For the Love of Miami

In this Visit Miami Beach exclusive, Miami-based journalist, blogger, Instagram influencer and mom, Maria Tettamanti, gives us the inside scoop on the city’s hidden gems.

By Meryl D’Sa

Maria Tettamanti has been published in many notable publications, including The Huffington Post, US Weekly, USA Today and Ocean Drive. She also served as Miami’s beauty editor for Allure magazine. When she’s not contributing to these publications, she’s working on her popular blog at thewordygirl.com, where she shares her love for serious fashion, luxury travel and beauty must-haves. Tettamanti has collaborated with brands such as ELLE, Neiman Marcus, Soho Beach House and Saks Fifth Avenue, to name a few. Having lived in the Sunshine State for years, Tettamanti has her finger on the pulse of Miami’s eccentric culture, designer fashion and its many trendy offerings.

What do you love most about Miami?

I love that the ocean is literally in my backyard. I can hop on our boat and leave the day’s stressors behind in a snap.

Describe your ideal day in Miami.

I sleep in until 9 a.m. (what a dream for a mom of two!) and workout at The Pilates Place Studio in the MiMo District. Then, we would take the boat to the Miami Beach Marina and have

What are your favorite local restaurants?

Easy! Makoto, Joe’s Stone Crab, Tropical Chinese and Houston’s. Also not to be missed is St. Roch Market in the Design District — Dal Plin serves up the best fresh pasta.

Where in Miami should one go to unwind and just hit pause?

Aside from hitting the beach and soaking in some vitamin D, our spas are bar none. The Fontainebleau, The EDITION and Eden Roc are my favorite spas because they offer not only topnotch services but boast swoon-worthy interiors.

Where should one go to experience the quirkiness of Miami?

Definitely Wynwood! The street, art shops and restaurants have quirk on lock. When photographing images for my Instagram account and blog, I love using Wynwood’s colorful murals as a backdrop. I also love taking hot Pilates classes at Sol Yoga, picking up a green juice at Dr. Smood and buying comfy lounge wear at Aviator Nation.

lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab. Afterward, I love to “Netflix and chill” and be in bed early with a good book.

What do you think attracts visitors to Miami and keeps them coming back for more? What places would you recommend for history buffs?

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, The Biltmore Hotel, Venetian Pool and all the lovely Art Deco architecture on Miami Beach.

What are some hidden gems you think every visitor should check out?

There is a lovely restaurant in my neighborhood that feels worlds away from Miami — it's called Café Roval. It boasts a pond, cozy interiors, delicious eats and the sweet scent of burning candles. I also love lunches at The Standard and decompressing at the Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau. It’s magical!

Visitors love our long stretches of beaches, year-round sunny weather and our innate sense of joie de vivre — locals truly enjoy life. Visitors also tell me they love Art Basel, the Miami Boat Show, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Ultra Music Festival and other unique experiences the 305 offers.

Any other insider tips or local hot spots you’d recommend?

Right now, I’m having a love affair with the Design District. My kids love eating at St. Roch Market and then walking around the de rigueur neighborhood and soaking in the sights of the latest public art installations. Right now, it’s “Pink Beasts” — a beautiful display of pink hammocks and sloths hanging off trees by Mexican designer Fernando Laposse.