the Fox Brothers

By Gisel Habibnejad Photography by George Apostolidis With all the chic restaurants, lively nightlife, and business centers Brickell has to offer, it is easy to forget the luxurious hotels located in the beautiful city. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel takes the relaxing oceanic view and beachy sands up a notch with their amenities and elegant lifestyle. If you are looking for a change of scenery for your next “stay- cation,” this hotel may be the ideal fit for you. Breezy Beach & Posh Pool Avoid all the tourists and spring-breakers traveling to Miami this season by enjoying the Mandarin Oriental’s private beach. The white sand beach is equipped with day beds, hammocks, and lounge furniture. If you are not the beach type, the infinity pool will serve as the perfect substitution. You can enjoy VIP cabanas suited with flat-screen TVs. Outdoor massages are also available upon request.   Suite Sensation If that’s not enough to capture your attention, the top notch suites will surely do the trick. One of the many amazing suite options offered by the hotel includes the Oriental Suite. Where to begin? The luxurious 2,365-sqft suite is located on the top floor guaranteeing a view of Miami’s beautiful skyline. Step outside to the balcony, which encompasses an entry way from the living room, bedroom, and dining room, to enjoy the spectacular view of the city’s lights, ocean waves, and Biscayne Bay. The living room alone oozes decadence and extravagance with its fireplace and piano.   Wining & Dining Guests will never be bored with food having many dining options to choose from. Enjoy a Five-Star Breakfast by Mandarin Oriental with a beautiful view of the bay. Lunch by the pool never tasted better than at the Oasis Pool Cafe. Dishes include light fare and sushi. For dinner, guests can choose between La Mar and Azul. La Mar by Gaston Acurio, also serving lunch, includes Asian- Peruvian fusion dishes. If you’re looking for Asian cuisine with a French twist, reserve your table at Azul with world renown Chef Crandall. Menu items range from Spiced Carnaroli Risotto to “Cheeks Bourguignon.” If you’re in the mood to sip some cocktails while listening to good music, Mo Bar + Lounge is the place to be. The bar is open all day, equipped with views of the breathtaking Miami skyline and waters. On the weekend, live entertainment courtesy of Renoir Rodriguez and the Fox Brothers fill the lounge with Cuban jazz music and Spanish guitar sounds.   VIP Spa Treatment The spa and wellness center and amenities include the typical gym and spa treatments seen in all top rated hotels. However, what sets it apart are the VIP spa suites. They provide customizable facials, body treatments, and manicures and pedicures in the Beauty Treatment Suite. In addition, they include packages such as couples massages in the Couples’ Suite, private shower and large bathtubs in the Mandarin Suite – and their highest in demand, Thai massage – in the Oriental Suite.   Leisurely Lifestyle The Mandarin Oriental Hotel offers more than just relaxing on the beach for its vacationers. Other leisure activities include shopping and cooking lessons. The hotel is home to Shanghai Tang, a luxury brand boutique stocked with fashion, accessories, and home ware items inspired by Chinese culture. Another classy boutique housed by the hotel is Karma, where you can find gifts and more accessories. When you’ve already indulged in their deluxe Chinese plates, you can take these recipes home with you by participating in Azul cooking classes! Their signature restaurant offers cooking courses by their award- winning chef, William Crandall. Absorb his cooking tips, while preparing one of his famous delicacies. Be sure to book your stay around these classes which are held five times a year. Younger Fans If you are traveling with children, the Mandarin Oriental also has a treat for them. The hotel will provide in- room accessories, such as cribs, Diaper Genies, and bath toys, to ease your stay upon request. Restaurants at the hotel also offer lunch and dinner menus for children. Teenagers can enjoy salsa and belly dancing classes which can be shared with family and friends. Manicures and pedicures, makeup classes, and facials can also be enjoyed by teens seeking fun activities.   Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue.