Gay & Away: Miami Beach, Florida

Words by Jim Guttau

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"Until the 1980s, Miami Beach was a peculiar mix of criminals, Cubans, and little old ladies. Then the beautiful people moved in.” - Natalie O'Neill, Miami New Times

Sultry and sexy Miami Beach became my home for two weeks this past June, and I quickly chose to absorb its culture—the tastes, the pools and beaches, the people, and the nightlife. The only way for a dry climate dweller like myself to survive each South Florida afternoon was to immerse myself in the ocean or a pool. But through it all the tastes of Latin America became my obsession, as well as the freshly caught seafood. I was also immediately thrust into World Cup Soccer mania, as each day bars and restaurants would overflow with fans.

Below, I highlight my favorite discoveries and top picks for Miami Beach.

The Standard Spa

Scandinavia meets the beach at the intensely serene Standard Spa, Miami Beach. Scandinavian design is distinguished by simplicity, functionality, and minimalism, and the Standard Spa encompasses all three elements, while still embracing its past as the former Lido Spa Hotel, which was originally built in 1953.

Guests choose from four room options, including the “Wet” room, which includes a private outdoor living room terrace with outdoor soaking tub, or go all-out with a “Full Spread” room, offering a loft-like suite with panoramic views of the bay.

The entire property is an interpretation of a modern bathhouse, and the spa menu says it right: “Here you can indulge in a steamy mix of health and hedonism and learn the ageless art of bathing—indoors and out.” I was fortunate enough to do just that with “The Standard” therapeutic massage from Fazli, one of the many holistically focused practitioners at the spa. Over the years, I've had many massages, but none can top the intense bodywork and overwhelming relaxation I experienced here. Afterward, I moved onto the hamam, the traditional Turkish bath, and stretched out on the heated marble; guests can also submerge in the hamam’s soaking tubs, detox with sugar scrubs, or sweat it out in the aroma steam room.

The other main attraction is the infinity pool, which fluctuates between 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The Roman waterfall hot tub faces the infinity pool, which was the perfect place to perch—under the falling water column—and relieve my tight neck and shoulders.
When you are looking to detox from wild nights in South Beach, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, gets the gold star for ultimate in relaxation.

W South Beach

For those that think The Standard is too chill, move onto the modern, chic, and energetic W South Beach, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. With 312 hotel guest rooms and posh private residences, the property’s unique architecture angles each residence, so that all boast breathtaking ocean views. Choose from the “Wonderful” studio (564 square feet), the “Sensational” suite (1,729 square feet), or live the high life in the three-bedroom Penthouse EXTREME Wow Suite—nearing 3,000 square feet.

Want a belly dancer to perform at your cabana? Take a bath in milk chocolate in the middle of the night? With the touch of the “WHATEVER/WHENEVER” on your hotel room’s phone, your wish is the W’s command—as long as it’s legal.

The two pools and beach at W South Beach take on a tropical, jungle feel—rather than the highly manicured landscapes typically found at the hotels along Collins Avenue. Meander through a grove of palm and gumbo-limbo trees to discover Wall, the hotel’s hot nightclub. Celebrity sightings abound at the world famous Mr. Chow restaurant, which added its fifth location here. Past Mr. Chow is the jaw-dropping lobby and lounge areas, adorned with contemporary works from artists like Damien Hirst. Another gem of the property is the romantic Soleá restaurant, where Spanish flavors take on a modern twist.

You will definitely feel like a rock star staying here, but book early, as the W South Beach is consistently sold out.

Art Deco District Tour

When I hear the word “Miami,” I immediately see ocean, sand, and Art Deco hotels. With origins in pre-World War I Europe, Art Deco design affected all areas of design—from architecture to fashion to industrial design. I visited almost 15 Art Deco hotels and buildings (including Gloria Estefan’s Cardozo Hotel) on a tour guided by a local historian from the Miami Design Preservation League—a non-profit organization devoted to preserving the architectural integrity of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District.

Tours depart each day from MDPL’s new location (1001 Ocean Drive) at 10:30 a.m.—except for Thursdays, when the tours begin at 6:30 p.m. Art Deco aficionados should mark their calendars for the three-day Art Deco Weekend, held in mid-January and attended by nearly 400,000.

Don’t Miss...
•Twist: The infamous South Beach gay nightclub
•OLA: Latin essentials by internationally acclaimed chef, Douglas Rodriguez
•Lincoln Road: The best people-watching at outdoor cafés in Miami Beach
•SoBe Social Club: GLBT-focused events by Miami party promoter extraordinaire, Edison Farrow
•AltaMare: Daily-changing Mediterranean menu and line-caught seafood by veteran chef Simon Stojanovic and acclaimed restaurateur Claudio Giordano

Meet Jim on gay.com Xavier_Jagger and at www.guttaupr.com.

Top photo: Unzipped Premium. Other photos from Jim.