Miami’s Bal Harbour offers an indulgent, ultra-luxe vacation

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour. 10295 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-455-5400, ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/miami/bal-harbour.

Bal Harbour Quarzo. 290 Bal Bay Dr., Bal Harbour, 305-222-7922, quarzomiamihotel.com.

Sea View Hotel. 9909 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 800-447-1010, seaview-hotel.com.

Forget flying to the West Coast to experience the luxury of Beverly Hills—just jet on down to South Florida and make your way to Bal Harbour, an uber-luxe neighborhood measuring a mere one square mile located just north of Miami Beach.

The “dream village,” founded by Robert C. Graham, actually began in 1929 when Detroit-based real estate developer Miami Beach Heights purchased the raw land. Established finally in 1946 and built with a fully conceived master plan in place, the village was envisioned as a modern community that would maintain exceptionally high standards and provide superior services.

The case is no different today, as the Bal Harbour neighborhood is known for its impeccably manicured streets of upscale oceanfront hotels, condos and resort spas, accompanied by high-end shopping and restaurants. With an average temperature of 75.3 degrees Fahrenheit, Bal Harbour makes for a sunny escape year-round that checks off the boxes on just about anyone’s luxurious vacation checklist.

Play and shop

Bal Harbour’s beach boasts white sand, tropical landscaping, and quiet surroundings (compared to the rowdiness of South Beach, which is just a quick 15 minute drive away). Running from 96th Street and Collins to the tip of the island, Bal Harbour’s semi-private beach is open to the public and offers plenty of room for lounging, walking and taking in gorgeous views of the bright turquoise waters. There’s also a jogging path along the beach for fitness buffs. Of course, the best way to enjoy the beach here is taking advantage of the oceanfront hotels’ beach service and set up.

After soaking in some rays on the beach, escape the heat with a little retail therapy at the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops. Fashionistas in search of designer labels from top fashion houses will find it all here, with stores from such power players as Versace, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, La Perla, Saks Fifth Avenue, Rag & Bone, Neiman Marcus, Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and many more. Whether you're on the hunt for a chic new handbag, a stylish cover-up or some new strappy sandals, the upscale, open-air shopping center offers plenty of choices, not to mention beautiful tropical landscaping to bring your shopping experience to the next level.

If you consider shopping your cardio, work up your appetite and then check out one of the on-site restaurants, including Carpaccio, Le Zoo, Santa Fe News & Espresso, The Grill at Bal Harbour, Zodiac at Neiman Marcus or the popular Makoto—an indoor/outdoor restaurant serving up a modern take on Japanese fare. While you’re shopping or noshing on tasty bites, don’t be surprised if you glimpse a celebrity or two.

High-end hotels

Head back to your mega-luxurious hotel accommodations following an afternoon of shopping till you drop and enjoy premium customer service and superior digs offered up by the likes of The St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton brands, among other high-end properties.

The nine-acre oceanfront St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort represents the quintessential luxury escape, wrapped in sophistication, elegance and exclusivity that make it best in class (the hotel was awarded Forbes five-star and AAA five-diamond status in 2015). A modern interior pays homage to Art Deco style, while beautifully designed guest rooms and suites offer unobstructed views and relaxing sanctuary.

The resort offers various dining options, including the must-visit J&G Grill—a beachfront restaurant featuring a menu by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (black truffle pizza with fontina cheese? Yes, please!). For a more casual meal, check out the resort’s recently opened BH Burger Bar to indulge in a high-end twist on burgers and a customizable menu. Wine aficionados will want to take note that the St. Regis recently launched a monthly sommelier series that will continue through the year, partnering with a different winery each month for exquisite food and wine pairings. The next wine dinner, May 19, will feature Armand de Brignac Champagne (Ace of Spades).

The resort also features the Remède Spa for total de-stressing, as well as two tropical pools and private cabanas for rent, among other luxe amenities. For the ultimate treat, take advantage of the butler service and 24-hour concierge.

Another luxurious hotel option is the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, which offers sweeping views of the ocean and intracoastal waterway. With 124 guest rooms and suites (including a semi-private elevator and personal entrances to all accommodations), this resort's luxurious rooms provide spacious layouts and terraces to enjoy ocean breezes. A Pool Bar & Grill serves up signature cocktails and light fare (sushi available Fridays and Saturdays), while the Bistro Bal Harbour features "ocean-to-table" cuisine crafted from local ingredients and served up in a modern beach-chic setting. Get Zen in the 10,000-sq.-ft. waterfront Exhale spa or get fit with a yoga or Core Fusion class. Then take a dip in the heated outdoor pool with private cabanas or head to the beach.

If a boutique hotel experience is what you're searching for, consider staying at the Bal Harbour Quarzo that overlooks the intracoastal waterway. The hotel exudes peaceful vibes and combines the feel of residence-style accommodations with the modern design and luxuries of a chic hotel. The hotel offers a solarium, outdoor pool and Zen mediation gardens, in addition to its condo-size suites. Up the ante with private chefs available for hire, as well as in-room or garden massage upon request.

Located just a few minutes walk directly across from the Bal Harbour Shops, the Sea View Hotel is a deluxe European style, full-service beachfront property. Newly renovated guest rooms offer views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. An inviting Olympic-size, heated pool and expansive pool deck welcome relaxation (we think the Key West style cabanas are perfect for an afternoon nap).

If you’d rather dial back your hotel accommodations even more so you can splurge on your shopping excursions, then consider staying just south of the actual Bal Harbour neighborhood in Surfside, or a tad north in Sunny Isles.

Things to do

Besides lounging, shopping and dining, you can also enjoy area activities like fishing charters and boat rentals at Haulover Park's Marine Center just north of Bal Harbour. Haulover Park is also home to clothing-optional Haulover Beach and a 99-acre park with picnic areas and a dog park.

If the art scene is more your speed, you'll want to check out the public art program, Unscripted Bal Harbour, which was founded in 2013 to support the arts in South Florida and further position Bal Harbour as a cultural destination by making contemporary art accessible to residents and guests. Annual "Art Chats" take place several times a year with special guests and "Art Access Tours" offer free access and private tours of Miami's top museums, private collections and cultural destinations. For more info on Unscripted Bal Harbour 2016 events, visit balharbourflorida.com/legacy/unscriptedartprojects.

Packing plenty of glam into its tiny, ritzy footprint, Bal Harbour makes for an easy and quick—albeit expensive—getaway not far from home, yet worlds away. Black card not included.