Some moments in life feel like a warm embrace, a fleeting yet unforgettable pause where love, laughter, and nostalgia connect in so many ways. This past weekend, I had the privilege of creating such a moment with my mother as we embarked on a much-needed mother-daughter retreat at the The National Hotel in Miami Beach.
When I received the invite to write a story about this hotel, it was the perfect opportunity for her to come from my hometown in Puerto Rico to visit me for a special getaway. Our experience with the great staff, amenities and dining added to the joy of simply being in each other’s company.
A Warm Welcome to Art Deco Elegance
From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of classic elegance infused with modern luxury. Our warm welcome set the tone for the weekend: a delightful bottle of pinot noir and a fresh fruit platter awaited us in our room, inviting us to unwind and take in the stunning view of the pool from our balcony. The Miami Beach breeze that we felt from the balcony as we sipped our wine proved that our weekend of relaxation and future memories had started.
Nestled in the heart of the historic Art Deco district, The National Hotel blends timeless charm with contemporary luxury. Its 101 guest rooms and suites, along with 36 cabanas, offer an exquisite blend of artistic design and modern comfort. Then there’s the infinity-edge pool, the largest one in Miami Beach. It’s a vision, with palm trees lining up on both sides of the pool, one that is perfect to go in for a swim, or to sit down by a table with a book or a nice cocktail.
Also, the hotel is adults-only, perfect for those seeking an elevated beachfront escape with a Zen feel, like we were lucky to experience.
Exploring The National: Where History Meets Luxury
We wasted no time immersing ourselves in the beauty and amenities The National Hotel had to offer. And there’s a lot to see and experience over here, trust me! When I’m at a hotel, I love looking at its style and décor, especially when I walk into its lobby. At this property, terrazzo floors, chrome-accented chandeliers, and timeless mahogany give it a feel of old-world charm, yet there’s also a blend of modern elegance.
Every corner of the hotel honors Miami’s Art Deco heritage while embracing contemporary sophistication. As we walked the grounds, we took in the impressive range of artwork around the lobby, the beautiful vintage feel that the property gives and felt thankful to be there.
Poolside Bliss and Leisurely Afternoons
Make sure to swim in the hotel’s beloved Infinity Pool. There’s something about dipping your toes into crystal-clear water with a cocktail in hand that makes time slow down. The Aqua Bar & Grill provides the perfect spot for a poolside lunch, with refreshing salads, satays, and handcrafted drinks that embodied the vibrant flavors of Miami Beach and are perfect to nibble on after or before a nice pool or beach day.
The hotel was honestly the perfect backdrop for my mother and I to reminisce about family memories, catch up, share stories over cocktails and the serene ambiance helped us relax. With this type of place boasting some gorgeous tropical surroundings, every moment felt effortless and joyful as we had fun exploring the grounds.
An Upbeat Evening of Spanish Tapas, Cocktails and Music
Saturday night brought a culinary adventure at Mareva 1939, where we indulged in an unforgettable dining experience. My mother and I were greeted by an inviting atmosphere and a menu that paid homage to authentic Spanish cuisine. A bottle of crisp albariño wine set the tone for the evening, perfectly complementing our selection of tapas and the show-stopping paella.
A whimsical addition to our dinner was Charlie, the adorable little dog statue that “served” our Spanish croquetas. May I get one to bring home, please? I’ll happily head back just to say hi to Charlie, and to have him serve me more delicious dishes. It was a charming and playful detail that made us smile, adding a touch of fun to an already exceptional meal.
After dinner, we found ourselves at Bar 1939, sipping on expertly crafted cocktails while enjoying live music. The melodies filled the space with warmth, a perfect end to an already magical evening. The energy was palpable, the lounge musician entertaining and hilarious, as he sang popular songs and gave them his own spin while playing the piano and interacting with lobby bar revelers.
For a final nightcap, we were given a delicious Ketel One-based espresso martini with a slice of cheesecake by a friendly manager that made our evening shine. Paired with the elegant atmosphere, the whole night transported us to a bygone era, complete with classic cocktails and refined service.
A Farewell to Paradise
Sunday morning arrived too soon. Though our stay had come to an end, the experience we shared was one that would linger in our hearts and a reminder of the importance of carving out time for loved ones and of stepping away from the rush of life to embrace the present.
My heart felt full when I prepared my mother for her flight back to Puerto Rico on Monday before I headed to my classroom for a full day of teaching. This trip was not just about a stay at a beautiful hotel; it was about celebrating our bond, our history, and the joy of being together.
The National Hotel was more than a luxurious escape; it was the backdrop to a weekend filled with love, laughter, and the kind of memories that time cannot erase.
Visit nationalhotel.com or call 305/532-2311. Dining reservations for Mareva 1939 can be made at mareva1939.com.
