I was extremely excited to experience Magic Hour Rooftop’s Surf Club pop-up, and was deflated once I heard the event had been moved three weeks later, to the end of July.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of pink and orange across the sandy shores of Miami Beach, my stay at The National Hotel became an unforgettable chapter in my travel diary. Nestled at 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, this art déco gem is not just a hotel; it’s a journey through time, a tranquil oasis that seamlessly blends history with modern luxury.
A Walk Through History
Built in 1939 by the visionary architect Roy France, The National Hotel stands as a testament to the golden age of travel. Recently renovated, the hotel preserves its historic integrity while embracing contemporary comforts. The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a nostalgic charm that transcends eras.
With 137 rooms and suites, The National Hotel offers a range of accommodations, each meticulously designed to cater to diverse preferences. The Historic Tower provides breathtaking city and ocean views, while the Cabana Building boasts 36 luxurious cabanas and suites, including the Penthouse and Artist Cabana Suite.
Poolside and Ocean Bliss
The pièce de résistance is undeniably the longest infinity pool in South Beach, stretching to an impressive 205 feet. It’s not just a pool; it’s a serene escape where time seems to stand still. The Cabana Rooms offer private balconies overlooking this aquatic marvel, providing a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.
The National Hotel’s poolside experience extends beyond its stunning infinity pool to a second oasis featuring the Aqua Bar & Grill. This charming spot not only offers refreshing cocktails but also a delectable menu featuring ceviche, tacos, salads, burgers, and more.
On weekends, a lively DJ transforms the atmosphere, turning the poolside setting into a vibrant hotspot. As the sun sets, the Aqua Bar & Grill becomes the perfect place to unwind, making weekends at The National Hotel an unforgettable blend of relaxation and entertainment. Dive into a world where every moment is a celebration of Miami’s lively spirit.
The National Hotel’s adults-only haven extends beyond the poolside bliss to a private beach area, offering tranquility and peace by the waves. With exclusive beachside chairs and umbrella service, it’s the ideal retreat for those seeking a calm escape amidst the vibrant spirit of Miami’s South Beach.
Dining Delights
Indulgence takes center stage at The National Hotel’s dining establishments. Mareva 1939, helmed by Chef Sergio Chamizo, serves up dynamic Spanish cuisine that’s a culinary journey through tradition with a modern twist. The recently opened Martini Bar, adorned with original 1939 decor, invites you to savor specialty cocktails and the full menu from Mareva 1939. Aqua Bar & Grill, nestled by a second pool, offers a poolside haven for lunch and cocktails, featuring a menu that delights the taste buds.
Wellness and Recreation
For those inclined towards fitness, the recently renovated 400 sq ft gym provides state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring a fulfilling workout. From Assault Elite Runner to Peloton Spin Cycle, the gym caters to every fitness enthusiast. They even have complementary yoga classes.
Tranquil Atmosphere
One of the standout features of The National Hotel is its status as an adult-only property. This creates an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a calm and quiet escape.
Exploring Beyond the Hotel
Centrally in Miami’s South Beach, The National Hotel is a gateway to iconic attractions. Whether it’s the sandy beaches of South Beach, the vibrant Lincoln Road Mall, or the upscale shops along Collins Avenue, the hotel’s strategic location ensures you’re never far from the heartbeat of Miami.
My stay at The National Hotel was nothing short of magical. From the moment I entered the historic lobby to the leisurely hours spent by the infinity pool, every detail exuded warmth and hospitality. The National Hotel Miami Beach is more than a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience, a harmonious blend of history, luxury, and relaxation.
For those seeking a retreat that transcends the ordinary, The National Hotel at 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, is a destination worth exploring. To plan your escape, visit their website at nationalhotel.com and follow their Instagram @nationalhotelmiamibeach for a visual preview of the timeless charm that awaits.
This weekend, we joined Compound Long Beach for an exclusive VIP preview of the creative cultural space packed with diverse programs. Located in the Zaferia District of Long Beach, California, the long awaited complex will invite guests to explore the intersection of contemporary art, wellness, and community.
The VIP event commenced with a variety of visual and interactive experiences that make use of its expansive 15,000 square feet location which included an arts workshop by Slanguage and sound bath by Sabrina Rollo in the outdoor sculpture garden, along with crystal readings by Place 8 Healing and a ceramics pop-up with artist Jen King in the community space. In addition to art and immersive experiences, Compound will also have scheduled programming of classes and workshops focused on wellness. With a mission to provide a cultural sanctuary for its community, programming will also feature artist talks, farmers market pop-ups, breath work, sound baths, and meditation.
Sound bath by Sabrina Rollo
Art workshop by Slanguage
Long Beach native and creative Shelley Bruce opened the inauguration of the event, expressing the importance of inspiration and individual contribution our current state of chaos and uncertainty followed by an original poem. Artists Shauna Davis and Glenn Kaino were also in attendance to support the opening. Notable guests included artists Fritz Chesnut, Lita Albuquerque, Anna Sew Hoy, Robert Reynolds, actress Molly Shannon, gallerist Esther Kim Varet, and philanthropist Joy Simmons.
Accompanied by a soundtrack created in collaboration with Nosaj Thing and Jacques Greene, Glenn Kaino’s Tidepools is “a new sensory experience in between true science, science fiction, spirituality and art, each vessel is a unique spiritual, physical, and emotional lens for us to consider our life journey.”
—Glenn Kaino
The installation is the first to be commissioned for Compound, featuring cloud chambers that simulate a dream-like experience powered a particle detector, made in partnership with NASA designers, and also most notably the highlight of the exhibition, the bioluminescent wishing well developed with help from the Scripps Institute of Technology.
Organized by Compound Artistic Director Lauri Firstenberg, the inaugural show space named Radical Empathy showcases artists and artist-activists who are invested in both poetry and politics. Artists featured are Andrea Bowers, Noah Davis, Todd Gray, Leslie Hewitt, EJ Hill, Jenny Holzer, Mildred Howard, Isaac Julien, Jibade Khalil Huffman, Glenn Kaino, Rick Lowe, Narciso Martinez, Rodney McMillian, Jason Moran, and Tavares Strachan. The rotating art space highlights the confluence of art and activism and encourages social activism and cultural thinking.
Performance by Marcella Lewis and Shamar Watt
After a brief intermission of the day’s activities, Gxrlschool presented an interdisciplinary exploration of Afrofuturism co-curated by Shauna Davis live at Compound including the premiere of BLACK.ECO, a film by Shauna Davis, and a series of musical and dance performances by V.C.R & Chatwaka Jackson and Marcella Lewis & Shamar Watt. Following the showing, Compound held a conversation with Shauna David and AJ Girard on the merging of art, sci-fi, diaspora, and histories to tap into where we are, where we can go and places we can put ourselves.
Compound is now open. Reserve tickets at compoundlb.com.