For as long as I can remember I have had an obsession with Miami. In my mind, it seems like the perfect city: While it is known for its endless choices that promise to excite all of the senses, it is also known for being one of the best destinations to seek complete relaxation. On top of all of that it is an intoxicating blend of North and South American cultures where Spanglish is the language of choice. I knew my Argentinean husband, Lucas, was going to share my love for it too, which is why I thought it was the best place to celebrate his Birthday this year. And the icing on the cake was that our dear friends Andrea and John of Inspiring Travellers were going to honor us with their presence (the last time we had seen them was over two years ago during our wedding in Buenos Aires).
Whether it is Miami’s vices or virtues that are enticing you there, South Beach is the place for you to either go all out, chill out, or both. We chose to stay at Lowes Miami Beach Hotel, since it is in the heart of the city. The beachfront property is a fusion of cosmopolitan and Art Deco influences — a common theme found throughout Miami.
While the ocean was definitely calling our names, we did not have enough time for a swim before dinner, so we met our friends for some welcome drinks in the hotel’s bar.
We dined at The Forge Restaurant for Lucas’ Birthday dinner, because we all agreed that we wanted to spoil Lucas and it is arguably one of the best restaurants in Miami. Our talented wedding photographer and friend Kyle of Kyle Hepp also joined us at the last minute. My meal there was unforgettable for three reasons: 1) the food was beyond sensational, 2) I loved the company, and 3) it is where I began to fall out of love with this magical city. Unbeknownst to any of us, a 20% gratuity tax is now automatically added on to all food and beverage purchases. Do not get me wrong, when I have excellent service I tip generously. However, our service at The Forge and subsequently most of the service we received during the rest of the trip was disappointing to say the least and it really upset me that I was forced to reward bad behavior. After dinner we met up with more friends; one being the lovely Alex of Alex In Wanderland at the popular nightclub Hyde Beach.
The following day the four of us were generously given a private SOAK cabana at Lowes. Each cabana features: butler service, full bathroom with shower, climate control, plush indoor and outdoor seating, safe deposit box, sun deck, soft seating, flat screen TV, I-pod home station, I-Pad, and mini-bar. They can fit up to six people comfortably and if you are looking to splurge while in Miami this is the ultimate in luxury.
One of my travel icon’s, (yet another) Andrea, who frequents Miami often, recommended that we try Ola for dinner one evening. The restaurant specializes in Latin American cuisine and was definitely a highlight of our trip. I am still thinking about the delicious empanadas weeks later!
We love Miami, too. And we have stayed at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. My husband really loves the pool there. It looks like they have done some renovations recently. It looks really nice! Will have to try Ola next time I’m in Miami.
I would have liked the pool if there had been about 200 less screaming children and drunk college kids haha! It was WAY too crowded for me. The cabanas were lovely though. Definitely try Ola it was delicious!!!
How wonderful to celebrate your man’s birthday in such a gorgeous place with such wonderful people!!! Happy Birthday to Lucas and much love to you. 🙂
What a lovely comment, thank you sweetheart!!! Despite the lousy service I still had the best time being with Lucas and our dear friends.
I shouldn’t have read this post hungry! Would love to visit Miami one day, although I’m not too keen on that automatic 20% gratuity tax. Although for someone who is not used to tipping, it does make your life easier not wondering how much to tip each time. 🙂
Hahaha sorry I should always warn my readers about food posts I think! Well, the servers we talked to claim that Latins don’t know how to tip and so since there are so many Latins in Miami they had to change the law. I think that’s incredibly insulting to Latins that they aren’t smart enough to add a tap, but I’m not a lawmaker so I guess my opinion is irrelevant. 20% is supposed to be be for AMAZING service and unfortunately I never once encountered that. 🙁
Yeah I agree, I can’t think of many occasions I have left 20% tip when traveling. There has been a few places but it is just wrong that you need to automatically do it. And Latins don’t know how to tip?? Interesting…. 🙂
I’m glad you agree! I think it’s wrong too unless I’m guaranteed AMAZING service.
I really, really don’t like when gratuities are automatically included. I think I’m a pretty good tipper and I’ll gladly do it when I feel the service warrants it but to have it predetermined for me puts me off.
In any case, all of that sun looks incredible and so happy you were reunited with the Spirovs!
Yay, I’m so happy that you feel the same way!!! I don’t want to come off sounding arrogant or snotty, because my husband is a server and I completely respect the profession and I absolutely think they should be tipped, but tipped only when they have done a good job. Heck I would have taken decent job! Most servers we encountered though were just plain rude to us and obviously had zero desire to be doing their job. It really put a sour taste in our mouths.
Reuniting with the Spirovs was AMAZING!!!!!!!! <3
Ahhhhh – I wish we could go back and do it all over again tomorrow, haha. As many little annoyances as there were we still had the BEST time with you and L. Such a fab setting for it too. Fab food, amazing company and plenty of stories to cherish. Where to next? xx
I know I feel the SAME way!!! Totally had the best time! We absolutely need to plan another couples getaway. Miss you!!!!!! XO
I’m completely obsessed with Miami too. I could live there – no problem and I don’t feel that way about many places besides NYC. And you both looked like you did it up! The hotel looks amazing.
Haha that’s how I feel to: either NYC or MIA! <3
I’ve only taken a day trip to Miami but I’d love to get back and enjoy the beaches and restaurants. That hotel looks wonderful!
You must return! But make sure to save before you do. Miami is outrageously expensive these days!!!
oh wao!!! so fun!! I love South beach! So much to do and so many fun places to hang out. Glad you are having good weather.
Yes, one could never ever be board in South Beach!!!
Wow, great photos and interesting. Sorry to hear the service was disappointing. I usually tip generously too but I hate having my hand forced. You definitely know how to live Miami up in Style. I have only been to Miami once and this makes me want to visit again.
Thanks a million! Yeah, it sucks being forced. Someone commented on FB though that you can actually demand it be taken off, which I didn’t know. I’m glad that you want to visit Miami again after reading my post. Yay!
OMG these photos are AMAZING. I totally want to go there. like now!
Awww thank you so much dear!!! 🙂
Looks like quite the birthday extravaganza. Right down to the food that just made me hungry (thanks for that one) Love your site! Congrats on your success.
Awww thank you so much, I’m so touched!!!
Wow, looks like an amazing trip!
Yes, it definitely was minus the service issues!
It’s definitely hard to beat Miami. And I applaud your hotel choice…the Loews is quintessential South Beach!
Thanks!!! 🙂
Miami looks so bright and colorful, and I can’t stop drooling over your photos of the food. I’m hoping to make it down there this winter and this post is definitely helping to motivate that!
I hope you can make it there! It’s a great getaway in the winter!!! One thing Miami is is definitely colorful! 🙂
Wow, your photographs are spectacular and some looks yummy. Sounds like a wonderful place to celebrate a birthday. such a lot enjoyable moments and a memorable day for your lifetime.
Thank you so much! We definitely will never forget this trip!!!
That hotel looks stunning! And I could definitely use that cocktail with the watermelon in it right about now! 🙂
I could go for several of those watermelon drinks right now haha! It was SO good!!! 🙂
Pingback: Miami, Florida: Day 3 | My Beautiful Adventures
That watermelon w the drink is dangerous hahaha. J/k looks amazing!!! I miss miami! The service is always added bc tourist never tip. However I think it should b 15% for a forced tip not 20%. if the service is good then you would add more.
Yes definitely dangerous! I would be okay with a 10% enforced tax. 15% is still too much in my opinion unless the service is amazing!
That food was soooooooo good!!! And it was amazing to see you! The evil waiter could not spoil our night 🙂
No he couldn’t that bastard muahaha! Was great to see you as well, shame it was only for a couple of hours. 🙁
I love Spanglish. That and portuniol are my very favourite mixed languages.
The food looks AMAZING!!! I would love one of those empanadas.
Sorry the service was crap – I also hate this surprise of automatic gratuities… especially when it is not deserved!
x
Isn’t Spanglish the best? You should hear my husband and I, we’ve almost created a new language I think! 🙂 The empanadas were AMAZING!!!!
All those tropical cocktails look so good. Wish we could have joined you guys!
You have no idea how badly we wished you could have been there!!!
Hi Andi,
Those photos are simply stunning. Looks like you had an amazing time!!
Helen xx
Awww thank you so much!!! Yes, definitely had a great time seeing my friends! XO
Thanks for having me at the cabana! <3 But seriously, two travel bloggers and not one photo together…. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!
OMG you’re sooo welcome! What a surprise that we were in Miami at the same time. I still can’t believe it. And yeah, how silly that we didn’t get one pic together. Boo!!!!