City Guide 2021: Bal Harbour, Miami

Bal Harbour

By
Lisa Tant
Koi Pond at Bal Harbour Shops
A Japanese dining experience at Mokoto
Biking the Bal Harbour Beach Path
Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour

Imagine windswept beaches, uber-pampering spas, AND the world’s best shopping right outside your door. Few destinations dish up a luxurious escape with more jaw-dropping panache than Bal Harbour at the northern tip of Miami Beach. A short flight from major centers in North America, Bal Harbour is the ultimate escape from the cacophony of city life. But it’s also a short eight mile hop to Miami’s jet-set nightlife so you’ll find everything you need for a weekend escape all in one super-luxe place! You’ll dream about your visit here long after your return home, so here are our tips for making the most of it:


STAY

Two of the best five star hotels in North America are in Bal Harbour. They take the level of glamour and pampering VERY seriously. No drop ins, you’ll need to book your deluxe me-time session before you leave home. The Ritz Carlton, Bal Harbour ffering barre classes, yoga and spa treatments. Not sure what to wear for your next level glam trip? Work with the Ritz Carlton, Bal Harbour’s exclusive Couture Concierge for personal shopping advice. After a day shopping, stop by the Remede Spa, a 14,000 sqft haven for some serious R&R, at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. And before you head out at night, don’t miss the Lobby Bar and Wine Vault, designed by world renowned Yabu Pushelberg, to choose from more than 2500 bottles from 450 vineyards and 14 countries. And if you’re looking for a more intimate boutique hotel, check in at The Sea View Hotel, an excellent value that’s across the street from Bal Harbour Shops.

SHOP

It takes a lot to impress a seasoned jet-set shopper. Yet this exclusive enclave of designer boutiques will blow even the most jaded shopper’s mind! With more than 100 of the world’s most coveted brands featured in a breezy alfresco shopping hall, it’s no wonder that Bal Harbour Shops is often mentioned in the same breath as Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. Global favourites such as Chanel, Gucci and Brunello Cucinelli are joined by Bonpoint for little ones and adored Aquazzura footwear and so much more - retail therapy doesn’t get any better. Trust us. 


BLOOM

We always have a Fleuriste on speed dial everywhere we travel. A thank you bouquet is an unexpected delight for someone who goes that extra mile to make your trip memorable. There are so many brilliant Fleuristes to choose from in Bal Harbour - 21 local floral studios will be participating in our event at Bal Harbour Shops from March 19 to 28. Stop by our flower market on Sunday March 21st and then pick your favourite installation for our Fan Favourite award. 


DINE

Over at the Bal Harbour Shops, Makoto honours the Japanese culinary philosophy of using the freshest and finest ingredients, while melding bold flavour combinations with modern influences. Try their famous Frosty Wagyu Fried Rice with Foie Gras and Jidori Egg. The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is home to The Surf Club Restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller which was nominated as a Best New Restaurant on the 2019 James Beard Award Nominees list. 



How to get here: Fly into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, pick up a rental car, and you’ll be at Bal Harbour in no time.

Imagine windswept beaches, uber-pampering spas, AND the world’s best shopping right outside your door. Few destinations dish up a luxurious escape with more jaw-dropping panache than Bal Harbour at the northern tip of Miami Beach. A short flight from major centers in North America, Bal Harbour is the ultimate escape from the cacophony of city life. But it’s also a short eight mile hop to Miami’s jet-set nightlife so you’ll find everything you need for a weekend escape all in one super-luxe place! You’ll dream about your visit here long after your return home, so here are our tips for making the most of it:


STAY

Two of the best five star hotels in North America are in Bal Harbour. They take the level of glamour and pampering VERY seriously. No drop ins, you’ll need to book your deluxe me-time session before you leave home. The Ritz Carlton, Bal Harbour ffering barre classes, yoga and spa treatments. Not sure what to wear for your next level glam trip? Work with the Ritz Carlton, Bal Harbour’s exclusive Couture Concierge for personal shopping advice. After a day shopping, stop by the Remede Spa, a 14,000 sqft haven for some serious R&R, at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. And before you head out at night, don’t miss the Lobby Bar and Wine Vault, designed by world renowned Yabu Pushelberg, to choose from more than 2500 bottles from 450 vineyards and 14 countries. And if you’re looking for a more intimate boutique hotel, check in at The Sea View Hotel, an excellent value that’s across the street from Bal Harbour Shops.

Koi Pond at Bal Harbour Shops
Koi Pond at Bal Harbour Shops
A Japanese dining experience at Mokoto
A Japanese dining experience at Mokoto
SHOP

It takes a lot to impress a seasoned jet-set shopper. Yet this exclusive enclave of designer boutiques will blow even the most jaded shopper’s mind! With more than 100 of the world’s most coveted brands featured in a breezy alfresco shopping hall, it’s no wonder that Bal Harbour Shops is often mentioned in the same breath as Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. Global favourites such as Chanel, Gucci and Brunello Cucinelli are joined by Bonpoint for little ones and adored Aquazzura footwear and so much more - retail therapy doesn’t get any better. Trust us. 


BLOOM

We always have a Fleuriste on speed dial everywhere we travel. A thank you bouquet is an unexpected delight for someone who goes that extra mile to make your trip memorable. There are so many brilliant Fleuristes to choose from in Bal Harbour - 21 local floral studios will be participating in our event at Bal Harbour Shops from March 19 to 28. Stop by our flower market on Sunday March 21st and then pick your favourite installation for our Fan Favourite award. 


DINE

Over at the Bal Harbour Shops, Makoto honours the Japanese culinary philosophy of using the freshest and finest ingredients, while melding bold flavour combinations with modern influences. Try their famous Frosty Wagyu Fried Rice with Foie Gras and Jidori Egg. The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is home to The Surf Club Restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller which was nominated as a Best New Restaurant on the 2019 James Beard Award Nominees list. 



How to get here: Fly into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, pick up a rental car, and you’ll be at Bal Harbour in no time.

Biking the Bal Harbour Beach Path
Biking the Bal Harbour Beach Path
Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour
Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour
Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour
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