Planning A Trip | The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove

Planning Your Trip

Discovered by artists and intellectuals in the 19th century, Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood. Its bohemian spirit (think sidewalk cafés and charming boutiques reminiscent of a European village) remains, even with the influx of upscale condos. Here’s what to pack to explore this colorful neighborhood and its diverse environs.

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

What To Pack

From the eclectic storefronts of the Grove to the glitzy flagships of the Design District, Miami is a shopaholic’s paradise. You’re sure to go home with something new, so bring a foldable carry-on tote.

Weekend Getaway

To make the most of the sprawling metropolis of Miami in just a few days, you’ll want to pack the essentials, plus a few versatile and easy-to-transition pieces.

Bring a swimsuit for the famous beaches or for chartered boat rides from the Grove’s marina.

Warm weather year-round means an abundance of fabulous golf courses. Pack a course-appropriate outfit or two, and don’t forget sun protection.

Flowy maxi dresses and linen shirts will get you from a daytime tour of the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to dinner at a celebrity chef-helmed restaurant in the Design District.

Business Travel

Dubbed “Wall Street South,” Miami is the second most popular financial hub in the country after New York. Business is considered a formal affair.

Suits are expected of men. Lightweight versions in gray or navy paired with white collared shirts are a popular combination.

For women, neutral-tone pencil skirts or wide-legged trousers and blazers are appropriate.

For more casual events, men should pack chinos and button-downs, while women can opt for simple sheath dresses or blouses.

Exploring the City

Every pocket of Miami has its own unique flavor, from the extraordinary public art in the Design District to authentic Cuban food in Little Havana to South Beach.

Neighborhoods are best explored on foot. Pack flat sandals and sleek sneakers for wandering around museums and shopping areas.

For a night out, “dress to impress” — that means dresses, heels and bold jewelry for women, crisp button-downs and blazers for men.

Miami’s climate is tropical. It’s hot and humid, and rain is common, so bring an umbrella, along with lightweight clothing for all seasons.

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

What To Reserve

Coconut Grove and the rest of Miami are bursting with a new energy and a stellar lineup of cultural, dining and outdoor activities. Below are some suggestions to put on your itinerary.

Dining Reservations

The Grove’s European vibe and diverse demographics are recipes for a formidable food scene. You’ll find Miami’s best Indian food at Bombay Darbar, classic homemade pastas at Strada in the Grove, and great brunch with even better people-watching at GreenStreet Café.

Spa Appointments

All the walking you’ll do will best be rewarded with a foot massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Coconut Grove, where specialists use elements of Chinese therapy to concentrate on the reflex zones of your feet. Then go for the full body treatment, first with Honey Dream, a massage that incorporates a masque and thermal pad infused with organic honey from beehives in the Florida Keys. End your spa day with essential vitamins with the Organic Vichy Shower Wrap, which includes a salt scrub, mango detox mask and raindrop therapy.

Outdoor Excursions

The Grove is uniquely blessed with an abundance of lush greenery and parks. Take a stroll through picturesque Peacock Park (yes, real peacocks roam the grounds), perhaps stopping for a free yoga session (6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays). Its ideal waterfront perch will give you lovely views of the marina to watch the sailboats bob along the harbor. Or, charter one for yourself for a private sunset cruise around Biscayne Bay. Prefer to DIY? Sign up for a sailing class at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. For a little history, don’t miss the stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a grand villa built by Gilded Age industrialist James Deering.

Special Events

Miami is a hotbed of activity year-round. In winter, Art Basel Miami Beach attracts a high-profile mix of celebrities, fashion people and collectors while the Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival brings star chefs like Nigella Lawson, Alain Ducasse and Bobby Flay. In spring, Little Havana hosts the largest block party in the world (called Calle Ocho) to celebrate Latin American culture. Summer’s highlight is Miami Swim Week, while the fall calendar includes Festival Miami, five weeks of world premieres, symphonic concerts and lectures by Grammy-winning artists.

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

Itineraries

Gorgeous green spaces, mangrove forests and bayside beachfront galore make the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami an idyllic getaway in the middle of one of Florida’s largest cities. And, because it’s Miami’s oldest community, history and culture combine to offer visitors an authentic piece of the Cuban heritage that pervades the region. Of course, Biscayne Bay is an important part of the Coconut Grove experience, as well, offering water sports, sun and sand to visitors year-round.

12 Hours In Coconut Grove

One of Miami’s original neighborhoods, Coconut Grove borders the tropical waters of Biscayne Bay. And while its natural setting is inspirational all on its own, “The Grove,” as it’s known, offers visitors a taste of South Florida’s world-renowned culture, history, cuisine and shopping. Short on time? Spend your day exploring the best the city has to offer or indulging in a day of relaxation.

If You Want To Relax

Morning

Watch the sunrise over Biscayne bay. Florida’s oldest slip marina, dinner key is tucked into a historic downtown Coconut Grove. As the sun rises, reflections of pink, orange and purple paint the bay, while light illuminates rows upon rows of sailboats. While you’re there, it’s possible to book a boat ride, parasailing adventure or personal watercraft for later in the day.

Midday

Lunch with the locals. A diverse menu and eclectic atmosphere make Lokal a lunch favorite among coconut grove residents. Their inventive burgers are all made from free-range, local, Kobe-style cattle. Try their namesake burger, which includes a homemade honey mustard, melted jack cheese, Florida tomatoes, sliced red onion, arugula and homestead avocados.

Afternoon

Unwind at the spa. The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami is home to a luxe spa with treatments that reflect the sensory beauty and diversity of the area. That includes the organic honey coco mango body treatment. During this 50-minute session, your therapist will blend a salt scrub with natural coconut oil, honey and mango to gently exfoliate and detoxify your skin. It’s the perfect precursor to an evening of drinks and dinner.

Evening

Get lost in the music. Walk to Peacock Garden Café to listen to jazz under the stars. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.M. Fridays and saturdays, local musicians make the night come to life with sounds of trumpet, upright bass, piano and more. Who knows where the music might take you — as George Gershwin said, “life is a lot like jazz … it’s best when you improvise.”

If You Want To Explore

Morning

Pick up a cup. Of course, there are a few big-box coffee shops in the grove, but for a taste of local brew, visit panther café. The proprietors of this art-filled space specialize in small-batch roasting, and the handcrafted lattes and cappuccinos are the star of the show.

Midday

Wander a historic oasis. James Deering, a land and agricultural equipment developer, retired to coconut grove in the early 1900s. There, he built Vizcaya, his version of an 18th-century Italian villa. Today, the stunning home, art collection and lush gardens are open for public tours.

Afternoon

Play nine. Walk (or ride) your lunch calories away with a short round at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne. This tropical, championship golf course is the only public course on Biscayne bay. And, because it’s tucked onto a barrier island, it’s surrounded by mangrove forests, water and vibrant plants. Forgot your clubs? The pro shop rents brand-new Titleist gear.

Evening

Taste the vision. Garden. Sea. Land. Those are the three columns on glass and vine’s dinner menu. No matter which you choose from, you’ll taste plenty of local flavor. By the time chef Giorgio Rapicavoli opened the restaurant in 2015, he’d already won food network’s “chopped” and helmed several successful restaurants. Now, he’s creating visionary dishes like chilled shrimp tostadas and bison churrasco.

A Culinary Tour

When you think of South Florida, it’s easy to think of fusion — culture, music and, of course, food. Given the stunning location, easy inspiration and availability of fresh, local ingredients from fish to fruit, it’s no wonder so many chefs flock to Miami. The Coconut Grove neighborhood is no exception. In fact, it’s a paradise for foodies with a passion for global fare. Name your pleasure — Latin, Peruvian, French, Mediterranean or American — Coconut Grove will satisfy your palate.

Day 1

Morning

Enjoy a bon breakfast. To the french, a bouchon is a quaint restaurant that serves traditional french cuisine. To the people of coconut grove, le Bouchon du Grove is the spot for a lyonnaise-style brunch. Chef Christian Ville delights visitors with omelets, eggs benedict, french toast and enough pancake varieties to make your belly sing.

Snag a souvenir. After brunch, experience Cocowalk, coconut grove’s newly reimagined outdoor shopping and entertainment center. With many shops, a movie theater and a handful of bars and restaurants, browsing is easy.

Midday

Find inspiration in art. Ten resident artists, as well as a handful of visiting painters, sculptors and more, constitute the creative house at Kroma Art Space & Studios. Visit the communal gallery for a glimpse at the work of some of south Florida’s most innovative creators.

Afternoon

Take a pre-lunch swim. No matter the season, the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami’s heated lap pool is open to guests year-round. Shaded by towering palms and surrounded by available lounge chairs and cabanas, the pool is a great place to unwind before an afternoon of culinary exploration.

Spill into the spillover. One of Coconut Grove’s newest restaurants, the spillover pairs sustainable seafood dishes with a cider and mead bar. For lunch, locals recommend the key west conch salad, featuring conch caught less than 60 miles away, or the local fish sandwich, which typically includes spear-caught Florida grouper. And when it comes to that mead and cider, the menu contains a wide sampling, including offerings from Spain and France.

Evening

Go south. Food inspired by Latin America is popular in Miami, and coconut grove’s jaguar ceviche spoon bar makes no exception. Here, executive Chef Oscar del Rivero has created a diverse menu that celebrates Cuban, Argentinian, Brazilian, Mexican and Venezuelan cuisine. What’s in a name? Everything. As its name implies, Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar specializes in fresh ceviche made from locally caught fish and shellfish.

Get lost. Twenty-nine. That’s how many pages the drink menu at Taurus Beer & Whisk(e)y House runs. With a list like that, it’s easy to feel lost, but the Taurus bartenders are happy to point you in the right direction — whether you’re fond of imperial stouts or small-batch, single-barrel bourbon.

Day 2

Morning

Get moving. Before you begin today’s culinary tour, give the Ritz-Carlton coconut grove, Miami’s fitness center a spin. Tucked into the 6,000-square-foot spa, the center is stocked with Cybex strength training and life fitness cardio machines. Airy and spacious, the center also features an elevated pool, perfect for swimming laps.

Belly up to breakfast. At berries in the grove, breakfast looks a lot like mom might have made it. Think: pancakes, Belgian waffles, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and steak and eggs. What’s more, this local favorite has a menu of healthful smoothies if you’d rather start your day on the lighter side.

Midday

Wander a historic oasis. James Deering, a land and agricultural equipment developer, retired to Coconut Grove in the early 1900s. There, he built Vizcaya, his version of an 18th-century Italian villa. Today, the stunning home, art collection and lush gardens are open for public tours.

Afternoon

Lighten your lunch. Lulu in the grove prides itself on serving “neighbor food.” that sense of community is due in large part to the shareability of lulu’s small plates. From crunchy green tomatoes served with jalapeño ranch, feta and chives to Kobe beef sliders and crispy mini tuna tacos, lulu has made “please pass the …” a vital part of Coconut Grove.

Park it. Barnacle state's historic site was once home to Coconut Grove pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe. Today, history buffs can tour the grounds of the oldest home in Miami-Dade county that maintains its original location.

Evening

Dress up for dinner. Authentic Italian cuisine. Candlelit tables. An award-winning wine program. A menu that “reads like a study of the sea.” these are the ingredients for a romantic meal, and Sapore di mare pieces them together beautifully. With an extensive Crudo menu and options for multiple courses, chef Valter Mancini has created a space that fuses house-made pasta and Frutti di Mare.

Turn in. After dinner, settle in for a nightcap at the Commodore in the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. The Commodore is a classic cocktail bar with live music and the notion that every cocktail is meant to tell a story.

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