Local Insights
Chef Concierge Brian Bean shares the rich and vibrant summer experiences awaiting guests in and around The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.
By Andrea Landis
Many years of concierge experience have brought Brian Bean insider knowledge of all the best places to indulge and unwind in Miami Beach. Here are his recommendations for where to polish up, suit shop and cool off this summer.
Polish
Get summer ready from head-to-toe with services from top Miami Beach spas and salons. Bean cites the Remède Spa at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort as the ideal place for guests to prepare their face, hands, feet and entire body for Florida’s strong sun and surf. Refresh with his and hers facials, soften the skin with a scrub or wrap, then apply the finishing touches with Remède’s specialty nail and waxing services. With 11 spacious treatment rooms and a “Spa Without Walls” program to enjoy the spa experience anywhere on the property, guests can indulge in signature services, including the Bal Harbour 24-Karat Designer Facial to achieve glowing summer skin. Luxurious spa journeys offer hours of indulgence in multiple services tailored to your needs and are sure to have you relaxed, glowing and ready to take on Miami Beach. (305-993-0600; stregisbalharbour.com/remede-spa)
For a beautiful mane of glossy hair, Bean directs guests to Privè Salon inside the Remède Spa, where the menu is about customization for your most gorgeous accessory. “Every haircut or blow dry begins with a consultation and the results are extraordinary,” Bean says. “Everyone emerges looking like they’re ready to walk the red carpet.” Even men can achieve an instant transformation with Privè’s Gray Camouflage for Men. The menu ranges from women’s haircuts to a 60-minute intensive Privé mask with a luxurious oil-infused hot towel and polished blow-dry to hair extensions and bridal hair and makeup, an award-winning area of expertise for the salon team.
Indulge
Now precisely pampered and donning summer’s finest styles, indulge in an iced treat or decadent drink by the pool or on the beach. “Serendipity Yogurt Café is our little Bal Harbour frozen yogurt gem,” Bean says. “All of the yogurts are homemade, and there is a myriad selection of specialty toppings.” The café boasts a charming old fashioned setting and a flavor to fit every affinity. And not only is your favorite healthy dessert available in non-dairy and sugar free variations, it can also be accompanied by a hot latte, espresso or cappuccino on a breezy South Florida afternoon or post dinner. (Serendipity Yogurt Café; 9457 Harding Ave., Surfside; 305- 865-1506; seredipityyogurtcafe.com)
For poolside cocktails and small bites, there is no comparison to the Fresco Beach Bar & Grill at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Whether you’re craving a crisp salad or warm appetizer after a day on the sand, or need a blended Latin-inspired kick like the Spicy Cabana or Havana Stretch, the Fresco Beach Bar & Grill is a sumptuous oasis offering the freshest in Miami Beach cuisine. (305-993-3300 ext. 3456; stregisbalharbour.com/fresco)
Bask
Outfit your sunny Miami Beach summer in luxurious swimwear from sought-after local boutiques. Bean recommends French designer Tomas Maier’s Miami showroom for classic swimwear and accessories for both
men and women. He notes that the prestigious brand is sold
in more than 30 countries and more than 100 stores, with two self-named boutiques calling Florida home. For women, Maier’s neutrals, pastels and prints in traditional shapes accentuate every body type. And for men, bright-colored hats dress up any pair of trunks. (Tomas Maier, 170 NE 40th St., Miami; 305-576- 8383; tomasmaier.com)
Wedding guests—or brides-to-be—can find stunning attire for summer celebrations at the Carolina Herrera flagship boutique, located at the nearby Bal Harbour Shops. Tasteful daytime suits, as well as glamorous evening gowns, flatter figures and create stylish silhouettes. (Carolina Herrera, 9700 Collins Ave.; 305-867-7590; carolinaherrera.com)
