Remember that one time you came home for the holidays and were super excited to see the fam and then remembered how stressful throwing formal dinners for 20+ people is?
And decorating? And Christmas shopping? And dishes? And cleanup? And January?
No doubt the holidays are the most magical time of the year, but they're also the most stressful, which totally takes away from the point of truly savoring the season!
This year, I planned a local little getaway for the day after Thanksgiving, grabbed mom, and left the dishes and decorating behind. (Thanks Dad!)
Back off, Black Friday, we were off to recharge.
Destination: Solé on the Ocean, Sunny Isles Beach.
the VIBE
Solé is a residence + resort, so the vibe is super relaxed and comfortable, mostly families and business travelers, and not a Miami party spot at all.It has an on-site spa, restaurant (that serves a ridiculously amazing Sunday brunch -- Fresh American Bistro, or F.A.B.), heated pool, private beach access with lounge chairs, gym and all the expected basic amenities.If re-energizing solitude is what you're after, the large, high, windy road up the driveway to the resort is your first sign that you've come to the right place.The lobby is simple, open and airy, with a contemporary clear staircase leading to the upstairs restaurant and home of said delicious brunch.
the ROOM
But the rooms -- the rooms are what make the Solé.Our first impressions were unanimous: deep breath outward.For mom who lives and works in a house full of children, husband and animals, and me who lives out of a combination of airplanes, city apartments and compact hotel rooms, the spacious, serene, quiet, Oceanfront Suite was a warmly welcomed breath of fresh ocean air.And then there's that view.Private terraces wrap the suite corners, offering panoramic skyline and ocean views, and the floor-to-ceiling door/windows are positioned perfectly to witness sunrise from bed.The bathroom houses cozy, oversized robes to sink into, and features a uniquely split tub and ceiling-mounted shower head.The living room, dining table and kitchen are well-separated, lit and adorned with dark wood against light floors, with reflective glass and mirror surfaces throughout, maximizing the openness of the space.Leaving the doors open to hear the roaring waters against the quiet of the residences, watching the moonlight blanket over the ocean, and witnessing the sun peeking up over the horizon -- without leaving your plush, white linen bed -- is an experience to truly cherish.
the WATERS
If you can drag yourself out of the room, the downstairs pool is relaxed, calm and heated, with live electronic or reggae music on the weekends, and the poolside bar standing by with cocktails and light fare.Down on the sands, private orange beach chairs welcome you atop Miami Beach's pristine white sands and turquoise waters.
the BRUNCH
If you are lucky enough to plan your stay on a Sunday (or live close enough to pop in), come hungry, because you are in for the brunch of a lifetime.Brunch is a kind of dedicated past-time, and I'm not holding back to say this is the most indulgent brunch buffet I've yet to encounter. Las Vegas dining scene, you've been beat with class.I'm talking multi-table full buffet style of charcuterie plates, shrimp + crab cocktails, scallops, veggies, potatoes, caviar, oysters, salads, fruits. Omelet bar. Pancakes. Waffles.An entire army of sweet treats led by a four-tier chocolate dipping fountain with macaroons and espresso mouse in edible milk chocolate cups on the front lines, backed by staple cookies and fruits and bite-size cakes and yes, there is an attached elevator that can roll you right out to the poolside after because you are going to be in a food coma all. day. long.If you're with me on Snapchat (@crntlyexploring), you already know -- as far as brunch buffets go, F.A.B. at Solé on the Ocean is raising the bar.
the SURROUNDS
Check back tomorrow for our fave finds + to-do's from when we finally peeled out of our room and got to roaming Sunny Isles Beach!
Mom + I enjoyed our time so much we invited the rest of the fam to come visit for our last afternoon and share the experience by the pool.Soon, it was notably less quiet.
OK, so you definitely want to check in.
Get 15% off any Solé on the Ocean suite and a $35 daily food + beverage credit good for lunch or dinner at F.A.B. on all stays between January 4 - April 10, 2016 -- on me! Simply say "Christina Leigh" when you call to reserve -- 305.923.9300.
Looking for New Year's plans? Check out their masquerade event here.
currently exploring was welcomed to Sole on the Ocean as a guest of the City of Sunny Isles Beach. All opinions are my own, and I am so excited to share a discounted experience with you, too!