Doesn't that sound great just about now? Here in Seattle fall has really made itself known. We've had a crazy weekend storm with torrential rains and high wind. The best remedy I know for the rainy-day blues is to pull up some photos of warm, sunny spots and take a little mental trip.
When we went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, last year we flew in and out of Miami, cashing in miles for first class, round trip flights. From Seattle to LA we were on an Alaska flight, which is a good but not amazing first class. But from LA to Miami we totally scored, the plane was normally used for international flights and we had these awesome individual 'pods' with partitions you could raise, laptop desks, tvs, ottomans that you could also use as an extra seat if you wanted to invite someone to your pod, fully reclining/lay flat beds, down comforters, etc. It was seriously posh.
We had some champers, a little meal (complete with cheese course), watched a movie, took a nap. It was wonderful. Dayne was especially happy with the ice cream sundae service prior to landing!
Upon arriving in Miami we checked into the Hotel InterContinental in downtown. We'd stayed in South Beach the last time we had been in town and wanted to see a different area of the city. The front desk informed us that we were randomly chosen to be the "Surprise Guest of the Day" and they upgraded us to a huge suite on the 31st floor and granted us free use of the lounge with complimentary drinks, etc. Helllloooooo Miami!!!
We had a great dinner that night at Yardbird, absolutely delicious southern food and bourbon drinks in a very fun atmosphere at South Beach. Fried green tomatoes with unctuous pork belly, fried chicken, a cheddar waffle with bourbon syrup, all delish! After dinner we headed to the W to check out drinks at The Dutch. Cocktails are very good here and the bar has a nice casual vibe, not stuffy or full of attitude. Definitely a great spot to hit up in you are in the area.
We came home to find the hotel had delivered a bottle of champagne and some chocolate covered strawberries to our room. Well done.
On our way back from Punta Cana we did another night in Miami, still staying in the downtown area but this time staying at the Kimpton Epic. The name says it all. We pulled up in our cab and the valet was busy parking sleek, candy-colored sports cars. We checked in and made our way to our room, being greeted by another comped bottle of champers, a big patio, and an amazing view of Biscayne Bay and the hotel pool below us. The perfect place to enjoy the colors of the sunset before getting ready for dinner and heading out on the town.
Dinner this time was at OLA, the restaurant in the Sanctuary Hotel. It was a bit hard to find but was absolutely worth it. Very good food in a cute little space. We headed back downtown after and had cocktails at The Corner, which was a great find. Part tavern, part cocktail bar, and a walk-up window for drink ordering even!
The next day we had the entire afternoon to hang out and enjoy the amazing pool at the hotel before flying home, first class on Alaska, Miami to Seattle direct.
I could really go for that right about now!
Warm, sunny photos here.
Travel experiences from around the world; stories of wine, food, cocktails, and friends!
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