The best weekend getaway in Florida has to include the perfect balance of sunshine, the art scene, the iconic Miami beaches, Latin culture, beautiful people and mouthwatering food. An escape to South Beach, Miami exposed me to all of these essential elements. It also opened up my eyes to the explosive fitness scene that was waiting in South Beach. It was a weekend replete with healthy food, yoga, fitness and cultural immersion.
Pat enjoys a poolside snack at The Gates Hotel South Beach. Image © Pat Bailey
A Weekend Getaway in Florida
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Getting to Miami
Fly right into the Miami International Airport from any direction, depending on where you are staying and what your itinerary is, you’ll want to look into renting a car. Search flights to Miami.
The Gates Hotel South Beach if a clean, modern and beautiful hotel in the heart of South Beach, Miami. Image © Pat Bailey
The Gates Hotel
If you are wondering where to stay in South Beach, you will find that there is no shortage of high-end, boutique and even local hotels. My stay at The Gates Hotel South Beach was perfect for a lot of reasons, but mostly because it is located in the heart of South Beach on Collins Avenue with great access to the beach and many hot spots in South Beach, as well as quick access to downtown Miami. The hotel is also located about nine miles North of the airport.
The lobby at The Gates Hotel South Beach – decorated in beautiful soft pastels and plush furnishings. Image © Pat Bailey
The Gates Hotel South Beach, a Double Tree by Hilton property, is a quintessential Miami hotel. You are greeted by the trademark smell of freshly baked cookies and welcomed into the modern hotel by way of a beautifully expansive lobby, lounge bar, guest gathering spot and outdoor pool, dining and lounge area. The décor is fresh and modern with pops of pastel colours, clean lines, lots of texture and cheeky local art that feels whimsical and very Miami.
The property has 235 guest rooms, including 17 suites. My room was ample, full of natural light, and I found the king-size bed to be a welcome reprieve at the end of each long day.
The Gates Hotel South Beach happily accommodates corporate guests as well as guests on holiday, there is plenty of meeting space both inside and outside. I particularly loved the rooftop decks at various levels outside.
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Our modern, comfortable, light-filled room at The Gates Hotel South Beach. Image © Pat Bailey
Our cosy and comfortable room at The Gates Hotel in South Beach. Image © Pat Bailey
The bright, modern and chic interiors at The Gates Hotel Agaveros Cantina. Image © Pat Bailey
My favourite part about this stay and property was the vintage feel I got from the décor and the space. The pool area spans the entire outdoor courtyard and is flanked on all sides with cozy lounge areas decked in Miami colours. The outdoor bar is the perfect place to grab a drink any time, meals are served from Agaveros Cantina, the restaurant on property, both indoors and outside under stringed lights and poolside. I enjoyed breakfast by the pool one morning and had the pool all to myself.
The Gates Hotel South Beach is warm and welcoming. Image © Pat Bailey
The Lobby Bar at The Gates Hotel South Beach Miami. Image © Pat Bailey
The interiors at The Gates Hotel South Beach feature warm tones with modern strong accent colours. Image © Pat Bailey