Who wouldn’t want to jump in one of the largest hotel pools in America? Recently renovated with a $35 million budget, the National Historic Landmark, The Biltmore Hotel begs a visit. And not only for the 23,000 square foot pool: the upscale Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami makes you forget the idea of booking South Beach. Coral Gables has that swampy, but manicured vibe: the neighborhood is perfect for a walk or run around the area, while viewing the distinct architecture of each home. With the stunning beauty of Mediterranean architecture, mixed with Italian, Moorish, and Spanish influences, here is why you should plant your feet inside some of the 150 acres of The Biltmore’s tropical landscape:
Stay in a renovated room
The 271-room resort includes 174 suites and features city skyline views; pool; and golf course views. I fell in love the color scheme: rich plums, silver sage, and gold was sprinkled throughout the rooms. A nice touch was the purple, gemstone chandelier over the bed.
I had a comfy stay in the suite due to the European bedding topped with 340-thread-count Egyptian cotton duvet covers. Amenities include 65″ flat-screen 4K TVs, wireless, and minibars with Nespresso Machine and safes.
If you want to do your digs “big”, there are two Presidential Suites to choose from. One of which is located in the Biltmore Tower and has two stories and three bedrooms overlooking Biscayne Bay.
The food is world class
Speaking of world class cuisine, the Palme d’Or restaurant overlooks the sprawling pool, and is one of the only AAA five Diamond restaurants in Florida. The authentic French cuisine is fresh, local and utilizes sustainable seasonal ingredients. Some of the menu items include Wagyu strip steak; Hudson Valley duck breast; sautéed corvina; and Grilled Maine lobster tail.
At Fontana, a traditional Italian restaurant surrounding The Biltmore courtyard and fountain, you can partake in lip smacking cuisine like ravioli with seafood; fettuccine carbonara; beef carpaccio; and tuna tartare. Don’t miss the poolside Cascade and the 19th Hole golf centric restaurant, and if you like to play Top Chef at home, then the hotel’s Culinary Academy might be a fi for you. The Academy offers recreational, cooking classes for adults and children.
The golf offerings are superb
The Biltmore renovation also extended to the circa 1925 Donald Ross-designed 18-hole, par-71 golf course (only one of nine designed by Ross in the U.S.). You will see new Bermuda grass on tees, fairways, and greens; new bunkers, new, challenging signature holes; and a course length extension by 7,100 yards. January 2019 welcomed the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship was the first tournament held on the revamped Biltmore layout.
Relax with a spa treatment
Before heading to The Biltmore Spa, sign up for a personal training session at the Biltmore with Phillip Alatriste, Director of Fitness. You are guaranteed to burn hundreds of calories like I did running dozens of stairs just as a warm up! For relaxation, the Biltmore Spa comprises 12,000-square-feet and has a Himalayan Salt Stone Sauna, Healing Steam Room, and cozy places to lounge before and after a treatment.
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