Shayna Freyman

Miami is a pampered city, figuratively and literally. There are endless perks that come with living in a town that touts so many incredible hotels and resorts, and one of those is access to world-class spas. Here, you can wrap yourself in 24-karat gold, clear your chakras through bodywork and celestial alignment, lather yourself in decadent Florida sugar scrubs or sweat it out in a luxurious, Turkish-style hammam. If there’s an up-and-coming treatment, rest assured you can find it here—otherwise, your next Swedish massage is probably just a block or two away. From South Beach to the Gables, these standalone spots and ultra-luxe hotel destinations are the best spas in Miami to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and and absolutely amazing. RECOMMENDED: 8 Miami Spa Month deals that are actually worth it

Studies have shown that Miami knows how to brunch better than any other city. We should note that said studies were not conducted by proper research centers but rather by a team of hungover journalists in dire need of good eggs and a bloody mary. Over several years of indulging in breakfast-lunch hybrids in the early weekend hour of around 2pm (basically dawn in Miami), we have confidently determined the finest places to brunch in a city that makes brunch an unofficial sport (along with day drinking and al fresco dining). We're laying it all out below in our guide to the very best places to brunch in Miami, the unscientifically official Brunch Capital of the Planet.

If you’ve dined at Boia De, Walrus Rodeo or the New Schnitzel House, you know designer Paula Lemme’s signature soulful style. Her creative vision and innovative designs achieve a quality that’s increasingly hard to find: authenticity. Lemme knows that today’s diners crave something more than just delicious food—they want an experience. But in Miami, that experience doesn’t always have to include an over-the-top, multi-million-dollar build-out. It can be as simple as a feeling. Lemme likes doing things “a little bit old school,” she tells us from her office in east Fort Lauderdale, just days out from the birth of her second child. “Sometimes I like to grab books and inspiration and just sit down, you know, touch samples.”  When Lemme begins a new design project—whether it’s a luxury resort in the Caribbean or a new restaurant in Miami—she gets to know the essence of the owners and operators. She asks them to bring her pictures, books and objects they love.  We sat down with Paula Lemme, the bold principal and owner of the By Lemme design studio, to learn more about her process and outlook. We wanted to know: How did a small, chef-owned restaurant like Boia De, tucked into an unassuming strip mall next to a coin laundry, become a beloved instant classic, achieving a coveted Michelin star? There are so many restaurants that are highly invested...but they lack that soul.  The answer isn’t just the food, and it translates well beyond the restaurant business. “I think what makes t

If you’re looking to elevate your massage membership but don’t want to break the bank with resort spa pricing, consider The NOW Massage. Born in Los Angeles (the mecca of self-care) with three new locations in South Florida, this fast-growing chain of massage spas is approachable without compromising high-end aesthetics and quality of service. Upon check-in, enter through the long corridor flanked by massage rooms, where you’ll be instantly soothed by the beige color palette, natural materials and dim lighting (think minimalist boutique hotel in Tulum vibes). Sounds of ocean waves breaking in the distance add to the transportive effect, priming the mind for what’s to come.   For the massage, I experienced The NOW Signature Swedish-inspired service with a scalp renewal enhancement. It was exactly what I (a tired mom living in a chaotic city) needed. The therapist was calming, kind, professional and effective. I walked out floating on a cloud, ready to tackle the day.  The NOW offers four styles of table massages and a variety of add-on treatments tailored to your needs. And while you can book à la carte, the best value here is definitely a membership. They start at $80 for a single 50-minute massage per month, but 80-minute and two-monthly options are also available. When life inevitably gets too hectic, don't stress: you can always roll over your unused massage credits.

If you’re looking to elevate your massage membership but don’t want to break the bank with resort spa pricing, consider The NOW Massage. Born in Los Angeles (the mecca of self-care) with three new locations in South Florida, this fast-growing chain of massage spas is approachable without compromising high-end aesthetics and quality of service. Upon check-in, enter through the long corridor flanked by massage rooms, where you’ll be instantly soothed by the beige color palette, natural materials and dim lighting (think minimalist boutique hotel in Tulum vibes). Sounds of ocean waves breaking in the distance add to the transportive effect, priming the mind for what’s to come.   For the massage, I experienced The NOW Signature Swedish-inspired service with a scalp renewal enhancement. It was exactly what I (a tired mom living in a chaotic city) needed. The therapist was calming, kind, professional and effective. I walked out floating on a cloud, ready to tackle the day.  The NOW offers four styles of table massages and a variety of add-on treatments tailored to your needs. And while you can book à la carte, the best value here is definitely a membership. They start at $80 for a single 50-minute massage per month, but 80-minute and two-monthly options are also available. When life inevitably gets too hectic, don't stress: you can always roll over your unused massage credits.

Quietly tucked into the cozy corner of East Las Olas and Third Avenue, Ol’Days is a breath of fresh air when the Boulevard’s chain restaurants and larger format dining options get overwhelming. Warm, airy and welcoming, you can almost smell the lemon trees painted on the walls as you enter.  Sisters and owners Martina and Juliana Fracchia, along with friend Camilla Basigalup, created the first Ol’ Days café in their home city of Buenos Aires and have since opened locations in New York and Miami. They take diners back to their childhood by infusing their South American roots into many of the menu’s farm-to-table-inspired items. Whet your appetite with a Golden Arepa or the lemony guacamole with warm pita. Or indulge in a Lomito From My Childhood, a sandwich of tender beef tenderloin, homemade corn mayo and fried eggs. (While we were there, our server recalled having a lomito as a reward for doing well in school back home in Argentina).  From the herbal hand sanitizer on each table to the creative mocktail menu, cold-pressed juices and organic bowls, Ol’ Days encourages an “eat well, be well” lifestyle in a homey, aesthetically elevated atmosphere. (Though they also serve alcoholic beverages). Linger for that much-needed two-hour catch-up with friends or pop in to grab a stellar coffee and a brief escape from the daily grind. 

Ol’Days sisters and owners Martina and Juliana Fracchia, along with friend Camilla Basigalup, created the first Ol’ Days café in their home city of Buenos Aires and have since opened locations in New York and Fort Lauderdale. They take diners back to their childhood by infusing their South American roots into many of the menu’s farm-to-table-inspired items. Whet your appetite with a Golden Arepa or the lemony guacamole with warm pita. Or indulge in a Lomito From My Childhood, a sandwich of tender beef tenderloin, homemade corn mayo and fried eggs. From the creative mocktail menu to the cold-pressed juices and organic bowls, Ol’ Days encourages an “eat well, be well” lifestyle in a warm, aesthetically elevated atmosphere. (Though they also serve alcoholic beverages). Linger for that much-needed catch-up with friends or pop in for a stellar coffee and a brief escape from the daily grind.