Their suite was located in the Tresor tower which was built to be condo-hotel rooms complete with amenities such as a washer/dryer. The Tresor tower also has its own swimming pool and lounge area on a 7th floor terrace.
After unpacking, Ray and Traci boarded a bus that took them on a pre-arranged adventure to the world famous Everglades. After the bus picked up additional tourists at nearby hotels, it made the 30 mile journey and traveled to an Everglades tour operator for a combination airboat ride / crocodile show. Neither Ray nor Traci had any idea what to expect on their Everglades tour. The airboats, while noisy, easily navigated the water as well as grass fields that comprise the Everglades.
The thick blades of saw grass are aptly named, as close inspection showed one side of the grass had sharp serrated edges which could easily cut human skin. Every so often, they would see a crocodile lying in the sun. Ray thought they were fake as most just sat motionless in the sunlight despite having tourists watching them. Fortunately, the airboats were quite speedy in case they encountered a hungry crocodile. Other wildlife including colorful birds were also seen during their 45 minute ride. Afterwards, tourists were treated to a crocodile demonstration showing the intelligence of these massive creatures. Contrary to popular media, crocodiles eat quite infrequently and tend to sunbathe a lot as their thick skin still allows sunlight to heat the cold blooded creatures. The Everglades experience was quite amazing – a must see attraction for South Florida.
While much of the week was devoted to a very informative medical conference, Ray and Traci spent some time at South Beach’s famous Lincoln Road – a pedestrian mall located 1½ miles south of the Fontainebleau. Ray and Traci went back and forth using the many busses (Lines 120, L and S) that travel quite frequently along Collins Avenue between 44th (where the Fontainebleau lived) and 17th where Lincoln Road was found. Block after block of shops and restaurants greeted both residents and tourists alike. Lincoln Road seemed frozen in time as many 80s tunes blasted from speakers – as if the television show Miami Vice was being filmed today. Ray and Traci did get a chance to take a “Duck Tour” of Miami – these amphibious vehicles are found in many cities including Seattle and give tourists both a ground and sea view. Duck riders were treated to many Miami highlights – private islands where celebrities reside, the famous mansion home used by Al Pachino’s unforgettable character in the movie Scarface, and the multicolored art deco styled buildings that Miami is well known for.
The beauty of Miami Beach was well highlighted on this tour led by a most entertaining guide.
The Fontainebleau was a great locale for a large meeting (over 1000 people attended Ray’s meeting). The facilities, staff and catering were top notch. When not in the meetings, the beachfront resort offered many diversions – The Atlantic ocean surf was calm after Hurricane Sandy had moved north. The beach was very nice, although the beach dropped off quickly in the surf to become quite deep. The resort had a huge complex of multiple pools which were perhaps too warm – Ray thought all of the pools were close to the temperature of the Jacuzzi pools which discouraged long swims. A modern well equipped gym provided exercise opportunities but Ray and Traci stuck to beachfront runs. An impressive elevated wooden pedestrian walk extended about 1 ½ miles from the Fountainebleau along the waterfront south. After the beachwalk ended, paved paths extended south to the tip of South Beach. The entire path is lighted, allowing Ray to run in the early mornings before the meetings.
Ray and Traci enjoyed their dining experiences in Miami. Most of their food came from hotel take out cafes as well as the nearby Walgreens and Lincoln Road CVS, but Ray and Traci did have a chance to enjoy a few restaurants. They ate at the Maiko Japanese Restaurant (near Lincoln Road) where Traci had a vegetable udon and a caterpillar roll while Ray had a shrimp & steak teriyaki combination. Neither was amazing but certainly respectable. Ray wanted to try the Gotham Steak House in the Fountainebleau one night where he did have a very good rib eye steak and macaroni & cheese dinner. Traci also enjoyed the miso black cod. Ray felt the pricing was quite comparable to Seattle’s steakhouses and both felt their dishes were of very high quality. Another Lincoln Road establishment, the Icebox Café, was referenced by Oprah for one of her favorite all time desserts. Ray and Traci had a brunch consisting of oatmeal, an omelette and a slice of strawberry shortcake. While crowded at times, Ray and Traci echo Oprah’s endorsement of the Icebox Café. In Miami, most restaurants add an 18% service charge to the bill so you have to be careful to check to see if gratuity was included.
Unfortunately, Ray and Traci’s time at the fabulous resort came to an end and they traded the sunny beachfront of Miami for the rain and cold of Seattle. Although Miami has had its share of turmoil, it remains a wonderful destination for visitors looking for an escape from winter weather.
