Looking for the perfect family getaway sure to please your troop this fall/winter season? Loews Miami South Beach has you covered!
In search of a break from the hustle and bustle of being a new mom in NYC, my husband, 1-year old daughter Felicity and I ventured to South Beach Miami Florida in search of some old-fashioned rest and relaxation. From the moment we pulled up to the palm tree-decored hotel, the entire staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a vacation we would never forget.
Nestled right in the middle of South Beach’s vibrant Art Deco District, the renowned oceanfront resort just received a whopping $50 million makeover that easily sets this serene property ahead of its competitors. Home to an impressive collection of art, sculptures and murals each piece brings the glamour of South Beach from the lobby to the guest rooms.
Once settled, we took in the picturesque view from our balcony. Postcard worthy indeed! The sounds of the ocean instantly soothed us and called us to enjoy the island-like weather. Excited to find something to eat at one of the hotels many hot spots, we were surprised by a knock at our door, a ‘Welcome Mojito Bar‘ with all the fixings! Complete with bar snacks, finger foods and a chocolate cigar, the perfect ‘Welcome 2 Miami’ for an exhausted mom who spent a night in the airport with a toddler. A few moments later there was another surprise at the door—a welcome platter for Felicity—complete with stuffed animals, chocolate covered Oreos and a milk chocolate sculpture that read ‘Welcome Baby Felicity’. Loews Miami really loves the kids—and parents too. Labeling their youngest VIP guests, VIK’s—Very Important Kids, all measurements are taken to make young travelers feel special. From books, video games to customized food menus and the futuristic SOBE Kids Club, smaller traveling buddies are never left out of the fun.
After chowing down on our welcome gifts we went to explore the grounds of the hotel, its rich architectural history of the neighborhood and its cultural diversity. Felicity took a liking to several pieces obviously showing her newfound love for art. Deciding to stroll the surrounding area, we discovered everything was in walking distance. Deli’s, shopping and tourist attractions for the family. We returned to the room to wind down and after enjoying our beverages we collapsed on the King-sized cloud-like bed for some much needed rest.
The next morning I was able to sneak away for a meditation session overlooking the ocean. Best way to start a full day ahead. The attached spa served as a quiet moment to relax and shower in total peace. Next up, we visited the state-of-the-art SOBE Kids Club. Upon entering the real-life fun house, all three of us were intrigued by the indoor lifeguard hut. A well-stocked arts and crafts area, huge TV area, iPad station and more all designed to ensure kids of all ages find something to keep them entertained. The fish tank, mini-slide and reading nook were some of the highlights of my daughter’s trip. SOBE Kids Club also offers outdoor adventures, scavenger hunts, pizza making classes and treasure dives to keep your little ones busy. Felicity was delighted and this was easily one of her favorite places on earth!
Following her exploration of every nook and cranny of the kids club, Felicity fell fast asleep and took over our comfy king-sized bed. Now was the perfect time for me to luxuriate at the steam and sauna rooms at Exhale Spa in the adjacent tower. The clean smell of Eucalyptus drew me into the heated jacuzzi. I ended my relaxation session in the spa’s serene lounge with a heated neck pillow and a glass of chamomile tea. Delightful. We ordered room service and enjoyed a night in watching movies and listening to the waves crash in the ocean.
The next day was my birthday and we decided to kickback at the pool area. Hubby surprised me with a bottle of champagne, fresh pastries from Preston Market and a coconut sand scrub he saw me eyeing from Splash & Splish Boutiques in the front lobby.
With floats in tow the scenic pool area catapulted us into paradise. Felicity enjoyed wading in the huge shallow area perfect for babies adapting to water. She also became a fan of ordering tasty bites poolside from Nautilus.
Determined to tire her out early we ventured off to the beach where we played in the sand and laid out on the hotel’s plush beach chairs. There were an array of activities included with our amenity package–kayaks, paddle boards, banana boats and boogie boards all complimentary!
That evening we enjoyed a beautiful dinner at the famous Lure Fishbar conveniently located in the hotel. The food was phenomenal. Carefully selected produce from farm to table in a dim-lit Miami setting made this birthday dinner a romantic one, even with a 1-year old singing Elmo songs.
As I returned to our room to prepare for bed, ‘Surprise!’ Another bottle of champagne and the most beautiful cake customized by Loews pastry chef with a dark chocolate sculpture that read, ‘Happy Birthday Courtney’. Full of hormones, clearly this made me tear up. What an end to an exquisite night! I was finally able to have my cake and eat it too.
The next morning I returned for another meditation class and revisited the jacuzzi of course. Afterwards I rallied the troops up for lunch at the fascinating Bar Collins. Esthetically beautiful to look at while dining and known for housing the ‘who’s who’ of the culinary world at Loews Miami, we sat down for one of the best lunches of our trip. Chargrilled octopus, guacamole, fish tacos and shrimp and scallops grilled to perfection.
We returned to the pool for more leisure time before catching our flight. The VIP staff spoiled me the entire trip and sent me off with my new favorite juice shots by ‘Juicera‘ which topped off my trip. I came home feeling refreshed and renewed and most importantly, happy. Every mom needs a break and if you can turn it into a family vacation, it becomes a trip full of memories your family will treasure forever!
To learn more about Loews Miami South Beach CLICK HERE
