For those seeking a relaxing Miami getaway sans the bustling south beach crowds- The Standard Hotel and Spa has what you need. You’ll have an opportunity to recharge at the spa and relax at the pool after a yoga session in the garden. The quaint hotel is situated off the grid, on the outskirts of Miami Beach right off Venetian Causeway, secluding the property just enough. Upon entrance you can't walk through the lobby without noticing the gorgeous minimal design, fairly uncharacteristic of Miami hotels. The neutral colors and danish inspired accents lend to the overall simplistic nature of the property. There are no air conditioned hallways leading to the rooms, nor will you find unnecessary decorative furniture in your room. The Standard takes pride in the bare essentials when it comes to room design.

The Spa is one of my favorites in Miami. It's modern, quaint and oh so refreshing. First thing to note: the Standard has some great robes. Once you change into your robe you have the option to wait for your treatment in the Turkish style hamam, which has individual bathtubs for soaking as well as an aromatherapy steam room and sauna for some serious decompression. The spa treatments are amazing, ranging from mud baths to hydrotherapy to "combination cures" which combine a range of treatments like yoga and collagen facials to paddle boarding and body scrubs.

Many who know me know that the Standard pool is my "happy place." The view, the layout, the amenities, the peacefulness of it all is just perfect. This is not the place to come if you're looking for a rowdy pool party with champagne and DJs. The Standard Pool is available for hotel and spa guests only, however they do offer day passes for a fee. Not only is there a beach entry pool (with underwater music!) but they also offer an Arctic plunge and a Roman waterfall hot tub for those looking for a little more extreme pool experiences- or just a nice refreshing dunk in 50 degree water. I can sit by this pool for a week straight and have no complaints.

The garden which separates the rooms from the pool area offers additional lounging space with hammocks, swings and lounge chairs. Come to the Standard and I promise you will go home feeling refreshed and grounded. This is the perfect place for pampering and recharging after a busy week because we all know sometimes you just need a little TLC.