Miami
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Miami's notoriously warm weather makes it an especially popular winter destination, the beautiful beaches and waving palm trees make it the perfect city. Miami is so many things, but to most visitors, it’s mainly glamour, condensed into urban form. I love to go for Art Basel, WMC and to escape our freezing Canadian winter!!!
photography by Patricia Brochu
As you already know, I like to have some good recommendations when I travel to maximize my travel experience. Even if I know the city well and go often, I asked my friend Cleo who moved to Miami a few years ago to guide us through this glamour destination and the new hot spots.
After working as a publicist for Cirque du Soleil for seven years, Cleo left Montreal for Miami to become Global Marketing Director for Nikki Beach. She is now in charge of marketing and new business for AJCP in the hotel industry. She loves everything about life and tries to make the most of every day. Travel, food, sport, beach.... New York, Miami and the South of France are her favorite hangouts, but she wishes she could take her friends from Montreal with her everywhere because there are no friends like the ones you make at home.
Miami By Cleo
How would you describe the city: People often say that the great thing about Miami is that it is so close the US….It is one of the most metropolitan city in the US with habitants from France, Cuba, Columbia, Italy, Canada , Brazil to name a few and this mixed with an all year round summer makes it the dream city for me.
What is your city philosophy: Enjoy life and be yourself.
What is your neighbourhood of choice: South of Fifth or north of 27th.
The best way to get around the city: Deco Bikes are the best way to get around South Beach.
Your favorite hotel and why: this is a tough question because we have so many great hotels in Miami. If I have to choose one, it would be Soho House because it just has such a unique vibe and the best beach club.
Best place for a cup a coffee, fresh juice: Purdy Avenue Jugo Fresh for ultra-healthy smoothies and green juices and Panther Coffee for pure potent caffeine.
Favorite bakery: Lees and Marie in South Pointe.
Best brunch: Cecconis
A good restaurant for lunch with friends: Makoto at Bal Harbour or Michaels in the Design District for a change of scenery.
Where to eat out at night: Soho House, Milos, Juvia, Villa Azur, Edition’s Matador.
The best stop for “people watching”: Lincoln Road, Hands Down. Colette Bistro, Baires or Segafreddo or during the day Carpaccio at Bal Harbour.
After work cocktails “5 to7”: The bar at SLS or Lincoln Road.
For a fun girls night out: Villa Azur on Thursday night, Broken Shaker for a more casual night.
Best spot for work and business meeting: Soho House, Edition.
Before you leave the city you HAVE to eat a ceviche at the takeout My Ceviche , South of Fifth.
A restaurant classic, an institution: Joe’s Stone Crab
Your absolute favorite place: Soho House
The new super cool place: Edition and 27.
What is totally overrated: Clubbing in Miami.
Where do you unwind: on the beach with a margarita
Your favorite Museum: PAMM Perez Art Museum of Miami
Place not to be missed: Wynwood
A very touristic place that you still love to go sometimes: Lincoln Road
Do you have a shopping route: Even though I love Bal Harbour shops, I often prefer the calm of the Design District and the proximity of the shops in South Beach.
Tell me about your favorite shops: Maison Margiela and Celine in the Design District but mostly the Webster.
Your favorite multi-brand boutique: The Webster, hands down. Also noteworthy, the Alchemist.
Where do you go for a bargain: Frankie on Purdy. The owner Anna always has some cute outfits and bikinis for a quick shopping fix.
What about Vintage pieces: The Webster always has a great selection of vintage Chanel and jewelry. Always ask for stashed treasures in the back.
Where do you go to pamper yourself: Gee Beauty for the best facials or the Standard for a massage, yoga and steam.
Your favorite beauty habits: Everything. Women in Miami are very coquette and dressing up is never too much. It is not uncommon for girls to get their hair blown out four or five times a week.
Spa: Standard and Cowshed at Soho House
Mani & pedi: Brownes and Co or Love Nails
Hairstyle, blowdry: Hairstyling by Leo at SLS hair salon ( always count on the French to make you feel beautiful) or a quick fix at Bdry.
Where to get a good work out: So many options for fitness in Miami. The brand new and amazing Anatomy gym is the best options but all gyms are great. Rollerblading is a great way to explore the city and burn those margaritas from the night before.
How do you stay fit, what class and where: Purdy avenue has a lot of mazing classes. Yoga at Green Monkey, Flywheel for spinning on a great soundtrack or Flybarre for a mix of dance, pilates and cardio. Barry’s Boot camp for the adrenaline junkie.
You have one day & one night in the city. Wake up early and hit a yoga class on the beach at the Standard. Then find a nice place on the beach at Soho House and enjoy and quinoa salad for lunch. Late day, take a walk on Lincoln road for a little shopping and people watching. Then hit Bdry for a quick blow out before a nap. Then dinner at Juvia and drinks at SLS and Rec Room.
Best way to escape the city: Take a car and drive to Key Biscayne.
This old school music video by Will Smith performing in Miami from 1997 says it all!