Feeling like you need a break from Miami now and haven’t made any travel plans? If you travel, want it to be easy, close by and won’t break the bank? I know the feeling. I’ve put together a list of links for Miami weekend getaways I’ve tested that fit the bill, ranging from those in our backyard or no more than a two hour/ max three hour drive to a several hour flight. They all include where to stay, things to do, where to eat and shop. Enjoy!
Drive to Miami Weekend Getaways:
Let’s start with those closest to home….right here in Miami-Dade.
Sunny Isles, Aqualina Resort and Spa (click here)
Miami Beach, Kimpton Surfcomber South Beach
Everglades, Flamingo Inn
South Florida, Palm Beach
Take your pick of three hotels, which appeals — The Breakers, Eau Palm Beach or The Colony
Things to Do in Palm Beach:
Best Restaurants in Palm Beach
Shopping in Palm Beach
Naples
Tampa
Fly to Miami Weekend Getaways
Merida, Mexico
Antigua,Guatemala
Cartagena, Asheville, The Bourbon Trail
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Culebra is one of three islands that are part of Puerto Rico. Population 1200, it’s laid back, kind of funky, has a Blue Flag beach (top world ranking certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its standards.), and is a “chill paradise”. Guaranteed you’ll relax and forget any anxieties. It’s my antidote for stress. Spend your day reading, walking on the unspoiled Flamenco beach and enjoying the likes of fresh caught whole fried snapper with tostones or locally caught tuna. You can stay at The Wind and the Sea, the hilltop apartment owned by Mr. W and rented on AirBNB (for info click here). You fly to San Juan and then take a 20 minute flight in a six-seater aircraft that’s like a sightseeing tour, low flying, with beautiful views of the small islets, gorgeous water and boats below, or take a 75 minute ferry ride from the Ceiba ferry terminal (near Fajardo) and then it’s a short walk to the house. There’s some space available as of now for late August and September.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
An hour and a half flight away is Playa del Carmen in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Fly into Cancun airport and then take a 40 minute drive and you’re at the five star all inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya (click here) whose restaurant,Cocina de Autor, just earned a one star Michelin, only one of 18 restaurants in Mexico to have won the coveted award this year. It has a 60,000 square foot his and hers spa (5 stars from Forbes) that has everything, 8 restaurants that are all excellent, bars, kids and teens programs, and over 1000 square foot suites at the beach or at the jungle wing (Zen).
Plenty of good places and things to think about!
