Miami's Big Game: The Full Luxury Experience
The competitors for Super Bowl 54 have been revealed, and while Kansas City and San Francisco are the headliners of The Big Game, it’s hard to eclipse Miami as the star of the weekend. Or any weekend, for that matter. The special events scheduled throughout Miami over Super Bowl weekend add even more buzz to a city in which the clubs, restaurants, entertainment, and culture are already sizzling under the South Beach sun. If you’re heading to town to watch the Chiefs and 49ers in their epic gridiron showdown, we’ve got the lowdown on all the must-sees and must-dos.
Super Bowl Packages
Miami and the Super Bowl have an undeniable connection. The Big Game has been played in the city 10 other times, and No. 11 offers one of the most anticipated matchups yet. You can buy official tickets from the NFL $4,250 to (at press time) or upgrade to a number of packages. If you really want to splurge, their On the Fifty package includes premium seating, pre-game activities hosted by Hall of Fame Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, celebrity meet-and-greets, and postgame field access. Tickets start at $29,750. Of course, that price point is a fraction of what it will cost for this high-rolling weekend in Miami. The Touchdown Experience at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is the ultimate luxury Super Bowl affair. Starting at $400,000, the package includes a minimum of four nights in the tony Marybelle Penthouse Suite, the hotel’s largest and most exclusive accommodation, boasting “unobstructed sunset views, four elegantly appointed bedrooms, a private rooftop pool, sun-soaked terrace and expansive living spaces designed by Joseph Dirand.” Of course, it also comes with four tickets to the game, four personalized official jerseys, chauffeured transportation, and more. The Ultimate Football Experience from NetJets and Northrop & Johnson takes the luxury quotient up another notch, with a combination of superyacht charter, private jet service, and a curated VIP Super Bowl experience. Running from January 31 to February 7, the package includes: private jet travel to and from Miami; three nights in an oceanfront suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale; seats in the first 10 rows on the 50-yard line with VIP hospitality at the stadium’s exclusive 72 Club; and exclusive access to parties and meet-and-greets. Hop another private jet after your stay for a four-day excursion on the 236-foot charter yacht SOLO in The Bahamas. All this comes in at a tidy $720,000.Where to Eat
Miami is loaded with top-notch restaurants from casual faves that drink in the local scene to fresh seafood to fine dining. These are a few you’ll want to consider during your stay. Makoto Makoto is one of the darlings of the city, helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef "Makoto" Okuwa and serving a menu of modern Japanese dishes, robata, and sushi. Its location in the open-air Bal Harbour Shops also gives you a great excuse to shop at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Stella McCartney, Neiman Marcus, or the myriad other boutiques and high-end shops. Joe's Stone Crab Joe’s Stone Crab is a top draw on Miami Beach’s restaurant scene for a reason…and that reason is right there in the name. Arrive early to avoid the crowd, order yourself some claws and a large plate of hashed brown potatoes (Trust us!), and dig in. The Surf Club Restaurant The Surf Club is both glamorous, evoking classic fine dining, and delicious, with continental cuisine from famed chef Thomas Keller. May we recommend the Beef Wellington or Lobster Thermidor? And don’t forget to order a martini while you wait for your meal.Where to Play
It wouldn’t be Miami without talk of the club scene. There’s plenty to see and plenty of places to be seen here, whether you prefer EDM, hip-hop, or Latin flair for your dancing pleasure. LIV This 18,000-square-foot megaclub is legendary. Located at the Fountainbleu Hotel right on Miami Beach, LIV (which just happens to mean 54 in Roman numerals) will host two shows on Super Bowl weekend: DJ du Jour Marshmello and rapper Lil Wayne. Ball & Chain This renowned spot in East Little Havana has live jazz bookending the Big Game, with sessions on Saturday and Monday, and live salsa all day on Saturday as well. E11EVEN The city that never sleeps might just be Miami. Case in point: E11EVEN, the club that never closes. Still want to keep the party going after your Super Bowl shindig ends? Make the trek in the wee hours for a nightcap or greet a new day up on the rooftop deck to watch the sunrise.Where to Get a Little Culture
If you haven’t been to Miami, or if you spent all your time here soaking in the sun, you may not be aware of all the opportunities to also soak up the culture. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens This National Historic Landmark on Biscayne Bay will transport you back to the Gilded Age—and give you some of the best Instagrammable opportunities in the entire city. Take a walk through the lush formal gardens and be sure to hit the Tea Room and the spiral staircase—two favorite spots for inspiration and photos. Wynwood Walls Located in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city, Wynwood Walls is living art, with a series of vibrant street murals.Where to Shop
Lincoln Road Mall Another open-area shopping area, Lincoln Road Mall is great for window shopping, grabbing a bite at one of the sidewalk cafes, and strolling along the pedestrian avenue. Miami Design District The Miami Design District is filled with high-end boutiques, galleries, and public art installations including the Fly's Eye Dome. If you happen to be there on Friday, Jan. 31 from 11:30am to 2pm, you can catch the Off the Field Players' Wives Association’s 19th annual charity fashion show, with NFL wives and significant others walking the runway for charity.Where to Live
14 Star Island Drive Star Island is one of the most storied and exclusive of all Miami neighborhoods, home to sprawling waterfront manses like this spectacular property. Casa La Bonita is a six-bedroom, 14,268-square-foot Mediterranean estate on 100 feet of waterfront and featuring breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. The first time it’s ever been on the market, the property is gated and features a slew of distinctive details, including imported, century-old Chinese doors, custom-made Hindu doors, Italian marble floors, a movie theater, elevator, and poolside gazebo. 14 Star Island Drive is listed for $30 million by Jill Hertzberg and Jill Eber of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. 7833 Atlantic Way This tri-level North Beach home brings brand-new construction to the oceanfront. With seven bedrooms and 8,419 square feet, the residence offers modern luxury with a house full of smart features, two top-of-the-line custom kitchens, a 300-bottle wine room, and walls of glass, plus a rooftop terrace from which to enjoy the expansive ocean views. 7833 Atlantic Way is listed for $22,495,000 by Jill Eber and Felise Eber of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. 800 S Pointe Drive, Unit 804 City, bay, and ocean views abound from this attached, west-facing luxury pad in one of SoFi’s most prestigious buildings. From the mother of pearl walls in the private foyer to the leather walls in the media room, there is one spectacular feature after another, and the condo is within an easy walk of South Beach’s bars and restaurants. 800 S Pointe Drive, Unit 804 is listed for $13,900,000 by Kathy Green of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.SHARE