Relieve stress and boost wellness during your stay in Miami with these suggestions from Chauncey Sullivan, concierge at Jade Beach.
Deep Breath
Vacations are meant to impart a sense of rejuvenation for travelers. Visitors who retreat to Miami for a much-needed respite can sign up for a class at Green Monkey yoga studio to start releasing stress right away. “It’s just very hip and trendy and great service,” explains Chauncey Sullivan, concierge at Jade Beach. With core values of positivity, balance and community, Green Monkey offers various classes for beginners and advanced yogis. The restorative yoga class, in particular, is intended to release tension through specific positions that use props like blocks, blankets and eye masks to guide clients to a restful state. (1827 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach; 305-397-8566; greenmonkey.com)
Clean Eating
Basil Park in Sunny Isles Beach focuses on a menu with organic items that are both nutrient rich and delectable. Pasture-raised chicken, grass-fed meat and sustainable seafood are featured in the soups, wraps and larger plates. In terms of beverages, patrons can choose from cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and organic beers and wines. “It’s very refreshing,” Sullivan adds. “The food is good—fresh smoothies with goji berries and avocado ceviche with aji sauce. … It’s a great place for anyone who’s looking for healthy food.” (17608 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; 305-705-0004; basilpark.com)
Spa Day
For anyone seeking relaxation, a trip to the spa is essential. Sullivan recommends guests stop by Acqualina Resort & Spa for Espa, where holistic, meditative and restorative treatments are available for guests. Visitors are encouraged to arrive an hour before their massages to enjoy the spa’s lounge with a soothing refreshment, or other areas like the steam room, ice fountain, sauna and waterfall Jacuzzi. “From the ingredients to the type of treatments that they give you, it’s a very elegant and refined spa,” Sullivan says. “It’s the only Espa in the U.S. They’re all in Europe.” (17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; 305-918-8000; acqualina.com)
Final Stretch
Visitors will find a large group practicing yoga on Miami Beach at Third Street and Ocean Drive. Everyone is encouraged to participate in 3rd Street Beach Yoga, which started as a one-woman activity back in 1998 and grew to two classes offered every day on the sand. The sessions are all donation-based, as a few local yoga instructors volunteer to lead the class. Sullivan says it’s great because you can do yoga to the sound of the crashing waves in the background. (Third Street at Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 786-529-6423; 3rdstreetbeachyoga.com)
Healthy Bites
As the last stop on a peaceful day, Sullivan recommends Pasha’s restaurant in Brickell, which specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. “[I like] the fresh food, the hummus,” she says. “Everything is … made to order.” Open until 11 p.m. every day, the eatery offers several dining options for customers, including counter service, pick-up and delivery. Among the most popular menu items are the yanis, or rice bowls, which are served with fresh vegetables and come with a choice of eggplant or lentil ratatouille, beef tenderloin, chicken or Greek yogurt for a refreshing meal. (141 Brickell Ave.; 305-416-5116; pashas.com)
—Written by Kirsti Correa
