The last time I visited Miami, it was a work trip for the opening of the legendary Fontainebleau, which sounds super glamorous, I know, but was mostly just a stressful whirlwind. I remember seeing South Beach for the first time though, and it took my breath away! The water is an ombre of electric blues, and I was sure I had been dropped on an exotic island. Needless to say, when our friends decided to have their wedding there, I was more than happy to return. Never failing to impress, they showed us the best South Beach has to offer, including the number one hotel, appropriately named the 1 Hotel, where we made our home base.  One of three properties—others include Brooklyn and Manhattan—each hotel has the mission to celebrate and help preserve the beauty of nature. Though unlike other “eco-hotels,” you still felt like you were living in the lap of luxury.

The light and airy lobby is also home to Tom on Collins, with farm-to-bar cocktails and a menu of small plates by Tom Colicchio. There is even a Lobby Farmstand, where you can take your pick of fresh organic produce at your leisure.

Plant the Future is a nature-inspired design firm inside the hotel, and they are responsible for all the unique floral arrangements inside the hotel. They also do living art installations. So cool!

Unfortunately my photos do not show off how amazing our room was. It was enormous! We even had a kitchen and a washer/dryer. Apparently, we were so kindly upgraded to one of the residence suites, which could have housed the after party if I wasn’t such a party pooper. *Though, for the record, let me just state that I did stay out until 2:00am the night of the wedding. It’s just that everyone else stayed out until 4:30am!

Beachcraft is Tom Colicchio’s restaurant at the hotel. We ate their for breakfast both mornings, which consisted of a gorgeous buffet with anything your heart desires.

But first, coffee.

The 1 Hotel has three incredible pools. My favorite was the cabaña pool that gives you a little peek of the ocean.

Photobombed by the bride!

#DayLife

I cannot recomend this hotel more highly. The service is flawless, and their attention to detail is unparalleled. My only regret was not having a drone so I could channel my inner Gray Malin.

1 Hotel South Beach.  2341 Collins Ave.  Miami Beach, FL.  33139.  305-604-1000

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