Miami’s glistening Brickell District is often called the “Wall Street of the South”. In recent years, the downtown neighborhood has rapidly become adorned with towering skyscrapers, home to major financial institutions like Citadel and Oppenheimer. Brickell has the glitz and glamour, the sophisticated bar and restaurant scene, and the dense urban feel of Manhattan, but the vibe is all Miami. 

It is architecturally landmarked by the Brickell Avenue Bridge which spans the Miami River, and the three-block-long Brickell City Centre complex which has four levels of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.

STAY

Dua Miami, an Autograph Collection Hotel

The place to stay is the Dua Miami, a sleek glass-and-chrome masterpiece designed by Philippe Starck.   Although nestled in the center of the city's energy, staying here feels like your personal retreat. Upon entering the serene lobby, decored in subtle gold and beige tones, you're warmly welcomed by the friendly staff.

The hotel offers 124 stylish rooms and suites, each with breathtaking panoramic Magic City views –and most with a private balcony. In addition from the mini-bar and room safe, amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, USB outlets, deck space, a rain shower, MALIN+GOETZ bath products, slippers, and robes.

In addition from the mini-bar and room safe, amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, UBS outlets, deck space, a rain shower, MALIN+GOETZ bath products, slippers, and robes.

On the lobby level of DUA Miami, is a chef-driven restaurant and bar specializing on wood-fire grilled dishes and innovative cocktails.  On the second level, is a lounge with speak-easy vibes. 

On the rooftop level, you will find the fitness center, spa, and expansive outdoor pool and lounge area. The spa also houses men's and women's sauna rooms, a co-ed steam room, and a relaxation lounge.

EAT & DRINK

AHU MAR Restaurant & Bar

Executive Chef Victor Rosado and his team focus on high-quality ingredients, using wood-fired grills and ovens that lock in natural flavors and enrich the dishes with a smoky essence. AHU MAR’s wood-burning ovens heat evenly, giving seafood and meat tastier textures, such as whole Branzino (a mild white fish) and Spiced Duck served with an amazing blueberry wine sauce. 

Whatever you choose as your main, we recommend starting your meal with a cocktail, like the tequila-based Agave Ardiente—blended with watermelon, lavender shrub, lime, and house-made "hot stuff." For a non-alcoholic option, try the refreshing Weather Melon.

For starters, you must go for the Dressed Oysters –crème fraiche & caviar, lemon foam with pique (a traditional hot sauce from Puerto Rico), or crispy bacon-topped zabaglione. Or, Chef Rosado’s interpretation of Alcapurrias as Goldfish-shaped stuffed fritters.

For lunch, try a 12-inch wood-fired pizza like the popular Margherita or the chef’s favorite, Cauliflower (as a topping, not a crust)—a white pizza featuring Fontina cheese, red onion, local honey, fresh rosemary, and lemon zest. For meat lovers, it’s the sumptuous Sopresatta –mildly spicy salami imported from Italy along with Straciatella cheese, red onion and tomato sauce.

The intense heat of wood-burning oven cooks the pizza quickly, which helps the toppings lock in freshness and flavor, and caramelizes the sugars in tomato sauce, adding more tastiness.

Don’t sleep in, or you’ll miss out brunching on the healthy Avocado Toast or the hearty Steak & Eggs –Three eggs your way with a delicious wood-fire grilled rib eye served with grilled Ciabatta toast and blueberry wine sauce. Pair your mealwith a cappuccino and, or, a bubbly Hugo Spritz made with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, seltzer, and fresh mint garnish.

No matter the meal, definitely order the Brioche Parker Rolls served with a nice smear of smoked butter and black sesame salt. The DUA Miami has a gym.

DUA Lounge 

Discover this warmly lit lounge on the second floor by elevator or up the lobby stairway. A mix of comfy chairs and sofas are arranged as private seating areas near a sparkling bar serving crafted drinks.

Early in the evening, it’s a perfect ambiance for an intimate date night with classic cocktail, like a Sazerac made with Angels Envy rye whisky. Later in the night, the DJ kicks off their set, transforming DUA Lounge into a sexy and swanky nightclub. Share large-format cocktails, like the tart and potent One Two, made with Brugal rum, Amarás mezcal, pineapple, and black tea. 

DUA MIAMI HOTEL

1300 South Miami Avenue, Brickell District – Miami

Duamiamihotel.com

@duamiamihotel  and @Ahumarmiami

TRAVEL TIP: Avoid the hassle of navigating traffic, parking, and construction detours. Opt for rideshares, explore on foot (watch out for autonomous delivery robots), or take advantage of Miami’s free Metromover, an elevated and automated public transit system.