Trip Report: One Night of Rejuvenation at Faena Miami

Location

The Faena Hotel Miami is located about an hour south of the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and about 20–30 minutes from the Miami airport, making the location convenient for direct flights from many locations. Additionally, it is also 20–30 minutes away from the Miami cruise port, making this hotel a great option for pre-or post-cruise accomodations. We chose to stay at the Faena Miami before cruising the Caribbean on NCL. It was great to head into our trip in style and enjoy the pristine beach and warm weather in Miami.

Room

We initially booked an Ocean View Junior Suite, but we upgraded upon arrival to a Premier Ocean Front Junior Suite. The room was huge at about 1000 sq ft. with a small entry way with a minibar, a living room area with a couch and two chairs, a fluffy king bed and a huge bathroom with double sinks, large shower and separate water closet. Our favorite part was the huge balcony overlooking the pool and ocean. Shortly after arrival, we were brought canapes to enjoy, which was perfect before our late dinner reservation. I thoroughly enjoyed the room amenities such as the robes, slippers and cute water-tight bag to store essentials in while we headed to the pool and beach.

The Property

The Faena Hotel Miami property is striking. Upon arrival, you enter into a cavernous lobby and outside through the large glass doors there are lush gardens, outdoor restaurants and a huge gold elephant statue. Los Fuegos, one of the four restaurants on the property, overlooks the pool, which is a beautiful, lush oasis with (extremely) comfy chairs. The entire property is located on Miami Beach, offering white sands. You can use beach chairs on the property for no fee. They have attendants who will serve drinks and snacks and delicious smoothies if you head down first thing in the morning like we did and aren't quite ready for a cocktail. Sitting on the chairs on the beach overlooking the water, I felt like I had left Miami!

Restaurants

While in Miami, we dined at both Faena Hotel and at one of the many Michelin star restaurants in the area. We only had one night, so we wanted to make sure we got to try as much food as possible!

Upon arrival, we immediately headed out to the Tree of Life bar for some cocktails. I tried the Faena Spritz, which was a fantastic twist on an Aperol Spritz and very refreshing! My husband likes mezcal, so he tried the Smoke & Sparks--it was spicy and smoky and a great contrast to the Spritz if you're looking for a tequila cocktail. The food was also tasty--I highly recommend the Tuna Tartare.

For dinner, we headed off to Stubborn Seed, which is Top Chef Season 13 winner Jeremy Ford's restaurant and the perfect anniversary meal for my husband and I. The tasting menu was luscious and filling, featuring incredible fish as well as some vegetarian and meat dishes. The menu changes seasonally, so you can count on a locally inspired, seasonal meal. We tried every cocktail on the menu and loved the Kill Dill for a more savory cocktail and Purple Haze for something more refreshing.

For breakfast, we tried Los Fuegos. We sat on the outdoor patio overlooking the pool and started our day off with some Avocado Toast (I'm a sucker for hollandaise) and the South Beach Scramble. The menu had a great mix of healthy options and something more filling to start the day--I'd love to go back for dinner!

Spa

Before leaving, I had to try the Tierra Santa Healing House. I tried one of their signature treatments, the Tree of Life Vibrations, which included aroma and sound therapy and a hot stone massage. It was otherworldly and unique and one of the most memorable messages I have ever had.

I recommend the Faena Hotel Miami to adults and couples looking for a luxurious getaway to Miami Beach. It is a unique alternative to some of the more familiar brands in Miami Beach, with instagrammable restaurants, gardens and beaches. The hotel features incredible food and drinks and the spa has unique offerings that will make anyone feel fully rejuvenated on their getaway.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Miami page.