A Weekend in Miami

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Miami is often described in superlatives, but to truly know the city, you must slip past its glossy surface and wander into the corners where history lingers, where design appears quietly, where everyday places start to tell their own story, writes Gabriela Navarro. She shares a personal map of the city, revealing its unique textures and the spots that only a local would know.

BY GABRIELA NAVARRO | CABANA TRAVEL | 5 DECEMBER 2025

The glorious bar at Four Seasons at The Surf Club © Four Seasons

Where to Stay

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club: In my view, the finest hotel in Miami. I have been both a witness and participant in its creation; as well as in shaping the renewed vision of The Surf Club, and I can attest that it has been a true labor of love. Every element, down to the smallest detail, has been thoughtfully considered.

Walking through its historic entrance feels magical, as if you were suddenly transported to old Florida, yet met with a contemporary sensibility that is both timeless and elegant. It feels right, and the property will hold the same allure for years to come. The mélange of Russell Pancoast’s Mediterranean revival building, with Richard Meier’s architecture and Joseph Dirand’s interiors, has resulted in something extraordinary.

The Standard Hotel and Spa: The Standard holds a special place in my heart. I was a member when it first opened, and it was the place where everyone gathered (other than The Raleigh); its relaxed atmosphere has always been appealing. I still love going for lunch, or just sitting by the water for a drink. It is a favorite place to stay for some, due to its easy access, simplicity, and its way of always attracting a mix of interesting people.

Where to Eat & Drink

Sushi Midorie, Coconut Grove:
This is the kind of neighborhood spot that becomes part of your routine without you even realizing it. It has an understated atmosphere that I appreciate, and the fish is always incredibly fresh. There’s no fuss to it, just thoughtful, well-prepared food and a team that really takes care of you.

The Palm, Bay Harbour Islands: I used to go to the Palm with my father in Mexico City years ago, and the Bay Harbor location still brings back that same feeling every time I visit. The menu is timeless in that classic, familiar, and predictable way, and the old-school service adds to its charm.

Versailles, Little Havana:
Versailles is the real deal if you crave authentic Cuban food in an authentic place. Whatever comes off the menu, from Lechon Asado to Ropa Vieja, this is the place. Families have been coming here for generations, the Cafecito line never slows, and all the classic Cuban dishes are served in a very uncomplicated way, making it feel familiar and grounded. The drive around Little Havana is always entertaining and refreshing, beating to its own rhythm, completing the Versailles experience.

True Loaf Bakery, Miami Beach:
A small neighborhood bakery opened in 2013 by a Venezuelan who left his finance career to focus on baking, and you can taste the dedication in everything they make. The bread and pastries are warm, crusty, and usually gone by early afternoon, which tells you everything you need to know.

Grove Grocer, Coconut Grove:
Grove Grocer is a little gem I really like going to on a Saturday morning. It’s uncomplicated and you can tell everything is thoughtfully chosen, from the local produce to the selected staples. You always end up taking home something healthy, organic and natural, which is why it feels so comforting. It’s a new local favorite and I love to see the great group of people that go there

Dante’s HiFi, Wynwood:
A vinyl bar that’s both design-driven and soulful. The lighting is warm, the records are carefully chosen with real knowledge, and the crowd leans toward people who appreciate the atmosphere. It feels like a little pocket of Tokyo or Brooklyn.

The Cartier boutique in The Miami Design District © Cartier

Where to Shop 

The Webster, Miami Beach: The Webster will always be one of my favorite places to shop. I met Laure Hériard Dubreuil, the owner, when she opened in one of the original Art Deco houses on Collins Ave. The space is very cool, and her eye is incredible.

Michel Contessa Antiques & Nihil Novi:
There is a strip mall that has become one of my favorite places in Miami for vintage furniture and decor. Michel Contessa Antiques has a beautiful selection of high-quality pieces, and a few doors down, Nihil Novi has a more eclectic mix where you can find all sorts of things. The whole strip is fun to explore because each store has its own personality, usually somewhat unpredictable.

Cartier, Miami Design District: For Cartier jewelry, watches, and accessories, visit the Maison's newly-reimagined boutique in the Miami Design District. Architectural studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro and interior designer Laura Gonzalez have transformed the vast building on Miami's NE 39th Street, which makes a striking statement inside and out. The attention to detail is magnificent; the store's wraparound façade features an undulating surface of fluted glass, etched with a pattern adapted from a 1909 Cartier brooch. Cartier

Books & Books, Coral Gables:
The original Books & Books location in Coral Gables is charming and quite unique. The bookstore wraps around a courtyard in a U-shape, with a small café in the center where you can sit and read. The person who helps me there is incredibly knowledgeable and has been with the bookstore for more than 20 years. I can easily lose track of time here; it's one of Miami’s cultural hubs.

The Beach Boutique, Miami Beach:
From the outside, you might not think much, it might even be hard to find, but inside you'll discover avant garde or small European brands you didn't know. The owner is precise and careful in her selection of everything; this is where locals shop for things you don’t see everywhere.

© Michel Contessa Antiques

What to See & Do

The Bass Museum:
Designed by Russell Pancoast, the architect behind the original Surf Club, The Bass Museum carries a familiar sense of Miami’s history. Silvia Karman Cubiñá, the longtime executive director and chief curator, is a friend and former Surf Club member, which further establishes the strong ties with the museum. They have built an impressive collection, and always have very interesting exhibitions.

Miami City Ballet: In front of the museum are beautiful baobab-like trees, and right next door is the Miami City Ballet. If you’re lucky, you can catch the dancers training outside – (maybe you’ll come across my friend Aaron, a 21-year-old virtuoso from Veracruz, Mexico who will debut this coming December). The Miami Beach Library is steps away, and Blue Ribbon Sushi, inside The Plymouth Hotel, sits directly across the street as a hard to find, but rewarding bonus. This little block brings together art, architecture, nature, and everyday life in a way that feels like the best of Miami Beach.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden:
Fairchild Garden is so extraordinary that I find it hard to describe. The way I can best explain it, is that it is the Fantasia of tropical plants. The nature is so stunning that you almost can’t believe it’s possible – all shapes and colors are there, even those you didn't know existed. Topping it off is the long, but ultimately rewarding drive along Old Cutler Road, with its majestic canopies serving as a preview for the garden. I like to frequent Fairchild because it reminds me to stop and appreciate more deeply Florida and its natural gifts.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables © Carlos Causo