Miami Glow Getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami is one of my favorite places to truly slow down and relax. It has that calm, tucked-away feel that’s hard to find in Miami, and it’s the kind of place where you can fully unplug for a couple of days. I live just a few hours away, and this is one of my go-to getaways when I want a quick escape to shop, go to an event, or simply sit on the beach and reset. It feels like a true luxury vacation without the effort of a big trip.

What really sets this hotel apart is how quiet it is even by the pool, which is honestly so rare for Miami. The pool and beach areas feel peaceful, and you can actually relax without feeling like you’re in the middle of a scene. One of my favorite things to do here is sit and watch the boats coming in and out of the harbor all day in that beautiful turquoise water. It’s the best kind of entertainment: completely calming, and somehow mesmerizing.

Ocean view suite

Shower and tub with a view

The food here is also a big part of what makes the stay feel so easy. Artisan Beach House is the main restaurant at the hotel and it’s one of those places you’ll want to come back to more than once. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the views are truly stunning. When you’re seated, you can look north and see the open beach and that gorgeous pass into the bay and you can literally watch the boats cruising through all day. It’s such a relaxing view, and it makes every meal feel like part of the vacation. I could sit there with a coffee in the morning and just watch everything go by, then come back at night for dessert and do the exact same thing. A few favorites we’ve ordered are the tuna poke bowl, the rigatoni bolognese, and the watermelon burrata salad. If you want something refreshing to sip while you’re there, the Orange Oasis is so good.

And of course, the shopping is a huge part of what makes this location so special. Bal Harbour Shops is right there, and it feels like an experience even if you’re just browsing. I love starting with a coffee and pastry at Avenue 31 Café, which is the perfect little reset before diving into the stores. I usually grab a coffee, something light like a salad or sandwich, and a sweet treat in between stores. My teenagers always want to stop in Golden Goose to see what new sneaker styles are out, and I’m right there with them… while also happily window shopping the jewelry stores. And I always find myself sneaking into Neiman Marcus “just to look,” which somehow always turns into more than looking. If you want to make the shopping even easier, the hotel can arrange a personal shopper through their couture concierge.

Lunch at Avenue 31 Café (Bal Harbour Shops)

Avenue 31 Café (Bal Harbour Shops)

If you want to add in a few activities beyond beach and shopping, there’s a beautiful jogging and walking path along the water that’s perfect in the morning or at sunset. And because you’re close to so much of Miami, it’s also easy to build in fun family-friendly outings without overcommitting to a big schedule.

This is a great fit for couples, girls’ weekends, and families who want a luxury Miami getaway that feels peaceful and polished, with incredible shopping, great dining, and easy activities nearby when you feel like getting out and exploring. It’s the kind of place that makes a weekend feel like a full reset.

Quick highlights to save:

Restaurants and what to order:

• Artisan Beach House (on property): tuna poke bowl, rigatoni bolognese, watermelon burrata salad, Orange Oasis drink

• Avenue 31 Café (Bal Harbour Shops): coffee, pastry, something light like a salad or sandwich, plus a sweet treat

• Rao’s (nearby): meatballs, classic pasta dishes, chicken parm

• Makoto (nearby): sushi rolls, crispy rice, shareable plates

Shopping:

• Bal Harbour Shops (designer shopping and Neiman Marcus, plus Golden Goose)

• Aventura Mall (huge selection and easy for groups)

More family-friendly activities in Miami:

• Miami Children’s Museum

• Everglades Safari Park

• Miami Seaquarium

• Zoo Miami

• Frost Science Museum (Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science)

• Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

• Jungle Island

• Venetian Pool

• Boat tour or private yacht day from Haulover Marina

• Beach day at Bal Harbour or Surfside

• Normandy Shores Golf Club (can be arranged through the hotel)

Walked out on the seawall to watch fisherman fish

Book spa treatments, private cabanas, and popular dining spots like Rao’s and Makoto in advance, especially on weekends. Spend time exploring both Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall. It’s perfect for luxury finds, from Chanel to your next pair of Golden Goose sneakers at Avenue 31 Café. Plan for a mix of relaxation on the beach and indulgent evenings out to make the most of this chic coastal escape.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Miami page.