Elevate Your Itinerary: Your Swim Week Social Checklist
If you're heading to Miami for Swim Week, prepare to be swept into a whirlwind of fashion shows, networking, and non-stop energy. But to truly elevate your stay, you’ll want to balance the hustle with curated moments of beauty, culture, and indulgence. Here are 11 must-do experiences that will make your time in Miami feel unforgettable — and just the right amount of extra.
1. Lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Tucked into a restored 1940s house in the Design District, Mandolin feels like a day trip to the Greek isles. Reservations are hard to come by, so book ahead and order the Whole Mediterranean Sea Bass or Chicken Kebab with Orzo Pilaf and Maroulosalata. Whatever you do, don’t skip the Greek yogurt dessert — it’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
2. Reset at The Spa at 1 Hotel South Beach
Sustainable luxury meets oceanic serenity at this plant-filled sanctuary. Opt for a deep tissue massage or crystal facial, then unwind in the sauna or rooftop pool — it’s a perfect midday escape to recalibrate.
3. Shop Global Scents at Osme Perfumery
This hidden gem in Wynwood curates the most luxurious, niche fragrances from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a new signature scent or a unique gift, Osme’s elevated collection (and ultra-knowledgeable staff) will transform how you think about perfume.
4. Catch a Show at the Faena Theater
Step inside Faena Hotel’s velvet-drenched cabaret theater for a sultry, over-the-top performance. From burlesque to live jazz to immersive art shows, it’s a feast for the senses — all under a gold-leaf ceiling.
5. Dinner at Koko by Bakan in Coral Gables
For a high-design, modern Mexican experience, Koko is a must. The ambience is warm and chic, the cocktails are inventive, and the wood-fired dishes like the lamb barbacoa and seasonal ceviches are pure culinary elegance.
6. Sip & Sway at Café La Trova
Created by world-renowned bartender Julio Cabrera, this Cuban-inspired cocktail bar in Little Havana serves serious drinks with a side of live Latin music. It’s a cultural experience wrapped in rhythm and rum — the perfect nightcap to your Swim Week itinerary.
7. Shop & Stroll Upper Buena Vista
This lush, bohemian enclave feels more like Tulum than Miami, with treehouse boutiques, handmade jewelry, vintage finds, and globally inspired cafés. It’s where locals go for peaceful vibes and one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find in the malls.
8. Step Back in Time at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This historic villa offers European-style gardens, breezy waterfront views, and jaw-dropping architecture. It’s a serene escape and Instagram dream — think Mediterranean glamour meets old Miami mystique.
9. Have Brunch at Little Hen
This darling English-style café is known for its floral interiors, pink lattes, and brunch favorites with a luxe twist. Order the rose petal pancakes or truffle eggs Benedict and sip on champagne under the chandeliers — it's a deliciously girly way to start your day.
10. Private Sound Healing at The Sacred Space
When you need a reset that’s a little more soulful, book a sound bath session at The Sacred Space in Wynwood. It’s a chic oasis of wellness offering curated rituals that ground your energy and clear your mind — just what you need before another round of shows.
11. Early Morning Padel at Ultra
Start your day with a sunrise match at Ultra Padel, Miami’s hottest new fitness-meets-social sport. With its sleek courts, cool crowd, and high-energy vibe, it’s the perfect way to sweat and socialize before the day gets busy.
Want to make your Swim Week experience even more curated? Bookmark this list, make your reservations early, and treat each moment in Miami like it's part of the main event.