BOULEVARD

Twelve miles from Miami’s energetic South Beach is a place that I never knew existed: Sunny Isles Beach.

Also known as Florida’s Riviera, Sunny Isles Beach sits on a two-mile-long stretch of sand embracing the Atlantic Ocean.

In contrast to the vivacious scene found in South Beach, Sunny Isles is mellower. Think of it as a cool and sophisticated aunt – hip and entertaining mixed with class.

Sunny Isles is home to ritzy shopping boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and luxury beach resorts – one of them being the Trump International Beach Resort.

Situated on the famed Collins Avenue, Trump International includes two swimming pools; two tennis courts; a beach club and pool bar; and the Aquanox spa and salon. It also features four restaurants including Naomi’s which offers classic American food blended with island flavours, and the Fushion Lounge specializing in sushi and sashimi.

The 32-storey hotel is part of a three condo complex that also includes the Trump Palace and the Trump Royale – all three towers are steps away from Sunny Isles’ glistening beach and popular activities.

First: Basil Park. The bistro serves healthy and nutrient foods such as pasture raised and grass-fed meats, sustainable seafood, pressed juices, and organic wines and beer. Side note: Try the “Power Bowl” from the lunch menu. It is filled with coconut milk curry, vegetables, chick peas, brown rice and avocado. Trust me, it’s not only healthy it’s savoury too.

Second: the Ancient Spanish Monastery. From the time it was built in Segovia, Spain in 1133 AD, the monastery has been seized, converted, dismantled, shipped to the U.S. and rebuilt. In 1964 it was presented to the Bishop of Florida and today, the church has an active congregation and holds services on Sundays and weekdays in English and Spanish.

Third: Aventura Mall. Considered to be one of Miami’s top shopping establishments, the mall has more than 300 of the world’s most recognized retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Burberry – Tory Birch and Fendi recently joined the roster. Aventura also features a dozen restaurants, an interactive playground and a 24-screen AMC Movie Theatre with IMAX. Side note: The Trump International offers a free, luxury shuttle to Aventura.

Fourth: Lincoln Road Mall in Miami. Settled underneath lush palm trees, Lincoln Road Mall is a bustling pedestrian walkway that boasts fashionable shops, more than 50 restaurants (my favourite: Sushi Samba), galleries including Art Centre/South Florida and the newly restored Colony Theatre which now serves as a performing arts venue. Side note: the Trump International also offers a complimentary, luxury shuttle to Miami.

Fifth: the beach in Sunny Isles Beach. The sandy stretch peppered with lounge chairs, day beds and sun umbrellas, and the emerald, swaying water are perhaps the most obvious highlights of the destination. What sets apart Sunny Isles Beach from that beach down the road (South Beach) is that it provides a more serene atmosphere. It still has that sexy Miami appeal – it’s just more refined.