As the official concierge partner of Art Basel Miami Beach, Quintessentially has the insider scoop on how to make the most of your time in the palm tree paradise.
DAY ONE
Your home base
Upon arrival, check into The Standard Miami Beach. Located on Belle Isle, the hotel has a more relaxed feel than those in the heart of South Beach. The breezy rooms are soothing with a tropical feel, and most have outdoor soaking tubs. The pool and Lido Bayside Grill are great places to see and be-seen, whilst still taking in the ubiquitous sunshine. Should you have some time to spare, check out the onsite spa—the comprehensive retreat offers treatments from around the world in a beautifully-designed space.
A brunch hotspot
Located across the causeway in the Design District, Swan is an indoor/outdoor dining experience focusing on local and sustainable ingredients. The globally-influenced menu spotlights beautifully plated dishes—try the Coconut Pancake with Banana Ice Cream, or the Shrimp & Grits if you fancy something savoury.
The Rodeo Drive of the subtropics
Spend the afternoon meandering around the newly-built Design District, exploring the multitude of designer shops that have made residence there. Alongside the luxury shops lie over 130 galleries and showrooms. During Art Basel, these businesses will host a series of events showcasing their artists—contact your lifestyle manager for the times and listings.
Dinner in Greece
Dining on the patio of Mandolin is reminiscent of having dinner in an Aegean taverna. The magical outdoor area is strewn with lights and has a relaxed family-dinner feel. The menu is delicious, fresh, and perfect for sharing—don’t miss the Cheese Saganaki or the Grilled Meze. An onsite market means you can take some goodies to snack on later.
DAY TWO
Hawaiian-style breakfast then swim
Spend the day on South Beach. Begin with a healthy breakfast at Lilikoi Organic Living, a petite cafe with a Hawaiian heritage. The menu of classics made nutritious is perfect for starting the day afresh. Venture up the beach a bit to the W Hotel South Beach. Rent the Wow Cabana, their signature poolside cabana, and spend the day relaxing in the spacious interior with TVs, drinks, food, and more.
An art-filled afternoon
Forgot you’re in town for Art Basel? Head northwest to the Convention Center to see the show—our favourite bit is the Nova sector, which presents hot-off-the-press pieces from the world’s top contemporary artists alongside each other. Arrange a tour with show partner ArtNexus; they can walk you through and give collector’s insider info and insight. Stroll a couple of blocks toward the ocean for lunch at Jaya inside The Setai. The innovative restaurant features a pan-Asian menu in a beautiful setting—their iteration of Pad Thai is spectacular.
Sexy steak, confetti, and dancing
Have dinner at newly opened Papi Steak. The menu of steakhouse classics is served inside a beautiful, design-heavy atmosphere. The energetic environment and perfectly cooked steaks—they’re seared to order at 1,000 degrees. Follow with a drink at NYC transplant, The Blind Barber. The speakeasy masquerades as a barbershop during the day, then transforms into a secret cocktail lounge at night. Afterward, indulge in Miami’s famous nightlife. Not to be missed, clubs like Story and LIV are a premium spectacle—it is worth getting a VIP table for a proper view of the action.
Heading to Art Basel? Contact your luxury lifestyle manager for exclusive access to private events and VIP recommendations. For more information about Quintessentially Membership and our services, please get in touch with our team in Miami.
