When it comes to style, few people have it like the dapper Mark Ingram, owner of Mark Ingram Atelier in New York City. This exclusive bridal salon sells gorgeous, high-end gowns from the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Inbal Dror and Zuhair Murad.


But Mark has another love beyond fashion: the city of Miami. Mark spends a lot of time there, and since purchasing a condo along the Venetian Causeway in 2010, considers it his second home. We live in Florida so we know and live this city too. Here are his must-do’s when he heads south, and our local’s take on them.
FOR RELAXING
MARK’S PICK: His-and-her massage at THEMAE spa at The Setai
OUR TAKE: Miami has a slew of amazing spas, and this Zen hotel at 20th and Collins is one of the sexiest, using products from the cult Parisian brand. We also love the tri-level pool deck for post-spa chilling.

MARK’S PICK: Sunday brunch and a long swim at Soho Beach House
OUR TAKE: Soho House is a private club, but if you’re not a member you can check into the hotel and have access to all the perks. Don’t miss the speciality Bloody Mary menu; we love the Hair of the Dog, with a touch of Dijon mustard.

FOR DINING
MARK’S PICK: Sunset cocktails at The Standard Hotel‘s Lido Restaurant and Bayside Grill.
OUR TAKE: Healthy cuisine is a Miami must, and the menu here is strong on organic meats and fish, locally sourced produce and biodynamic wines.

MARK’S PICK: Cozy dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the trendy Design District.
OUR TAKE: We love the Design District too; it’s a chic alternative to the craziness on the beach. This spot serves Turkish/Greek cuisine; think fresh fish and lamb, grilled with olive oil and simple, rustic seasonings.

MARK’S PICK: Late-night dining with city skyline views at Juvia high above Lincoln Road.
OUR TAKE: Executive chef Sunny Oh spent 10 years at Nobu before joining the team at this sexy spot, which blends French, Japanese and Peruvian influences — it’s very sexy, and veryMiami.

FOR EXPLORING
MARK’S PICK: Early morning run/walk along the ocean boardwalk, or a bike ride along the Venetian Causeway.
OUR TAKE: The boardwalk runs from 5th Street to 46th Street, and is part paved, part boards; it’s 4 miles one way, and a great way to get to know Miami Beach.

MARK’S PICK: Stroll through romantic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
OUR TAKE: We love this historic waterfront estate, which is one of Miami’s premier wedding venues. It’s loaded with photo-op spots; on weekends, keep an eye out for wedding couples and teenage girls all decked out for for their quinceaneras.

MARK’S PICK: Kayaking or paddle-boarding in Biscayne Bay off Sunset Harbor
OUR TWO CENTS: Don’t have your own? Sailboards Miami on Key Biscayne rents paddleboards, kayaks, windsurfers, with classes from beginner to advanced.

Besides Miami, here are a few other things Mark loves, all perfect for travel.
Etro Paisley

Firmdale Hotels in London

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Trans-Atlantic service

Fashion Eye Wear by See

Miansai leather & metal bracelets
