mandarin Oriental, Miami provided a media package for our stay.  We have not been compensated for this article and the opinions expressed regarding our experience are our own.

* Note – These photos are courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Miami.

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