REVIEW: THE PALMS HOTEL & SPA, SOUTH BEACH

Just before the pandemic I had the opportunity to stay at one of Miami Beach’s most sustainable properties over my birthday weekend. It was a birthday trip I won’t soon forget! When The Palms Hotel & Spa underwent its most recent update, the hotel put environmental ethos square at the center of its priorities. The oceanfront resort employs a uniquely holistic emphasis on health, and its commitment to green practices and environmental awareness can be perceived in each guest experience. I love that, as part of The Palms’ comprehensive “Inspired by Nature” program, the hotel hosts quarterly beach clean-ups and makes an effort to reduce, re-use and recycle wherever possible.

LOCATION: Just minutes from the heart of South Beach, The Palms is just 12 miles from Miami International Airport and nine miles from the downtown Miami business district. But there’s plenty within walking, biking or trolley distance too. The surrounding area offers shopping, art galleries, museums, and cafés. During my stay I walked to a morning spin class and, later, to the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and The Bass contemporary art museum. But really, the best part is its stretch of gorgeous, private white sand beach just steps from the hotel.

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Palms features 251 newly renovated guest rooms, including just over 100 with ocean view or partial ocean view. The room design is tropical-themed and features a mix of light and dark tropical woods, colorful fabrics and accent pillows, relaxing mood lighting and soothing carpeting designed to mimic the ocean floor. The hotel is Florida Green Lodging accredited with a 3 Palm rating, a Silver level TripAdvisor Green Leader award, and has been awarded the Sustainable South Florida Award in the Green Practices category by the Miami Chamber of Commerce, along with many other notable accreditations and awards.

ACTIVITIES: As I mentioned, there’s plenty to explore around South Beach! I spent most of my time lying at the beach, working out a bit and dining on delicious food and wine. But make sure to check out at least one of Miami’s art museums, as they are known for having one of the best art scenes in the country. If you’re wanting a break from the sun or just a change of scenery, The Palms’ signature gardens provide more than an acre of lush, colorful surroundings where guests can indulge in quiet meditation or enjoy an al fresco meal. The gardens are home to a variety of palms, exotic orchids, birds of paradise and the resort’s two live parrots, Sunshine and Chance! An expansive organic herb and vegetable garden provides many of the ingredients used in the resort’s cuisine.

STAFF: One of my favorite aspects of The Palms is how it employs a “Green Team” of staff from every level of employment - from front-of-house to back-of-house - who meet regularly to discuss how the hotel can continue to improve from an environmental standpoint. If guests have their own recommendations, members of the Green Team can be identified by their green name tags. Overall, the staff was very friendly and helpful. One of my favorite memories was the laughter-filled conversation my friend and I had with the beverage team at the bar after our dinner (including some complimentary tastings!).

PRICE: Expect to pay around $200/night, depending on when you book and the type of room you want. Get a special discount when you book with KindTraveler.com and make a donation to Miami’s local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, which works to help clean and protect the oceans and beaches!