Miami Beach has a reputation. Bright lights, loud music and pool parties that feel more like nightclubs. But what if you could have a completely different kind of Miami Beach experience? One without the crowds, the chaos and the pressure to be seen? That’s exactly what I found at The Palms Hotel & Spa, a tropical hideaway that feels worlds away from the city’s usual scene. If you’re looking for a girls’ getaway that’s easy, low-key and effortlessly luxurious, this is it.
From the second we stepped onto the property, we could feel the difference. Towering palm trees, lush greenery and a breezy, open-air lobby gave it more of a laid-back island feel than a South Beach hotspot. There was no thumping music, no line at the check-in desk, just the kind of warm welcome that instantly makes you exhale. Our ocean-view room was stunning—waking up (in February) to the sight of blue water and our lounge chairs waiting for us? Nothing beats it. Sharing a two-queen room for four people makes it more affordable, so the ocean view is the way to go.
One of the best things about The Palms is how easy it makes everything. Beach days seemed questionably effortless. You don’t need a reservation, a wristband or a plan at all. No need to save your spot with a towel, hammer in an umbrella you ordered from Amazon or worry about strangers rudely blasting their own music. Just walk outside and the hotel staff will set up your lounge chair, adjust your umbrella and hand you a menu from the tiki bar. Like magic, a pitcher of margaritas appears and you forget about East Coast winters entirely.
The pool is just as relaxed. Unlike other Miami hotels where DJs blast music all afternoon, here it’s peaceful—quiet enough to read, nap or float in the water without distractions. We went all-in and rented a cabana for an afternoon, complete with a bottle of champagne and lemon-scented towels. It felt like peak vacation and a world away from the news, politics, work and stress. The spa helped, too. The Palms’ Aveda Spa was one of the best parts of our stay. It was warm, inviting and designed to make you actually unwind. After our heavenly full-body massages, we detoxified in the steam room and sipped mimosas by the spa waterfall.
What sets The Palms apart is its mission of sustainability. With low-flow showers and sinks, LED lighting, quick-dry bathrobes and UV-protected windows, the hotel is designed to minimize environmental impact. Their beach cleanup incentive invites guests to collect trash from the shoreline and are then rewarded with a free gelato. It’s an easy and fun way to contribute to the hotel’s green mission (and perfect entertainment and education if you bring along little ones). For those looking to support eco-conscious travel, the “Do Good, Feel Good” package offers a discounted rate on three-night stays, a glass of organic Prosecco and a $50 Aveda Spa credit, with unused credits supporting Blue Scholar’s initiative, a 501 3(c) with a mission to engage, educate and empower students through hands-on (and virtual) marine science education to foster a connection to the ocean and to launch long-term environmental stewardship.
The hotel’s sustainability even extended to its dining. Their farm-to-table restaurant Essensia was fresh, locally sourced and had something for everyone. Breakfasts were long and leisurely (great coffee, fresh fruit and somehow the carbs didn’t count – at least that’s what we told ourselves). And while we could’ve eaten here for every meal, we ventured out for dinner at Zaytinya, José Andrés’ Mediterranean-inspired spot at The Ritz-Carlton, where the tasting meal and wine pairing was the kind of meal you think about long after the trip ends. (Moreno’s was another, more-casual hidden gem of a restaurant with authentic Cuban food and amazing service).
The beauty of staying at The Palms is that you can do as much—or as little—as you want. If you want to explore, the Miami Beach Boardwalk, Botanic Garden and some of the city’s best restaurants are all within easy reach. But honestly, we barely left. There’s something about this place that makes you want to slow down, spend hours on the beach, sip a drink by the pool and never check the time.
For anyone planning a girls’ getaway, bachelorette trip or just an escape from the routine of daily life, The Palms is a perfect choice. It has all the best parts of Miami Beach—great weather, amazing food, beautiful beaches—without any of the stress. It’s relaxed, but luxurious; stylish but unpretentious. Accommodating. Easy. Fun. It was hard to find a reason to leave or make any plans outside of the property. And there, the best plan was no plan at all.
