By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Of course, you’ll do brunch. But wouldn’t an even better present include both brunch AND a sumptuous spa treatment from one of our city’s many luxury hotels? Here, we round up some of the best places in Miami that successfully offer both.
1) Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What’s for Brunch: La Mar by Gastón Acurio will serve up a sumptuous Peruvian meal that includes unlimited brunch cocktails with savory entrées such as Egg-Topped Lomo Saltado and Grouper Chorrillana with bacon-mashed yucca in addition to a seafood station with cebiches, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls and an Anticucho Grill station. A dessert carousel completes the meal while all mothers will receive a sweet surprise gift to take home.
Spa Specials: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami is offering four rejuvenating Mother’s Day treatments throughout the month of May: Elegant Wellbeing, a half-day experience that includes a 60-minute Time Ritual massage and a Hydrating Oxygen Facial; Mom’s Escape, a customizable package with choice of massage, plus mini facial and Oriental Scalp Massage; New Beginnings, designed for moms-to-be; and Mother & Daughter, where moms and daughters can relax and reconnect in a VIP Couples Spa Suite with treatments for each.
2) Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}
What’s for Brunch: At Chef Michael Mina’s innovative steakhouse, StripSteak, guests will be greeted by the signature cocktail, the Fizzy Bellboy, and freshly baked breads and pastries. The feast continues with choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Meanwhile, Scarpetta is offering a succulent Italian-inspired buffet-style brunch that includes choice of a Bloody Mary, Bellini, or signature cocktail along with a spread of hot and cold appetizers, live-action carving station, delectable pasta station, and a bevy of desserts.
Spa Specials: Give Mom the gift of relaxation with a day of renewal at Fontainebleau’s award-winning Lapis Spa. Select one of the signature Mother’s Day treatments, such as the Queen of the Day, an Instant Foot Relief Massage with Lapis Soak and a Take A Load Off My Back Massage, or A Mother’s Love, a Lapissage Massage with Radiance Express Facial.
3) The Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; .305.531.6100}
What’s for Brunch: BLT Steak at the Betsy is offering a special Brunch Blackboard featuring a tasty array of signature dishes, including Wild Smoked Salmon Salad with baby frisée, red onions, local radish, brioche crouton, and grainy mustard vinaigrette; Open Face Double Cut Bacon Jalapeño Biscuit with heirloom tomato, pickled red onions, and local arugula; Brown Butter Waffles with wild berries and honey Chantilly cream; and much more.
Spa Specials: The Wellness Garden & Spa at The Betsy—Miami Beach’s only outdoor spa—is designed to soothe the senses with Zen-inspired wood, stone, bamboo, and natural fibers all shaded by retractable sails and private cabanas. Choose from a number of unique spa therapies, such as the signature Wood Stone Ritual with chilled stones or the indulgent Coconut Hot Towel Facial.
4) The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903}
What’s for Brunch: The spectacular Biltmore is famous for its sprawling Sunday brunch buffet, which continues to be ranked among the best in all of Miami. If you’d rather celebrate Mom later in the evening, The Biltmore Palme d’Or is offering an authentic French culinary dinner with Chef Pugin’s special tasting menu, while Chef Beppe at The Biltmore Fontana is offering a special three-course dinner in the courtyard.
Spa Specials: Let Mom pick out her own treatment with a $200 gift card to the award-winning Biltmore Spa. As an added Mother’s Day bonus, she’ll receive a complimentary Vosges four-piece Praline Truffle collection and Soy Delicious Travel Candle.
5) The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
What’s for Brunch: The Restaurant at The Setai’s elaborate Sunday brunch features all your favorite brunch staples, bottomless Champagne, and a few surprises like caramelized legs of lamb; truffle-roasted chicken; and a raw bar with ceviche, shrimp, and muscles all to the cool beats of live Spanish and Flamenco jazz music.
Spa Specials: The Spa at the Setai by Thémaé is offering a special Pampering Ritual throughout the month of May. For just $300, you can treat Mom to hours of indulgence with this exclusive package, which includes the Aromatherapy Foot Polish, a 60-minute traditional Balinese massage, and a 60-minute Thémaé Rejuvenating Facial.