THE JOURNAL
Bass Museum of Art, Miami. Photograph by Mr Zachary Balber, courtesy of Bass Museum of Art
Jeweller Mr Luis Morias’ favourite places to eat, drink, visit, shop and sleep.
Brazil-born Mr Luis Morais has lived in Miami for the past 20 years, having moved there from São Paulo. He founded his eponymous accessories brand 18 years ago “quite by accident”, having started out making beaded bracelets and simple jewellery for friends and family before it developed into a viable business.
Mr Morais works a block from the ocean on Miami Beach and lives in South Beach close to the workshop where his jewellery is handmade. With the MR PORTER team on the ground in Miami this week for some events (check out our social channels to learn more), who better to show us around and tell us what to do and see while we’re here? From a healthy brunch spot to the perfect place to watch the sun go down, read our insider’s guide to Miami, below.
For Brunch/Coffee
Photograph courtesy of Dirt
“Miami is a super-healthy place where lots of people are all about looking after their bodies and eating well. Dirt believes in farm-to-table cooking, and everything here is organic and fresh with lots of vegetarian and vegan options.”
For Dinner
Photograph courtesy of Kyu
“Pronounced like the letter ‘Q’, Kyu is a fusion of Asian and American barbecue and it’s one of best places for food in the Wynwood Art District, a very hip part of Miami. You have to try the roasted cauliflower.”
For Drinks
Saxony Bar at Faena, Miami. Photograph courtesy of Faena
“You could have an entire night out around different parts of this hotel, but I love the cocktails in the Living Room bar, a very grand room full of animal-print velvet. The design of the whole complex is amazing. Baz Luhrmann and his longtime design collaborator (and wife) Catherine Martin were involved, so you can imagine the attention to detail. There is impressive art everywhere, including pieces from Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.”
**Find out more here **
To Lie By The Pool
Photograph by Mr Adrian Gaut, courtesy of The Standard Spa
“This hotel is a bit out of the way, so it’s a good place to hang out without it being too crowded. And it’s adults only, which makes it more fun for those without kids. It’s also one of my favourite places in Miami to watch the sunset. The view here is amazing as it’s right on the bay so you can see the boats, the seaplanes landing and the lights of the Miami skyline.
For Something Cultural
Photograph by Mr Zachary Balber, courtesy of Bass Museum of Art
“Miami is all about contemporary art. This museum recently reopened after a two-year $12m renovation and expansion. They have a major retrospective of Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone on right now, including ‘Vocabulary Of Solitude’, a large room scattered with life-size clowns snoozing in various positions. It’s a must-see and is ending soon, so get in quick.”
To Stay
Photograph courtesy of Soho House
“Even though I live in Miami, I have stayed here quite a few times and it always feels like you are on vacation. The rooms are so comfortable, they have a very good spa and the weekend brunch is great. The pool is never too crazy and the service at the beach club is excellent.”
**Find out more here **
To Shop
Photograph by Mr Michael Stavaridis, courtesy of Alchemist
“This is a great store located on the fifth floor of the iconic 1111 building, designed by the internationally renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. It’s in a multi-storey car park, so you can park your car at the shop’s door. It has amazing views and a crazy roof installation that moves with motion detection.”
Miami nice
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