Strolling Through Coral Gables- A Charming South Florida Escape

Last week we went to Coral Gables in Miami. Coral Gables is 45 minutes South of where we live in North Miami, if there is no traffic. With traffic (which there usually is) it can take more like 1 hour and 15 minutes. Consequently, we don't go very often. 

Coral Gables is a really lovely area and feels like a Mediterranean escape tucked right into South Florida—lush, elegant, and intentionally designed with beauty in mind. Known as “The City Beautiful,” it’s lined with banyan trees, historic landmarks, and charming plazas that make it perfect place to visit.                                  

One of the must-see spots in Coral Gables is Venetian Pool, a stunning public swimming pool carved from a coral rock quarry, complete with waterfalls and grottos. (sorry no pic)

Another beautiful spot in Coral Gables is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, with exotic plants and peaceful walking paths that create a true tropical paradise. Last year, we attended the wedding of a friend's daughter that was held on the grounds. 

There is also an area called  Miracle Mile in the center of town, lined with boutiques, galleries, and inviting cafés—perfect for lunch or dinner. 

Theater Tickets: 

We had theater tickets for a 7:30 p.m. show at the famous Coral Gable Biltmore Hotel, which was our final destination. We were going to see Prayer For The French Republic- (which turned out to be excellent).

Since we had not been to Coral Gables since before covid, we decided to make a day of it.

We started on Miracle Mile, taking our time browsing the shops and admiring the charm and architecture of the historic buildings and restaurants. 

From there, we headed to the Biltmore Hotel, where we valet parked and wandered the beautiful grounds before settling in with coffee by their iconic pool. The Biltmore Hotel is a grand 1920s landmark with a championship golf course, spa and a theatre for plays.

Photo from the website of the Biltmore Hotel Website.

Their spectacular pool is over 20.000 square feet and is one of the largest hotel pools in the United States. It is set in a grand Mediterranean -style setting which feels like a European resort. It is lined with palm trees and a glamour that feels very old-world.

I totally forgot to take photos for this blog. I did get one photo of my husband on the corridor of the pool waiting for his coffee.  

Their gigantic pool is the centerpiece of the hotel experience with private cabanas, poolside service, and plenty of space to lounge or swim. Being there kind of feels like you've stepped into another era of grandeur. 

While sitting at the pool cafe, having our coffee, I couldn't help observe the abundance of wild green parrots that filled the air darting back and forth across the pool and the entire property. 

wild green monk parrot of Miami- photo from Pixababy

Living in Miami, I've learned to recognize the squawk of green parrots (monk parrots). They are noisy creatures that squawk relentlessly. I find it thrilling to see all the wild green parrots, but it was hard to relax and enjoy a quiet moment with their lively, unforgettable energy. They fly by really quickly and don't stop often, so it was also difficult for me to get a good photo.

After enjoying the outside grounds, we had dinner in one of their covered gardens and then we were on to the show. The dinner setting was lovely and the food delicious. 

Front of the Biltmore at night after the show

Scrambled Tofu (Better Than Scrambled Eggs?)

You say scrambled eggs, I say scrambled tofu! 

The resemblance is almost uncanny—both in taste and texture—making this plant-based version a satisfying swap for a classic breakfast favorite.

Norwegian Aqua Review: Spa, Food, Balcony Room

Norwegian Aqua Cruise Review: Spa Experience, Dining, and Balcony Stateroom

I’m back from a relaxing 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Aqua—but honestly, we barely left the ship. This trip was all about unwinding in the spa. It was our first time sailing on the Norwegian Aqua, and I had promised I’d share a full review.

5 Day Spa Cruise

We’re heading off on a five-day spa cruise to the Bahamas—leaving Sunday and back by Thursday—and I'm excited.

Mega Ship

We chose Norwegian Cruise Line, mainly for one very specific reason: the spa. Their newer mega ships—especially the Norwegian Aqua—have incredible thermal pools with waterfalls and massage jets in beautifully designed spa areas, as well as salt rooms, saunas, etc. that you can access all week. That’s really the heart of this trip for us… a chance to use the spa, relax, unwind, and fully enjoy those massage jets in the thermal pools.

The ship (Norwegian Aqua) itself is fairly new and has been getting solid reviews, so we thought it would be fun to try it- I'll report how it is when we get back. Taking Norwegian Lines is new for us; we usually go on Celebrity. 

No Hassle- 45 minutes to the port in the morning

Living in the Miami area makes it all so easy—no flights, no hassle, just a quick trip to the Miami port and we’re off. It also means we can take advantage of those last-minute cruise deals, which makes it even better.

Easy Fast Packing: 

I packed very simply for the 4 nights : white pants and two different tops, black dress, 1 skirt and top. For during the day I have a pair of workout pants and t-shirts, a skort and top, 2 bathing suits and cover up and of course underwear and pj - wearing my sneakers and packed flip flops and 1 pair of flats for dinner- and I'm off. All in a carry on.

I posted a plant-based simple recipe yesterday for an easy cauliflower-rice and chickpea bowl . If you missed it. click here

Looking forward to the spa, the shows, and the sit down dinners. 

See you on Thursday.