Love Club On Tour
Love Club On Tour
We’ve rounded up our favourite all-time things to do in the city we’ve chosen to get married in. Miami holds a very special place in our hearts so we are beyond excited to get to share it with you.
Matilda’s Itinerary
-
MORNING
Head to SolidCore Mid-Town for an early class and then hop back over to Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour for a coffee at Panther Coffee. Wander around Sunset Harbour for some shopping and maybe pop into Gee for a treatment. If you feel like seeing it from the water, rent a couple of kayaks and paddle Biscayne Bay.
MIDDAY
From Sunset Harbour it’s a short walk to the Standard Hotel where I would have lunch on the deck after wandering through the sculpture garden. Get the tacos and the lobster rolls (or head over before 12 for brunch).
AFTERNOON
After lunch walk down the pedestrian Lincoln Road to end up at South Beach and the Wolfsonian museum. Its curation documents the origins of Miami’s most iconic architecture.
EVENING
Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel is a converted Miami home with a great Spanish fusion dining room in the old house (called 28).
NIGHT
The Faena Hotel is just up the road and one of the best people watching in Miami. The lobby is an over the top homage to art and culture while the Damien Hirst gold brushed Mammoth sculpture is peak Miami ostentation. The Living Room has a live Jazz Band and great cocktails - the Smoke and Sparks is my go-to. -
MORNING
Head to Wynwood Paddle Club for a great start to the day and follow it up with a Challah or Almond Croissant and coffee at Zak the Bakers.
MIDDAY
The Perez Museum has some of the best modern art in Miami with my personal favourite being a permanent exhibit - Miami Floating Islands.
AFTERNOON
Bal Harbour shops have some great (but pricey) stores but I love the window shopping and one of my favourite restaurants Mokoto is a GREAT stop. Go before or after the big lunch rush, get either the bento box (my favourite is the Salmon) or if you’re ordering off the main menu make sure to the the tempura rock shrimp, the Brussels and hamachi.
EVENING to NIGHT
The Bar at the Surf Club (Four Seasons Surfside) is iconic. We grew up going to the old Club and it brings back so many memories. Get the crudite, the onion dip and chips and oysters Rockefeller. It’s dark, sultry and beautifully designed.
LATE NIGHT
Miami Sound Bar is one of the best new listening lounges and has hosted some of the biggest acts for scheduled and impromptu performances. Laid back but a huge vibe. -
El Tucan - A high-end glamour and retro sophistication of a classic supper club, where food and entertainment (from burlesque to drag to musicians and everything in between) come together. It’s over the top, sexy, loud and so Miami. Need to book.
Jaguar Sun - A local spot which is more low key and hosts music nights regularly. Cocktails and pasta in an unassuming Downtown courtyard.
El Coyo - Our favourite quick pit-stop for tacos.
Sexy Fish - Huge vibe. Worth going for the bathrooms alone.
La Trova - In the middle of little Havana their band is one of the best and gets the entire restaurant on their feet. Their food is fun and true Cuban - get the grilled Octopus, cubanos, and croquettas. Bodega - restaurant turned dance bar, go through a small shop front at their South Beach location to the dance floor and bar behind.
Ball & Chain - A iconic Miami hot spot, Thursday is Salsa night with a live band and people who actually know what they’re doing. If you want to join in an have some fun, learn from a pro or happy to be thrown around the dance floor, it should be top of the list.
The Bass Museum - A low-key modern art museum with rotating exhibits. As our wedding weekend takes place shortly after Art Basel, they’ll be sure to have some amazing exhibits and features.
Matador Room at the Edition - As the primary restaurant in the Edition Hotel, it’s a beautiful concept built around the architecture and culture of a spanish bull fight. Indoor its a colosseum of minimalist opulence while outside you sit on a terrace surrounded by palm trees on the beach. Great food and a special vibe.
Cecconi’s - Soho House’s Italian is a great spot in mid-town (however we will be here for the recovery so don’t rush to go!)
La Natural - A neighbourhood restaurant for real locals serving sourdough pizza, veggies & natural wines. A seriously good vibe that represents the next wave of Miami’s creative scene.
Niu Kitchen - Big sister/Little sister type relationship between these local hotspots. Not on the tourist lists but a great vibe. While Niu Kitchen is a more full restaurant experience, their Wine Bar a few doors down is a huge list of alternative wines with a curated menu offering.
Jarv’s Itinerary
-
MORNING
Up early to watch the Miami sun rise over the Atlantic. A morning 5-10km run along South/Mid or Bal-Harbour beach followed by a swim at your hotel pool before Breakfast at home or at South Beach.MID-MORNING
Walk along South Beach district (or Citi bike - Miami equivalent of Boris bikes).LUNCH
11th Street Diner for those who want an American classic pig-out. Alternatively anywhere on South Beach is safe - it is a tourist trap so be careful.AFTERNOON
Uber over to Wynwood Walls, to do the walking tour for Street Art enthusiasts. There is a jewish bakery that does great coffee (for America) plus amazing pastries: Zaks the Baker.DINNER/EVENING
In Winter check to see if the Miami Heat (Basketball) is playing. For those who haven’t experienced American sports live it is something else. Non-stop action. Alternatively Benihana is a great tourist attraction for American style teppanyaki. -
MORNING
Get up early and watch the Miami sunrise, followed by a run and/or morning workout outdoors. For the sedentary types there is yoga. Head over to a Publix or Walgreens and pick up some supplies for the day: cheese, rose, beers etc.MID-MORNING
(Book in advance: Biscayne Water Sports) Head over to Haulover inlet and meet up with any wakeboarding and water skiing boats. Before any water activities take place pop over to hauler inlet. It is important you go in the morning as the ocean water is coming in, so there is plenty of sea life and the water is crystal clear.LUNCH: Wet lunch on your boat.
AFTERNOON: After lunch and a few more glasses of dutch courage you and the team can try either wakeboarding or water skiing.
EVENING: After a day in the sun and one is adequately hydrated ;), quickly change and head over for dinner and drinks at the Freehand Hotel and Broken Shaker.
-
There so so many options which will keep you busy for the majority of the day depending on your preference. Here are some of my favourites in no particular order;
Seminyole Hard Rock Casino & Hollywood
Everglades Biking/Hovercraft Tour
NFL (Miami Dolphins)
Fort Lauderdale
Deep Sea Fishing
STAY
-
Laid-back sophistication and prime oceanfront real estate, the Palms is going to be our base for the ‘grown-ups’. The Palms is an original Deco style building its as Miami as you can get.
TO BOOK please email nmejia@thepalmshotel.com and quote booking code MIAMI LOVE CLUB. The hotel will honor the group rate as long as they still have availability. -
It’s the next neighbourhood to be discovered in Miami and the converted 60s motel is at the heart of it. We’ll have the whole place to ourselves for the younger crowd so the party never ends.
To Book:
1) Go to the the Vagabond website
2) Click to book direct
3) There is an option to ‘Add Code’. Select ‘Rate Access/Corporate Code’ and enter ‘MiamiLoveClub’.
4) Select your room type and dates you would like to book.
5) Place the secure deposit payment and you will receive a confirmation email.
NOTE: For the code to be valid you must book at least to check in Friday the 15th of December and earliest Check-Out on Monday the 18th of December.
A 50% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will be collected on July 31 st only for the nights of December 15 th, 16 th and 17 th. The balance for those dates will be collected on October 1 st and is also NON-REFUNDABLE. Room charges for arrivals prior to the 15 th or for departures past the 18 th will be collected at check-in. Guests can always cancel without penalty by no later July 31st. -
Beach Haus Bal Harbour $$-$$$
The Edition $$$$
The Standard $$$$
Freehand $-$$
Generator Miami $-$$
Life House (South of 5th or Little Havana) $-$$
Good Time Hotel $$$
Arlo Wynwood, $$
Trouvail $$-$$$
Kimpton Hotel Palomar $$-$$$
Circa39 $$
Airbnb’s are illegal in Miami so avoid booking as you could be asked to leave if neighbours or owners are reported.
LOVE CLUB
The Soundtrack
DO & SEE
-
Versace House - Infamous for the site of Gianni Versaces life and death, it’s now part museum, part cafe and part architectural icon.
Wolfsonian Museum - Dedicated to the Art Deco movement, it’s a small museum which gives great context to the architecture and design of Miami.
The Bass Museum - A low-key modern art museum with rotating exhibits. As our wedding weekend takes place shortly after Art Basel, they’ll be sure to have some amazing exhibits and features.
Perez Museum - Featuring some local artists as well as large travelling exhibits - a favourite of their permanent exhibits is the Floating Islands documentation from Jean Claude and Christo.
Palace Drag Brunch - We put this under culture because it is of vital cultural significance. -
Wynwood Walls - a great area of Miami which is a bit different from the rest. Street artists commissioned to create huge pieces in what was an almost derelict part of the city revitalised the district and cemented is as the start of the new design district.
Art Deco District - a walking tour around one of the most historic neighbourhoods in Miami with Deco architecture preserved and celebrated from the beach to Flamingo and Lummus parks.
Miami Design District - A newly revitalised area has all the designer shops with some of the more unique buildings and streets.
Little Havana - The iconic Calle Ocho is the pinnacle of Cuban culture in a city where so much of it’s identity is owed to the country’s music, food and art. Have a walk around, stop into some of the cigar shops where they roll fresh in-store, have a cortadito (cuban coffee) and a mojito in one of the many bars with live music.
City Bikes to South Beach - Miami Beach is connected almost all the way along by a pathway where you can find and rent city bikes to explore. -
Sandbar Boat Day - “An epic day out” - anyone who’s ever been. Getting out on the water is one of the best days our in Miami. The Haulover sandbar is a popular stop for local Miami-ites and tourists in the know. Kayakers paddle round with cold beers and seltzers but we’d recommend packing a little bit of a spread to keep on board. Options to wake surf, water ski, wake board, sun lounge, site see some of the most exclusive waterfront homes of the stars.
Dolphins Game - while not every Sunday will feature a Dolphins game, if you’re in town for one it’s a total spectacle of American pageantry. We’d go all in: Jerseys, hats, foam finger, hot dog, tailgating etc.
Heat Game - Book tickets online to go to a Heat Game, celebrity sightings and an unmatched atmosphere.
Everglades - Plan for a half of full day excursion swap safari. Recommend booking here or Shark Valley bike ride here.
Kayaking on Biscayne - Rent a couple of kayaks or paddle boards and explore some of the canals in Sunset Harbour. Hopefully you see some dolphins or manatees while surrounded by the most exclusive waterfront real estate.
Drive to the Keys - If you have a couple of days or a night where you want to explore the more Bahamian side of Florida, rent a car and drive down to the keys.
Hard Rock Casino - A little out of main Miami districts, there’s a bit of everything. Full entertainment from comedy shows to pool party to of course black jack.
Setai/Faena/Edition Beach Lounge - All the way along Miami Beach, Hotels take up prime real estate and have some beautifully thought out beach experiences. From tacos and tequila to eskys of beers or Jarv’s personal favourite, White Claws. Have a look at their offerings, see what you fancy and pay for a day pass.
Thunderball, 1965
On Film
WATCHLIST
The Birdcage, 1999
Miami Vice, 1984
Scarface, 1983
Bad Boys, 1995
EAT & DRINK
-
Zak the Baker - A busy Jewish bakery in the middle of an up and coming district. The Cinnamon Rolls, Challah and Granola are all spectacular.
Panther Coffee - A favourite coffee spot which is quick grab & go in Sunset Harbour. One of our favourite neighbourhoods and a great meeting point before the hectic-ness of South Beach.
Bebito’s - Coffee, matcha, light bites, overnight oats. Easy food and good coffee.
11th St Diner - An old-school diner serving a proper American Breakfast.
All Day Cafe - Okay never been here but listed on literally every outlet as the best coffee in Miami. All day, more Aussie-adjacent style breakfast options. Super local spot in Park West.
Blvdbaes - All day brunch easy peasy lemon squeezy spot for those at the Vagabond.
Caracas Bakery - Bakery influenced by Venezuelan-French techniques and flavours, a great spot for a quick break or pre-event getting-ready snack for those at the Vagabond.
El Bagel - Only heard rave reviews of these bagels - everything BEC bagel top rec. for breakky.
Pura Vida - If you’re feeling like dipping a toe into the basic pilates-going, Porsche-driving, Balenciaga-slide-wearing Miami housewife lifestyle, get yourself a açai bowl and spirulina chlorophyll detox shot from on of the many locations in the city. A good banana bread and coffee with a huge range of healthy snacks. -
The Standard Deck - One of our favourite spots in Miami right on Biscayne Bay. Great for breakfast, brunch or lunch on the water.
Joe’s Stone Crab - A South Beach Institution.
Niu Kitchen & Niu Wine - Big sister/Little sister type relationship between these local hotspots. Not on the tourist lists but a great vibe. While Niu Kitchen is a more full restaurant experience, their Wine Bar a few doors down is a huge list of alternative wines with a curated menu offering.
Cecconi’s - Soho House’s Italian is a great spot in mid-town (however we will be here for the recovery so don’t rush to go!)
Pubbelly Sushi - A couple of spots across Miami for some great Americanized Sushi.
Rosie’s - Southern style food with an Italian edge in Little River. Contemporary low key spot for anything from breakfast to dinner. They’re famous amongst Miami locals for ever changing seasonal menu without frills and a community who values good drink and music.
Don’s 5 Star Dive Bar - The underground lounge which takes its concept from the bygone era of “when Miami was best known for its seedy streets and first-rate football team dive bars were the place for the Magic City’s working class”.
La Natural - A neighbourhood restaurant for real locals serving sourdough pizza, veggies & natural wines. A seriously good vibe that represents the next wave of Miami’s creative scene.
Kyu - Asian inspired wood fired barbecue, the Wynwood spot is perfect for brunch/lunch midway through exploring the walls.
El Tucán - A high-end glamour and retro sophistication of a classic supper club, where food and entertainment (from burlesque to drag to musicians and everything in between) come together. It’s over the top, sexy, loud and so Miami. Need to book.
Gitano - Mid Beach’s take on contemporary Mexican food at Casa Faena. A living room feel to the dining room taken to the next level with the rooftop terrace and evening entertainment.
Lucali - Brooklyn’s famous pizzeria with a distinctly Miami postcode.
Santorini’s - On the edge of the iconic South Beach strip, the Mediterranean food right by the beach and with nightly entertainment its a great first stop of the night.
Krus Kitchen - If you find yourself a little farther South in Coconut Grove, Krus Kitchen is a wine and cocktail bar with unpretentious, casual, creative food. Great for brunch or dinner.
Jaguar Sun - Cocktails and pasta in an unassuming Downtown courtyard and a proper local spot.
Phuc Yea - New school Vietnamese and cocktail spot in MoMi (just a block down from the Vagabond Motel where the younger crowd are staying). Super cool, laid back with raw bar and backyard dining experience.
Broken Shaker & 28 - A converted Spanish Style home, the courtyard serves as a pool bar with great cocktails while the inside of the house is a cuban fusion home style restaurant. Great for a low key dinner in a great area with plenty within walking distance. Rev up the night with a drink at Faena after.
FourSeasons Surf Club Bar - For people watching over a glass of Champagne or a Cocktail. Highly recommend their Oysters Rockefeller, Chips & Sour cream Dip and their bread and butter (the delivery vessel of the butter is worth it in itself).
Coya Taco - Our favourite tacos in Miami, find them in Wynwood, Brickell or in Time Out Food Market on Lincoln Road.
Makoto - the best contemporary Japanese food located in Bal Harbour Shops. Great people watching - the bento boxes are exceptional for lunch options (the Salmon is our go-to) but if you have space the Brussels, the rock shrimp tempura and the hamachi are amazing.
Chotto Matte - Japanese Peruvian with a emphasis on the vibe and drinks.
Oasis - An outdoor food and beverage experience with different iconic concepts operating out of artist rendered shipping containers; Alidoro, Buya Dumplings + Buns, CHIKIN, Mr. Mandolin, Prince Street Pizza, and Los Buenos – showcase both well-known local chef talents as well as New York City favorites.
La Trova - In the middle of little Havana their band is one of the best and gets the entire restaurant on their feet. Their food is fun and true Cuban - get the grilled Octopus, cubanos, and croquettas.
Sexy Fish - Go for the bathrooms, stay for the party.
Bodega - restaurant turned dance bar, go through a small shop front at their South Beach location to the dance floor and bar behind.
Versailles - Featured in movies and documentaries they are self proclaimed (and aptly named) to be “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant”.
Ball and Chain - A iconic Miami hot spot, Thursday is Salsa night with a live band and people who actually know what they’re doing. If you want to join in an have some fun, learn from a pro or happy to be thrown around the dance floor, it should be top of the list.
Benihana - the Maid of Honours must-have on this list. Over the top pageantry with food to match. Come with an empty stomach.
Time Out Market - where some of Miami’s top restauranteurs come to showcase their food concepts. Tacos, ice cream, churros, tequila all under one roof and many of them featured on this list.
The Matador Room - as the primary restaurant in the Edition Hotel, it’s a beautiful concept built around the architecture and culture of a spanish bull fight. Indoor its a colosseum of minimalist opulence while outside you sit on a terrace surrounded by palm trees on the beach. Great food and a special vibe.
Faena Living Room - An extraordinary collection of art complete with a Golden Mammoth Skeleton by Damien Hirst, the hotel feels almost like a drug lord’s personal museum of loot and treasures. The Jazz bar is a people watchers paradise with celebrities and miscreants in dark secluded booths pretending to want to go unnoticed. Hedonism at it’s Miami finest.
-
![]()
Calle Ocho, Little Havana
-
![]()
Miami Design District
-
![]()
Bal Harbour Shops
-
![]()
Art Deco District, Ocean Drive
RETAIL & WELLNESS
-
Wynwood - so many shops around Wynwood featuring American, Cuban, Latin American and Emerging designers. Recently gentrified you’ll find art galleries, clothing and accessories, homewares, bakeries, restaurants, the works. Some of our favourite stores are Warby Parker (a Wes Anderson inspired surrealist pool scenes cape completing the shopping experience), LeBron James owned UNKNWN and Peruvian beachwear Pitusa.
Bal Harbor Shops - one of the more exclusive shopping centres in Miami, Bal Harbour shops is definitely a place to see and be seen. Prepare to see some questionable plastic surgery choices and fashion statements. Some great restaurants with a beautiful indoor/outdoor pavilion of shops including Saks and Neiman Marcus along with handpicked designers like Aquazurra, Diptique, Santa Maria Novella, Le Labo, Chanel, Gucci etc.
Primaried Vintage - early to mid-century sourced vintage furniture and lifestyle pieces by iconic designers including Mario Belini, Oscar Niemeyer, Alvar Aalto, Peirre Jeannerette, La Corbusier, Calder, Hans Wegner etc.
Lincoln Road - A straight shot through from Mid-beach to South Beach, Lincoln Road is a pedestrian street with coffee shops, books stores and fashion retailers. The usual suspects by the likes of Sephora and Zara have locations as well as featuring some of the more questionable Miami-centric stores. Time Out Food Market a definitely must-do.
Aventura - a real American mall. The huge development has EVERYTHING. If someone’s had a few too many margaritas by the pool and jumped in with their phone - there’s an Apple. Need to kill time while you wait for it to be fixed - there’s a Target. Forgot you need a pair of flats for the after party - there’s a Foot Locker. Everything America has to offer on steroids.
Sunset Harbour - Lots of cool boutiques great easy Saturday morning spot. Have a look through Frankie’s, Market Miami and Fred Black. -
Wynwood Paddle Club - Pickle Ball is sweeping the city and Wynwood’s art centric backdrop provides a surreal backdrop to the Upper East Side Brad’s and Chad’s sweater infestation, looking to up their street-cred. Book in advance.
Top Golf - complete with a full American style sports bar, Top Golf is a great option to get out any pent up excitement before the wedding.
Miami Shores Golf Club - 18 holes and in an easy to get to location. Several other golf courses with Members-only play so for the golf-nuts out there, check in advance for other options.
Miami Beach Boardwalk - Almost the whole way along Miami Beach is a paved running track. A total of km it’s a decent run you definitely hold bragging rights to start conversations with at the wedding as well as getting to see some of the best Miami Beach front real estate.
SolidCore - a couple of great locations it’s a lagree pilates class times a hundred. A phenomenal workout with great instructors and low impact.
Barrys Bootcamp - Their high-intensity workouts are well known for being hard and challenging but a reliable endorphin hit with a couple of Miami locations.
F45 - Up the road from the Vagabond, its schedule is well timed and a great reliable workout familiar to many on the wedding circuit. -
Gee Beauty - Hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, facials, one stop shop for all the beauty needs.
Sean Donaldson - Go-to Miami hair bar for a blow out, cut or colour.
Vanity Project - Best nail artists in the city and in the middle of the Design District.
Luv Nail - A perfect manicure with attention to healthy nails.
The Standard Spa - the Standard Spa offers massages, facials, the works. Book ahead to make sure you get your fill of being spoilt.