If you and your girlfriends are planning a trip here in the USA, there’s no better city to choose than Miami. My beloved hometown is home to many iconic luxury properties, so here are the best choices for a Miami girls’ trip.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I have a passion for travel and the best stays where ever I go. Let’s just say I have a very discerning eye for quality!

You’ll see that my choices take into consideration more than a few factors including, location, amenities, finishes, and overall experience. With that in mind, here’s where I would stay if I were coming into town for a girls’ trip – in no particular order, I should add.

Hotel EAST Miami, Brickell

A 15-minute drive from the Miami International Airport, Hotel EAST Miami is a 352-room hotel in the top floors of the ever-expanding Brickell City Centre. The rooms in this luxurious hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in rain showers, laundry, kitchen and pool services, and free Wi-Fi.

The rooms also offer breathtaking views of the city and are soundproof and allergy-free, ensuring you and your friends will enjoy a sound sleep.

And there’s more good news: you can bring your pets here too!

The array of services offered at EAST Miami only serves to strengthen Miami’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures, with global influences varying from delectable South American cuisines to rooftop bars and Balinese-style restaurants.

Click here to book.

Faena Hotel, Miami Beach

Take Argentine hotelier and former fashion designer Alan Faena, filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, and costume designer Catherine Martin and get them together to create a truly unique hotel experience.

This hotel combines the style and romance of the Great Gatsby with an ultra-luxe beach experience to produce a hotel unlike any other in Miami. It truly is a destination in itself.

Tasteful art abounds, including a three meter tall 24-karat gold gilded skeleton of a woolly mammoth by Damian Hirst. It’s a must for a photo op. Meanwhile, the pool area reminds you of peppermint candies (or a Target commercial).

Amenities include a Moulin Rouge movie inspired theater, 22,000 square foot spa area and, of course, fine dining at Pao or Los Fuegos.

If you are your girlfriends really want to go all-in in terms of luxury, opt for the penthouse. It boasts five bedrooms, two kitchens and an impressive grand piano overlooking the ocean. A stay in the Faena penthouse truly is a spectacular experience.

The hotel sits in the Faena District next to the residences and across the street from Faena Forum.

Now that I think of it, maybe I should do an article about the whole Faena experience. It’s way too much to cover here so let me know if that’s something you’d like to see!

Click here to book.

Mandarin Oriental Miami, Brickell Key

I’ve stayed at many Mandarin Oriental properties around the world but this one is near and dear to my heart.

Yes, maybe it is showing its age a little, but it still oozes all the charm that you’d expect from a Mandarin Oriental.

The property is situated in the exclusive island enclave Brickell Key, which is a short bridge away from the hustle and bustle of Brickell and downtown Miami. It has all the trappings you need including a full service pool area, a sandy beach area and plenty of chaise lounges with service for refreshments while you catch some sun. 

The hotel has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and is decorated with a tasteful combination of dark mahogany wood, gleaming marble and majestic bronze sculptures.

Nightclubs and eateries for outdoor dining aren’t too far off from the hotel to enjoy a late-evening rendezvous, but don’t neglect the happy hour at MO Bar & Lounge in the lobby.

Click here to book.

Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside, Miami Beach

The Surf Club on Miami Beach was given a new lease of life thanks to the Four Seasons. First opened in 1930 in Surfside, the Surf Club’s original Mediterranean Revival clubhouse has now been completely restored.

There are twelve stories of glass and balconies at the hotel, with 77 rooms and suites. Whether you’re on the beach side or the inter-coastal side, you’ll enjoy plenty of natural night.

The Four Seasons is one of my favorite hotel brands. Just go check out my Instagram page and you’ll see posts from Four Seasons Bahamas, Costa Rica, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Bora Bora… to name but a few. Well, you get the picture. I’m a fan.

I’m happy to report that the Four Seasons in Surfside does not disappoint even my discerning eye. This property is in a calmer part of Miami Beach just north of the craziness. It’s also south of Bal Harbour, which can be a little too sedate for some.

This is the perfect home base for your girl gang to make the most of Miami Beach, whether you want the intensity of the clubs, the upscale shopping, to the calm of the sand and ocean waves.

After a day at the beach or pool, visitors can have dinner at Le Sirenuse. In fact, it’s the first international outpost from the restaurant at the Amalfi Coast Hotel.

Click here to book.

St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

St. Regis Bal Harbour is strategically located between the Atlantic Ocean and the upmarket Bal Harbour shops.

One of my favorite things about this resort is the fact it offers a sabering demonstration. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to open a champagne bottle with flamboyant panache, now is your chance.  

The property is uber modern, with up to date technology throughout. Yabu Pushpelberg designed the interiors with different shades of grey, tan, and blue. Meanwhile, the crystal and beveled-glass mirror accents pay the right homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage.

Certain suites have butler service which is always nice, and with two pools you’ll always find the right spot to work on your tan. The Remède spa offers a full menu of services that give you that sense of pampering. You also get access to bicycles to enjoy a gentle ride around the neighborhood.

I took a trip to this property during a Miami girls’ trip recently. For my full review of the St. Regis Bal Harbour, check out this article.

Click here to book.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

This list would not be complete if I didn’t include the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. It’s a Miami landmark, dating back to 1954. Okay, I know that’s not that old but remember that Miami is a very new city. Besides, how can you not want to be on the same property where Goldfinger, Scarface, and even Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have shot scenes.

History aside, ever hear of “LIV on Sunday”? It is the premiere spot for the very best in Hip Hop and DJs from around the world. The likes of Diddy, Tiesto, Lil Wayne and Marshmello have all played here. It’s definitely a must if you are a clubber or live music fan. If you and your gang like to party, a stay at Fontainebleau will make your Miami girls’ trip absolutely unforgettable!

With over 1,500 rooms, the Fontainebleau is one of the largest hotels in Miami. With the basic rooms you get beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami and sunsets to die for. For the premium rooms you get spectacular ocean views and amazing sunrises. If “me” time is what you’re after, be sure to spend an afternoon at the 40,000-square-foot Lapis Spa.

Click here to book.

The Setai Miami Beach

The Setai brings the best elements Asia to South Beach. It’s an elegant and serene property where your every whim is catered for – often without you even having to ask.

This is a hotel-condo hybrid rather than a hotel-only property. There’s a different pace here which is a welcome difference from some of the other hotels in Miami.

The Setai is stylish and upscale with teak floors, dark stone and bronze accents. With its onsite full recording studio designd by Lenny Kravitz, it’s no surprise that artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Madonna and Britney Spears count themselves among the many fans of The Setai.

The Setai’s two-story, Zen-inspired lobby, has black granite floors and French limestone which lends it a timeless appeal. All the hotel’s suites have Swedish Duxiana beds and jacuzzi tubs.

At the end of a tiring day, unwind at the spa and get treatments from Paris-based Thémaé. Alternatively, why not take a dip in the row of heated infinity pools? And who knows, you might even run into Tom Brady or Gisele Bündchen, who also have been known to frequent The Setai. Wouldn’t that make a great Miami girls’ trip story?

Click here to book.

I could go on with many more but these are my favorite hotels for a Miami girls’ trip. You can easily find me at one of these properties with my girlfriends when I’m in the mood for a weekend staycation.

In the meantime, check out the best things to do in Miami or my wellness guide to the city.