By Michelle Payer
Wouldn’t it be fun to take your true love by the hand and embark on a spontaneous romantic adventure? We asked Randy Ross, Chief Concierge and member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or USA (the only national association of professional hotel concierges) where to go during the Month of Love:
Beyond Monet – The multisensory experience showcases 400 of Claude Monet’s most iconic works, including the beloved Water Lilies series, Impressionism: Sunrise and Poppies. Breaking free from their frames, these works are thrillingly brought to new life, swirling and dancing across the entire space, using cutting-edge projection technology skillfully combined with music and sound effects to create an ethereal display of Monet’s iconic masterpieces. miamimonet.com
South Beach Wine & Food Festival – One of Miami’s most enduring festivals turns 21 February 24-27. With something for everyone from Burger Bash to an Asian Night Market and dessert parties with the world’s most celebrated chefs and culinary personalities, you’re sure to find food, champagne, cocktails and cooking events that will stimulate your shared culinary passions. An added bonus is that all net proceeds from the Festival benefit the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. https://sobewff.org/
Tryst Cabaret at the Faena Theater – For a walk on the wild side and “risqué journey into suggestive tales of love and seduction,” head to a seductive cabaret show that tantalizes the senses. Master of ceremonies, Postmodern Jukebox’s burlesque queen, Ariana Savalas, leads guests into a fantasy world of “explicit escapades, spellbinding music, riveting cirque nouveau, teasing burlesque and Miami’s most captivating performance that ignites the luscious flame of plush eroticism before your eyes with tantalizing specialty acts and outrageous charm.” Thursday through Saturday evenings. Book through the concierge or at https://www.faena.com/miami-beach/things-to-do/events-calendar/tryst-cabaret
The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” – This traveling international exhibit at Miami’s Ice Palace Studios features works by world-renowned (and elusive) British graffiti artist, Banksy. With previous stops in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia, millions have already seen more than 155 Banksy works, including certified originals, prints, photos, lithographs, sculptures, murals, video mapping and tour-specific installations and partaken in the exhibit’s experiential areas. With a limited engagement until April 24, it’s a rare treat to experience Banksy’s provocative art. https://www.artofbanksy.com/
Private Tour of the Design District’s Famous Art Galleries – Exploring Miami through the lens of a knowledgeable art expert is an ideal way to navigate the city’s sprawling contemporary art scene. After all, we are home to Art Basel, one of the world’s great art fairs held every December. Our local guide Betty Bricento of Couturista Travel will give you an insider’s experience where you can curate your day between architecture, private art collections, contemporary art museums and blue-chip artist studios. Tours include private chauffeured transportation, guide and activities. All art tours begin inside Acqualina Resort at Ke-uH Bar with a discussion about its original art collection. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Book through the Concierge.
Art and Architecture in Miami – This tour is curated for travelers with an eye for art, architecture and design. Explore the highlights of the Miami Beach Architectural District, home to the world’s highest concentration of Art Deco buildings. Experience the dazzling public art of Miami’s Design District and Miami’s iconic contemporary art museums, featuring designs by world-class architects who were lured by the city’s tropical climate and picture-perfect waterfront. Costs vary from $450 for one person / $300 per person for 2-3 people / and $250 per person for 4-10 people.