The Palms is a beautiful Miami beach hotel built w...

The Palms is a beautiful Miami beach hotel built with nature in mind. I think they even had a name for it; "barefoot sophistication". As soon as I walked in the doors I felt emersed in the beauty of a tropical paradise. From the soothing lighting and amazing tropical inspired art throughout to the soft scent permeating the air, you get a sense of peace and yet adventure only a true paradise provides. You know there are treasures to be found here. And you don't have to dig very far for them, either.

The staff at the Palms are one treasure that starts the moment you walk through the door. They are all amazingly friendly and helpful, pointing you to whatever you may need as well as making sure you find wherever you need to go.

Completely inspired by nature, once you go outside to the rear of the hotel, it feels like you are still exploring that same paradise, from the perfectly luscious palm spotted grounds poolside as well as the large tiki hut entertainment space complete wth relaxing sofas next to an actual tiki bar. You will even find a short path to their "slow growth" restaurants own organic garden filled with herbs and all kinds of other edibles that they use in not only the restaurant, but in the cocktails as well.

This isn't your typical poolside tiki bar here either. Yes they do have your standard beers for a variety of day drinking occasions, but I found all your top shelf alcohols poolside as well.

I had a dark & stormy which I would not suggest getting unless you are a HUGE ginger fan. Since my new bartending friend Andre could sense that was really not a favorite for me, he then let me try some pina colada, which I have to say was really good and not too sweet, which is usually an issue with frozen rum concoctions. I then had a Mai Tai that was also perfect for sipping under the palms fronds. Drinks were not the only thing to be had, but fun conversion as well. Andre was full of sharp wit and a fun personality and Daphne was the perfect foil making my tiki bar experience even that much more entertaining.

The Palms also has a very strong focus on health and wellness as well as nature it seems. They have free morning yoga and even monthly running workshops that brings in the best local running experts to help you learn how to go that extra mile (totally pun intended). I was at one of those and there are some hard core athletes involved, so be ready for a great workout.

This place is also super green which makes me very happy and I found out they were Florida Green Lodging certified (with 3 Palms) as well as Tripadvisor Green Leader Silver rated. They even host beach cleanups a few times a year which warms my treehugging heart.

Its also a great location just outside of the south beach driving and parking madness, with both valet and street side self parking. I personally prefer a lyft, as then I can spend more quality time outside at the tiki bar with Andre and Daphne ;)