I recently got the chance to spend a weekend in Miami Beach, Florida. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I got was a whole lot of relaxation, sunshine, hand-crafted cocktails, and space to reflect. I dabbled in some spa treatments, floated in a number of pools, and treated myself to some fine dining. A lot of folks who don’t know better think of Miami as a party city, but I’m here to tell you it’s a great place to breathe, recenter, and unwind.

Note: Jessica was a guest of Nobu Eden Roc Hotel, Miami Beach.

1

Two hotels, one beach front location

Treat yo’ self to a stay at Nobu Eden Roc Hotel Miami Beach. Located in the center of Miami Beach, on the famous Collins Avenue and just across from Millionaire's Row, this is the place to stay if you’re feeling a little extra when planning your next getaway. Both hotels - Nobu and Eden Roc - have atmospheres that are nothing less than luxurious. Eden Roc has a modern, Miami chic style. Nobu has elegance and tranquility with this cool japanese-miami fusion to it. If you can, splurge.

2

Get lost at the spa

I could not pass up the opportunity to zen-out at the Spa Eden Roc. First of all, let me take a moment and tell you to slow down and enjoy the enchanted opportunies you meet along the way to your spa experience. Take time to get to know the scrub bar, cold plunges, sauna, steam rooms, and the relaxation salon. This is all just leading up to spa staples like facials and massages. If you’re going to do it, go all in.

3

Swim by the ocean

Take a dip in one of three pools at Nobu Eden Roc. Soon, Nobu will have a 4th pool, on the rooftop of the Malibu Farm restaurant.

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4

Brunch it up at Malibu Farm

What started with roots as a popular farm-to-table concept by Chef Helene Henderson on a pier in Malibu, California will now become a two-fold oceanside restaurant and cafe called Malibu Farm at the Nobu Eden Roc Hotel. This location will be the first east coast outpost for Chef Helene Henderson, and brunch slays with items like sweet corn pancakes, acai bowls, and coconut blackberry baked french toast. This place will be open for lunch and dinner, but I brunched it up hard at Splash (the hotel‘s poolside restaurant, that is currently previewing the Malibu Farm menu) and have no regrets. Malibu Farm will be open in 2018!

5

Grab a drink from Malibu Farm while drifting away in the pool

Head back to the pool and grab one of their epic cocktails from the Splash Poolside Restaurant. These drinks are perfection in a glass. I opted for fresh watermelon juice and lime with cucumber infused vodka and organic agave, topped off with a slice of watermelon and cucumber. My runner up choice was the coconut cocktail, Malibu Farm’s take on a pina colada with their own coconut puree, agave, and fresh pineapple juice with rum, garnished with coconut shavings and lime zest. Mmmm.

6

Be amazed by Wynwood Walls

Take some time to dive into some of Miami’s culture by visiting this “Museum of the Streets.” The drive from Miami Beach to the Wynwood district is totally worth it. These walls showcase artwork from over 50 of the world’s best artists representing 16 countries around the world.

7

Grab some grub at Wynwood Yard

This permanent food-truck lot is only a short walk away from Wynwood Walls. This is a place where aspiring local entrepreneurs have the chance to test out their menus. If you don’t know which food truck to start with, try The House of Mac which, of course, is famous for their mac and cheese. If you want to feed your inner carnivore, Brazilian Fire is like a churrascaria on wheels. Or try some Caribbean street food at Food Dude. If you’re just in the mood for something sweet, check out Mr. Bing, the shaved ice cream truck. Wynwood Yard is also a great place to catch some live music or participate in other events like Yoga at the Yard, pilate classes, and creative workshops for kids.

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8

Take a tour through a local craft brewery

While you’re out and about in Wynwood, find time to tour at least one of the local craft breweries. One brewery on your checklist must be J. Wakefield Brewing, a brewery and taproom for the nerds with great taste. The walls, indoor and out, are covered with murals of Star Wars characters. Each fermentation tank in the brewery is named after different planets from Star Wars. Food Trucks set up camp each day at the brewery.

9

Have an unforgettable dinner at Nobu Restaurant

Pinkies up, because this is one of the hottest places to dine in Miami. Get treated by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa who brings his classically-trained experience of preparing Japanese-fusion dishes to your plate. Four words: Wagyu Hot Stone Dish. This is definitely a foodie bucket list item.

10

Hit the beach!

You'd think this is super obvious but sometimes it's easy to get caught up in everything else. Something about sand, sun, and crashing waves really melts any worries away.

11

Watch the sunrise

At least one time, crawl out of bed at dawn and go watch the sun come up. Miami faces east and nothing's in the way: just you and the start of a new day. It will give you perspective, mindfulness, and the beach will be all yours, too.

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