ISLES OF SMILES: Miami enclave has Sunny disposition

26 FEB 2019: Every year, members of the tourism delegation from Sunny Isles Beach (SIB) wonder why they visit Canada in the dead of winter. Then they remember: because it’s the best time of year to remind winter-weary Canadians why they should visit the Florida enclave, which is set within the city limits of Miami, but a world away.

This year was no different, as the group of tourism execs, hoteliers and attraction representatives recently called in Toronto and Montreal to spread their sunny ways to both the trade and consumers during a particularly snowy and icy spell in the cities. In fact, Ibis Romero, executive director of the Sunny Isles Beach Tourism and Marketing Council, laughs that they are such gluttons for weather-related punishment that they will add Quebec City to next year’s annual tour.

Located 20 minutes north of downtown Miami on Collins Avenue, and about the same south of Fort Lauderdale, Romero says the 4-km-long barrier island may not immediately stand out as a tourism destination, but its brand is steadily growing, and that people will certainly know some of its hotels and attractions if not their postal code. It’s also different enough from the Miami that most people know or envision that local stakeholders decided some years ago to invest in their own identity – one that has evolved from Sunny Isles-Miami to just Sunny Isles.

“We’re all very passionate about our destination,” says Romero. “It’s different. It’s family friendly, safe, you don’t have to worry about anything.”

“If you’re a family, you need to head north [from Miami to Sunny Isles],” adds Luis Echezabal of the JW Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. “Once people come, they’re like, “Where have you been all my life?’”

Barry Rubin of the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort maintains that Sunny Isles is more of a community than a city. “You just have that feel. It’s not like Miami Beach, South Beach or Fort Lauderdale,” he says.

But also close enough to visit any of them, points out David Lydia of the Aventura Mall, which is on the doorstep of Sunny Isles Beach. Yet also “far enough away for peace and quiet,” he emphasizes.

Indeed, “best of both worlds” is the prevailing theme of Sunny Isles:  bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, the “City of Sun and Sea,” is recognized both for its uncrowded, quiet beaches and its quick access to the big city amenities – restaurants, nightclubs, shopping – of South Florida.

With this in mind, here’s a glimpse at what makes Sunny Isles special:

SAND & SEA

SIB’s three S’s – sunshine, swimming and sunbathing – beckon year-round, but beyond lounging poolside or sinking toes in the sand, there are lots of ways to fill one’s days:

• Waves riders – For a picturesque tour of the area’s liquid assets, visitors can try a Jet Ski or kayak rental with one of the vendors found on the shores of the beach.

• Newport Fishing Pier – Reaching 236 m. out into the Atlantic, the pier has long been a popular spot for anglers and sightseers. The historic pier is the only public fishing pier in Miami-Dade County. Admission is $2, or $5 to fish.

• Sunrise Yoga – On Wednesdays, complimentary sunrise yoga classes are offered on the beach at Samson Oceanfront Park.

OUTDOORS

• Oleta River State Park – Located on the Oleta River on Biscayne Bay, the park offers a 365-m. bayfront beach for swimming, miles of off-road bicycle trails ranging from novice to challenging, fishing, and watersports, making it a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Nature-lovers can stand up paddleboard, canoe or kayak their way along Miami’s calm bay waters for close encounters with South Florida’s mangrove preserves, and native flora and fauna. A rental concession within the park has all the gear necessary to paddle for pleasure. For overnight visits, the park has rustic, air-conditioned cabins as well as a campground.

• Haulover Beach Park & Marina – Home to the largest remaining stretch of undeveloped beach front in Miami-Dade County, the park attracts visitors with wide, white-sand shores, open ocean surf, natural coastal vegetation, and access to swimming, fishing, kite flying and other recreation. From a family-friendly, clothing optional beach for tanline-free sunbathing, to a stretch of beach open to furry, four-legged friends, Haulover Beach Park has something for everyone. Boat rentals, both with and without a captain, are available year-round. Several deep-sea fishing guides and charters are also on hand to help reel in mahi, marlins and trophy-sized memories.

SHOPPING

Sunny Isles Beach is just minutes away from some of the most desirable shopping destinations in South Florida – from local boutiques with curated collections of one-of-a-kind goods, to luxury brand shops for the most discerning lover of labels.

• Aventura Mall – Just across the waterway, Aventura Mall is one of the nation’s premier fashion destinations, featuring a collection of upscale boutiques and more than 300 of the world’s most iconic retailers, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and luxury retailers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Burberry, Fendi, Givenchy, Emilio Pucci, Breitling, Tiffany & Co., Rolex and many more.

• Bal Harbour – Also located nearby, the internationally renowned Bal Harbour Shops offers an unmatched, al fresco shopping experience with an exquisite collection of designer and specialty boutiques in a lush, tropical garden setting.

EVENTS

• All That Jazz – For more than a decade, SIB has hosted an annual Jazz Fest each November, welcoming music lovers from around the world. The weekend event – featuring legendary R&B recording artists and rhythm and blues icons – is held at Gateway Park and other venues throughout the city.

ACCOMMODATION

From mom-and-pop-owned motels to four- and five-star resorts, and family-friendly condo suites with all the comforts of home, there’s an option for everyone in SIB – and almost all of the destination’s hotel and resort properties are located directly on the beach. Among them:

• Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort – An area mainstay since the 1960s, the family-friendly hotel boasts a landmark fishing pier and palm-lined beach, along with multiple bars and restaurants, beach activities, playground, and meeting and wedding facilities. Famous guests have ranged from Jimi Hendrix to Britney Spears.

• DoubleTree Ocean Point Resort & Spa – Ideal for families, the beachfront resort boasts spacious ocean-view rooms with fridge and microwave and suites with fully equipped kitchens. Extensive indoor and outdoor meeting space also makes the DoubleTree a great corporate retreat.

• JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa – Formerly the Turnberry Isle Miami, the resort was rebranded in late 2018 with renovations completed this month (February). Not on the beach (a shuttle is available), the 685-room upscale Marriott now features a two-hectare world-class waterpark, two championship golf courses, tennis centre, jogging trail, expansive spa, kids programming, and eight food and beverage outlets.

• Residence Inn Marriott – The newest hotel on the block, the year-old Residence Inn is already popular with Canadians, according to Marriott’s Elsa Sammartano, who points to the property’s nearly 200 studio units with kitchenettes, complimentary hot breakfast and free WiFi as being perfect for families and business travellers alike.

A full listing of hotels and other accommodators can be found at sunnyislesbeachmiami.com/hotels.

DINING

With dozens of distinctive, award-winning restaurants, Sunny Isles Beach serves up an endless array of flavourful options ranging from fresh seafood to authentic global specialties, and fine dining to the seaside charm of The Beach Bar at the base of the Newport Fishing Pier.

GETTING THERE

Just a 10-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and a 30-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA), Sunny Isles Beach is a quick and convenient option for air travellers. There are several affordable and reputable transportation companies offering quick, convenient shuttle service at both airports. Also located close to cruise ports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, SIB is ideal for pre- or post-cruise stays.

INFO

sunnyislesbeachmiami.com