Thursday, January 13, 2011

Miami, here we come!

If you read Habitually Chic, you've probably seen that Heather and I are going on another adventure together in a few weeks. This time however, it's to a place I thought I would never venture; A Cruise to Nassau in the Bahamas!
I think what convinced me this would be a fabulous trip, other than the fun company of course, is that Oceania cruiseline bills themselves as the cruise line for people not into cruises. With tons of luxe amenities and celebrity chefs, they pride themselves on being their guests home away from home with a small boat size and each room being a deluxe suite.
After our cruise, we decided to spend a few days in Miami. As we haven't made any arrangements yet, I would love to hear your recommendations; Hotels, restaurants, shopping? The only thing I know of and have to see is the famous Vizcaya mansion, seen above. I hope to have lots of great experiences and share them all with you here!
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18 comments:

  1. The Down East DilettanteJanuary 13, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Coming off a ferocious cold, and digging out from an even more ferocious blizzard yesterday, I am filled with nothing but unbridled envy...

    Miami is such a sexy city--a visual feast---you'll have a great time.

    As for Vizcaya, although the poor maintenance of the gardens makes me crazy, as does the glass cover on the courtyard (when I'm Emperor of World Aesthetics, that glass is the first thing to go!!!), it is nevertheless poetic and sublime--unlike anything else in America. You'll have fun comparing its romantic vision to the Hollywood vision of its West coast counterpart Hearst castle---one is set for an opera, the other for a musical...

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  2. Renée FinbergJanuary 13, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    please please
    i would love to meet you guys for a coffee before or after vizcaya.

    i am def. not a cruise person...
    so i will be excited to hear how it is.

    xxx

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  3. magnusJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    I think that cruises on the right boat are the height of wonderful self indulgence: Nothing to do but decide what you'll have for breakfast, lunch and dinner; no options for violent sport to make you feel guilty as you lie about in slothful indolence; no telephone ringing to interupt your reading and, if you're lucky, you'll be out of Blackberry range for much of your time at sea. Don't bother to "de-plane" in Nassau. You'll see all you need to see from the beautiful deck of your ship . Do yourself a favor though and book a few massages as soon as you can- the "good" times are sure to be taken by the time you get on board. I haven't been to Miami in years, but concur that Vizcaya is a "must". Is Joe's Stone Crab still a zoo- albeit an enjoyable one? Perhaps one of your readers knows. Can you stay at Fisher's island- the old WK Vanderbilt, Jr. place (great Fatio house)? Again, sadly, I don't know, but at least I'd love to visit it. Have a wonderful time-

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  4. Mark D. RuffnerJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Vizcaya has a Neoclassic bathroom, and it's my choice for the imaginary house that I would build for myself, snatching from other places a la W. R. Hearst.

    You'll be near buildings designed by Addison Misner, and you might look into seeing if any of those are open for tours. Much of his work is in Palm Beach, which is next door to Miami.

    Have a great trip! Mark

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  5. HelsJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I definitely AM a cruise person :) As long as the ship spends every second day in a port, for walking and touring, I would be delighted. You lucky things *sigh*

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  6. Habitually ChicJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    I'm so excited to getaway and have you as my partner in crime again! I'm especially excited to get some sun after all this snow! This cruise cannot come fast enough! XOXO!

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  7. DavidJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Cuban food at Versailles in Miami. It's kind of an institution, with lots of mirrors. Have mojitos before you eat, and Cuban coffee after. Enjoy Papi!

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  8. The Devoted ClassicistJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    Despite the current issues, Vizcaya is a Must See. And allow time so you don't miss the swimming pool and Casino (in opposite directions). In Coral Gables, I love the Venetian Pool. In addition, I am entranced by the theme complexes, the Chinese Village, the South African Village, the French Village, etc., also in Coral Gables.

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  9. pve designJanuary 13, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Smooth Cruising to you both and have a wonderful time.
    pve

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  10. quintessenceJanuary 13, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    I'm not normally a cruise person either but this certainly sounds like fun!! Hope you and Heather have a wonderful time - I'll keep my fingers crossed for good weather. Don't forget your sunscreen!

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  11. Yuri-Alex NisoJanuary 13, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Lucky!!! Have a great vacation!

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  12. KarenaJanuary 13, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Stefan, a bit envious here in frigid Kansas City, along with David and Mrs B, they will concur!

    Really though have a grand time!

    Come and enter my giveaway from Blydesign! (wonderful gift for a lady friend!)

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  13. David TomsJanuary 13, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Stefan, you lucky thing! Today's cruise ships are too big, and now even lacking the wonderful sleek designs of ships past.

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Have a great time!
    Vizcaya is incredible, both house & garden. Garden was designed to look like it was centuries old & had been changed, by generations who inhabited it, to follow the fashions of the time. Give yourself an entire day there.
    Also if you can see the Morikami museum & gardens in Del Ray I think you would enjoy.
    Happy Sailing!

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  15. Room TemperatureJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    Sounds like a great trip. Yes, Vizcaya would be Miami Stop #1 for me--even if Deering weren't a Chicagoan--and, as Mark says, that Neoclassic bath is one of the all-time greats. And don't miss the Art Deco collections at the Wolfsonian.

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  16. D.L.RheinJanuary 16, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    so much great texture and warmth! I would love to snuggle up in that library and read a good book.

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  17. Chic ColesJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    We are planning a visit to Miami at the end of Feb the beginning of March. Would love to hear all about your visit.Have a wonderful cruise.

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  18. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    I was the one who posted about visiting SF city hall. Vizcaya is a religous experience I felt was even better than San Simeon. The Biltmore Hotel is just up the street, a total must and the Venitian Pool is close to the Biltmore. Other than that unless your going up to Palm Beach there's nothing else to see (well maybe the Versace mansion..kinda)

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