48 Hours in South Beach Miami

Thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post.

This post was supposed to be titled, 48 hours in Key West, but the weather had other plans.  After my girlfriend Audrey and I showed up at the airport bright and early for our 6:45 am flight, it got delayed an hour.  Then it got delayed another hour.  We were hopeful when they boarded us onto the plane, then dejected as we sat on the tarmac for an hour. They finally let us off the plane, only to wait in the airport while the flight kept getting delayed and delayed.  Ug, has that ever happened to you?

Turns out there were bad thunderstorms in Florida and we were wondering if our flight would ever take off.  Around 4pm, we decided to go home and rebook for the next day on a later flight.

Maxi Dress • Miller Sandals • Rose Gold Luggage • Hoop Earrings • Choker

Being all ready for a mini vacay, we stopped at the pool on the way home to at least enjoy some daylight outside of the airport. 😉

Maxi Dress • Hoop Earrings • Choker

We had planned to fly into Miami, rent a car and drive down to the Florida Keys.  The 2-hour drive is supposed to be gorgeous with lots of fun stops along the way.  When we ended up having to rebook, we decided to just stay in Miami instead of spending those precious hours in the car since we had one less day of vacay.

Thus, this post, 48 hours in Miami was born.

Our intention for this getaway was a low key, relaxing vibe, which can be the opposite of Miami- known for its nightlife and party attitude!  I’d say we managed to have the perfect girlfriend trip, taking things slow, eating and drinking, enjoying the beach and pool, going to the spa and sleeping in.  That’s the speed we were looking for.

48 HOURS IN MIAMI

It was also a chance to relax and unwind with a clear intention to be present and enjoy the things in front of me, without sharing every moment on Stories or Instagram.  Audrey doesn’t have any social media profiles so it was even easier to unplug.  Also, I thought it would be rude to be stopping all the time to “story” our trip, even though I’m sure she would have been gracious about it.

LET’S TRY THIS AGAIN

Finally! we arrived at the Lowe’s Hotel in Miami beach.  It’s a gorgeous oceanfront resort, adult and kid friendly, with 4.5 star reviews and low rates while we were there. Below is their bar that leads to patio seating, overlooking the pool.

7/8 Leggings  40% off • Similar Tee • Miller Sandals

The view from our balcony was so pretty!  All the hotels have their own color beach chairs and it makes for such a picturesque scene.

We immediately went down to the beach to drink in the ocean air (and pina coladas!).

I couldn’t wait to feel the sink my feet into the sand.  This.is.dreamy.

We set up shop on one of those big beach beds right by the ocean and ordered healthy snacks to tide us over until dinner.

Bandeau Bikini Top • Bikini Bottoms • Similar Hat • Hoop Earrings • Choker

That evening, Audrey got a mani/pedi and I had a massage.  I rarely splurge on such luxuries, but whenever I do, I always appreciate it so much.  This time, because I did enjoy it so much, I also booked a facial for the next morning. #baller

I think I’ve only had one other professional facial in my life and that was back when I graduated law school a million years ago.

Romper • Sandals

Don’t you love it when you go on vacation and you can feel the point in the trip where you actually start to relax?  After the massage was that point for me.  We took a walk and as I sipped this iced coffee, I felt lighter than I have in a long time.

Vacation Tee • Sunglasses • • Similar Hat

The first night we asked the hotel concierge for a sushi/seafood restaurant recommendation that wasn’t a ‘scene’.  He told us to go to Blue Ribbon sushi.  We found it to be a quaint restaurant with delicious food. Just the low key atmosphere we were looking for and the waiter was such a doll.

The next morning, after my facial;), we took a stroll down the famous Lincoln Road, known for it’s shopping, dining and people watching.

Striped Shorts • Pink Tank • Sandals • Hoop Earrings • Choker • Similar Hat

We ate brunch at Paul, a French bistro that has delicious pastries and lots of outdoor seating.

James requested I bring him back a surfboard keychain, so I went on the hunt and found one at this popular souvenir shop, Alvin’s Island.  They have absolutely everything you need if you happen to forget something while you’re on vacation.

Back at the pool, we enjoyed the awesome weather and girlfriend time.  I can’t even adequately express how much my girls mean to me.  They’ve seen me through so much in the last year and have supported and loved me unconditionally.  I could cry thinking about it. If you follow me on Stories, I’m sure you’ve seen what a wonderful group we have.

Becca Casablanca One Piece • Sunglasses • Similar Hat • Hoop Earrings • Choker

I’ve never been a big drinker, but I do enjoy my pina coladas at the pool and a glass of wine and good conversation. The upstairs patio at the Lowe’s was perfect for just chilling and taking it all in.

Coverup

You might recognize this coverup dress from this recent swimsuit post.  It’s from Nordstrom, along with almost everything else I wore on this trip.  Nordstrom has DOUBLE POINTS now until May 12, so take definitely don’t miss out on that.

If you have a trip coming up, you can find everything you need at Nordstrom’s vacation department.  At the bottom of this post, I’ll add a widget so you can just click on the pictures to shop what I wore on this trip.

The cool thing about staying at the Lowe’s is that there is so much beauty everywhere.  The hotel is immaculate and no detail is overlooked.

I loved the bright color choice of decor at the bar and that tile floor!

On the second night, we got dressed up and went to a fancy dinner at The Bazaar by Jose Andres.

It’s a tapas style restaurant where the plates are made to share.  We let the waiter choose our dishes and surprise us. Talk about a yummy and interesting meal.  I love those where you don’t know what to expect and the food just keeps coming!

Romper • Wedge Heels

Sleeping in was also a luxury we took full advantage of while we were there.  It was chilly in the hotel, so I’m glad I brought a sweatshirt.

Summer Babe Sweatshirt

Boyfriend Jean Shorts • Hello Summer Tee • Flip Flops (price matched) • Sunglasses • Similar Hat

I couldn’t resist one last walk on the beach before our quick trip came to an end.  This trail runs behind all the oceanfront hotels with little wooden pathways that lead to the beach.

Similar Swimsuit • Sunglasses • Similar Hat

There are tons of picturesque lifeguard stands lining the beach.  They aren’t just for looks though- actual lifeguards work inside!

It’s so peaceful early in the morning before the crowds arrive.  I loved having this alone time in the morning where I got to reflect on all the blessings in my life.  Getting outside of my small Houston bubble also got me excited about exploring more.  I feel so hopeful for the future.

I really needed this time away.  It was a quick trip, but long enough to clear my head and restore my energy.  Miami may not be the place you think of for a relaxing trip, but it can be if you make it that way!

Do you have any fun travel plans this summer?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments.  If you’ve been to Miami, what did you love about it?  Have any good restaurants to share? 

You can shop my outfits by clicking the pictures below!

Have a great week friends!