Globetrotter: Inside Mark Ingram’s Miami

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.

Courtesy of Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

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.

Photo by Bill Sumner; courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

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.