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BEST
BARGAINS THAT LOOK EXPENSIVE
640 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 305-673-5589 For anyone who wants fabulous-looking interior décor without breaking the bank, Agora is the place. This bright and unique space offers wares from the Far East and other exotic locales, and has everything your little heart might desire, from fixtures to furniture, knickknacks, lighting and jewelry. Agora has been a well-kept secret for savvy shoppers, but if at first you don’t see anything that tickles your fancy, fear not, because Agora has a completely separate showroom in Miami. So whether you’re treating yourself or someone special, Agora is the best place to go on a home shopping extravaganza — and you’ll still have enough money for Starbucks when you’re done.
BEST
ANTIQUE MALL 17430 S.W. 97th Ave., Palmetto Bay 305-969-0696 Gone are the days when you could go to the local general store to get a nice ballerina-shaped lamp. Lucky for us, we have Antique Mall Y’All, the largest antique mall in Miami-Dade County. With 72,000 square feet of space, this mall hosts more than 150 dealers under one roof, offering tons of merchandise ranging from furniture and art to vintage and hard-to-find collectibles. Open seven days a week, this is your one-stop shop for all things antique.
BEST EURO-FASHIONSStage 441 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 305-671-3367 www.stagesouthbeach.com Stage presented fashions from more than 200 suppliers this year alone. Throughout the year, its buyers travel across Europe to visit exclusive trade shows so Stage can continue providing costumers with the most up-to-date fashions. Stage customers can be fashionable without crossing the ocean or going to New York.
BEST ACCESSORY Rock Bands 305-992-5337 www.leatherrockbands.com Rock Bands have healing properties, great energy and have been featured on E!, Extra, Oprah, American Idol, The Big Idea and other shows. Get ’em online or at Astoria Couture in Miami Beach and Coral Gables.
BEST ECO FASHION Green Roks Organic Apparel 168 S.E. First St., Suite 1104, Miami 212-502-0668 www.greenroks.com Green Roks’ philosophy could be described as “intelligent green awareness.” The brand consists of progressive, premium and environmentally friendly products for the fashion-conscious consumer. Founded by one of this year’s SunPost 50, the power player and founder of Sugartime Productions, David Sugarman, along with Natalia Diaz of Inside Fashion World Media and Cesar Zapata. Using the finest natural materials available, Green Roks promotes social and environmental awareness through design.
BEST NEW SHOE BOUTIQUELa Scarpa 2765 Coral Way, Coral Gables 305-441-6444 Presenting the best marriage of style and price, La Scarpa offers the most unique selection of Italian- and Brazilian-made fashionable shoes for ladies and a smart selection of men’s comfort shoes, all designed for today’s professionals who need to combine modern style with comfort. And they do it at reasonable prices and always with complimentary Italian espresso and cookies.
BEST CHILDREN’S STOREEanie Meanie Children’s Boutique 110 Washington Ave., Unit CU6, Miami Beach 305-531-0200 www.eaniemeanie.com A much-needed addition to the Beach, Eanie Meanie has fun, trendy clothing for boys and girls from newborns to size 7. It also carries toys, books and gift items, as well as well-known brands such as Splendid, C&C California, Ed Hardy, Joe’s Jeans and Haba.
BEST
UNIQUE JEWELRY 100 16th St., Miami Beach 305-604-0603 www.artconnectionmiami.com ArtConnection has been delivering modern, unique jewelry to the area since 2000. Swiss-born owner and designer Gabriela Provenzano takes pride in having a little bit of everything for everyone in her store — a treasure trove of more than 10,000 pieces of precious, semi-precious and fashion jewelry, including one of the largest steel ring collections around. European style dominates at ArtConnection, and many of its pieces are one-of-a-kind trendsetters produced in-house by Provenzano herself. Well-known celebrities seek out ArtConnection to find the next best accessory to show off at an event or concert. From rings to bracelets to handbags and cufflinks, you’re sure to find something here you won’t see anywhere else.
BEST PLACE FOR QUICK CASH & BARGAIN BUYSGables Pawn & Jewelry 1734 S.W. 57th Ave., Coral Gables 305-262-6020 If you’re in need of fast money, hocking your bling may seem like the only way to get it. Gables Pawn & Jewelry promises to make the parting as painless as possible. Or if you’re looking to spend some cash on some nice ice, such as Cartier and Bulgari, these folks can help you with that, too. Specializing in the good stuff since 1986, you can’t go wrong. Plus, there is a watchmaker and a diamond expert on hand to help you with your purchase.
BEST PRE-OWNED WATCHES Gray & Sons Jewelers 9595 Harding Ave., Surfside 305-865-0999 www.grayandsons.com Gray & Sons specializes in buying and selling fine pre-owned watches and estate jewelry. Its watches are completely restored to like-new condition and come with one- or two-year warranties. It carries the finest brands — including Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Piaget, Omega and Jaeger LeCoultre — and repairs both watches and jewelry.
BEST QUALITY PAINTINGSTip Freeman’s 738 N.E. 79th St., Miami 305-754-8221 Since 1952, Tip Freeman’s has been the place to get beautiful high-quality artworks at great prices. It offers a multitude of services, including custom framing, repair and restoration, dry mounting and mildew removal from fine art. It has beautiful prints, limited editions and original oil paintings for sale. You don’t have to be a designer or decorator to benefit from these service and prices.
BEST NEW FURNITURE & HOME ACCESSORIES STOREOpen Doors 7300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-751-1023 www.opendoorsmiami.com This deliciously stylish and diverse store offers shoppers a host of hard-to-find items: unique accessories and finds from around the world, including Bali, Indonesia and Thailand, paired with contemporary furniture, a wide selection of outdoor furniture, a selection of pieces made from farm-raised and sustainable materials, handmade screen-printed pillows from Indonesia and much more. Open Doors owner Stephanie Tyler and her team at International Design Concepts design much of the indoor and outdoor furniture inventory. Many of the pieces are factory direct, allowing for affordable pricing. Complimentary interior design consultations are available by appointment. Open Doors even features emerging and established artist exhibitions and art openings every three months, as well as regularly scheduled artistic and cultural events in the historic International Book Building built in 1964.
BEST MODERN FURNITURE STOREModani 181 N.W. 36th St., Miami 305-403-1838 www.modani.com You don’t need an interior designer to make your home look like it belongs in a magazine. Modani features ultra-modern furniture at affordable prices, with furniture packages pre-matched by a designer for every room of your home. Edgy designs with personality and the best quality materials characterize the selection at Modani. Already in 2008, Modani has furnished and designed more than 16 model apartments of major real estate developments and introduced 50 new furniture pieces. This summer, it plans to release its new Barokai collection and launch a minimalist wholesale line in the United States and Canada. Very modern. Very convenient. Ultra cool.
BEST NEW LIGHTING STOREPlanet Lighting 5120 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-757-5001 www.planetlighting.net Planet Lighting is an appreciated new addition to the home décor and design industry in Miami. It features high-end, one-of a-kind, amazing lighting from the dramatic to the clean-lined. It also carries some great furniture and accessories and provides expert service.
BEST
LINENS 1935 West Ave. (entrance on 20th Street), Miami Beach 305-532-1222 When it comes to comfort, excellent linens are essential. Think about it. Would you want to sleep on sandpapery bed sheets, or use a cheap bath towel that might as well be pumice stone? Well, neither do the folks at Threadcount. That’s why they provide you with the highest-quality imported fabrics and linens for your home. They’ve been saving locals from those evil mass-marketed linens for four years now, and doing a great job at it too! Come check out the expansive selection of luxury materials and home accessories. They even offer baby products and custom sizing on rugs, bedding and bath linens.
BEST OUTDOOR TEAK FURNITUREAscot Outdoor Furniture 12951 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami 305-892-2131 www.ascotteakmiami.com Ascot Teak is an international manufacturing and trading company, with its main factory and supply source in Java, Indonesia. Quality control produces astounding results. After aging and proper kiln-drying, craftsmen construct their teak furniture using only pegged mortise and tenon joinery and solid brass fittings. These quality benchmarks mean that all Ascot Teak furniture is maintenance free (if you choose), impervious to water damage and guaranteed not to rot or warp. Perfect for South Florida and a truly unique gift.
BEST FLOWER ARRANGEMENTSAbbott Florist 1008 71st St., Miami Beach 800-275-3758 www.abbottfloristmiami.com The staff at Abbott Florist is committed to providing customers with the finest floral arrangements and plants, and it shows. Besides the large inventory of fresh flowers, Abbott has tropical plants, high-style floral arrangements and wedding and funeral floral designs. It also offers gourmet food baskets, fruit baskets, gift baskets and candies. And to ensure that you will make Abbott Florist your “first choice for flowers” (as its motto goes), the staff is friendly, professional and willing to lend their expertise.
BEST EXOTIC FLORAL ARRANGEMENTSThe Epicure Florist 1656 Alton Road, Miami Beach 305-672-1861, ext. 4 www.epicuremarket.com The Epicure Florist is known for its innovative, fresh floral designs, extensive selection of fresh exotic flowers and friendly, service-oriented team of award-winning designers. Whether you know exactly what you want or need the advice of these skilled professionals, the end result is sure to please and impress.
BEST FRUIT BOUQUETSEdible Arrangements 18280 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach 305-933-4027 www.ediblearrangements.com Edible Arrangements specializes in creating delicious arrangements filled with fresh, hand-cut fruits, including strawberries, pineapples, grapes, cantaloupes, honeydews, apples, oranges, bananas, watermelons and pears. It also offers gourmet chocolates that can be added to any arrangement. Its gift bouquets can be customized with themes, Mylar balloons and stuffed animals. If you visit the store, you can even purchase greeting cards to accompany your order. Edible Arrangements, owned and operated by Sharon and Sandy Curtis, is perfect choice for all of your gift-giving needs, servicing Hallandale Beach, Miami Gardens, Aventura, Sunny Isles, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Miami Shores, Bal Harbor, Surfside and North Bay Village. And it’s certified kosher.
BEST FLORIST, SOUTH BEACH White Tulip Florist 1673 Alton Road, Miami Beach 305-672-9444 www.whitetulipflorist.com A handful of dirty daisies picked from your neighbor’s garden simply won’t cut it at Miami’s fabulous functions. The floral arrangements at White Tulip Florist in Miami Beach are elegantly put together by one of the shop’s six designers, who work to create customized bouquets and blooming centerpieces, with buds imported from Holland and Colombia. White Tulip’s florists provide arrangements for many of Miami’s high-profile players, as well as for many of the city’s luxurious hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, Shore Club, the Hotel Victor and the Delano. White Tulip uses hundreds of flower varieties including cacti, calla lilies, hydrangeas and orchids.
BEST BARSTOOLSBarstools To Go 15532 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami 305-947-1404 www.barstoolstogo.com Bars are a terrific use of space in houses or apartments and often have the added advantage of being associated with libations. That makes it all the more important that barstools be handsome, comfortable and appropriate to your décor. Barstools To Go offers the largest in-stock selection around, great variety and discount pricing.
BEST CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGSS. Ross & Co. Inc. 946 41st St., Miami Beach 305-538-5454 S. Ross & Co. specializes in custom-made window coverings of all kinds — draperies, shades, blinds, valances and cornices, as well as upholstery, bedspreads and cushions. S. Ross & Co. has been in business on Miami Beach for more than 50 years, and has learned to do business right and satisfy all customers’ needs.
BEST FLOOR INSTALLER Floors For Less 2300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 786-271-5287 Tired of that floor in your new single-family home or condo? Floors For Less has an assortment of laminated and hardwood floors available for sale and a crew of competent contractors who will snap your new surface into place inexpensively.
BEST MATTRESS STORESupermattress Warehouse 2751 S.W. 27th Ave., Coconut Grove 305-285-2339 www.mattrex.com With great prices not found in department stores and quality not easily found in discount mattress/bedding dealers, Supermattress Warehouse is a bargain financially and in terms of quality mattresses, including Tempur-Pedic. Available financing and routine special sales deals make Supermattress Warehouse even more of a find, and its wide selection and a drive-to-your-door showroom puts it over the top.
BEST PLACE TO BUY A
GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP 1610 Alton Road, Miami Beach 305-531-1452 Not all mattresses are created equal, and no mattress store is like Mattress Town. Not only will you find custom-made mattresses that are individually inspected upon production, but you’ll also find everything to complement them, including European furniture, unique futons, sofa beds, contemporary lighting, chairs, tables and Miami-style window treatments. This family-owned business has been operating for more than 40 years, priding itself on unparalleled quality, service and total customer satisfaction.
BEST PAINTERSPainting and Services Unlimited 9024 Dickens Ave., Surfside 786-326-1231 Giving clients that “extra touch,” Painting and Services Limited has been coating the walls of offices, bedrooms and houses all over South Florida since 1988. Twenty years of success in a competitive field testifies to the company’s ability to keep its customers happy.
BEST FAUX FINISHESPainting Chicks 305-450-2033 www.paintingchicks.com Trompe l’oeil and faux finish may sound, well, fake to those unfamiliar with these time-honored decorative enhancements, but in the hands of trained artists, such techniques transform the humblest home into an Old World charmer and a work in and of itself. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to find experienced and talented artisans. Sarah Leddick and Magda Estrada bring their combined education and training in design and painting together as Painting Chicks. They offer faux stonework, woodwork and metalwork, as well as wood repair, restoration and general painting. If you’re in the market for mural, stenciling or similar treatments, Leddick holds a master’s degree in painting from San Diego State University. These “chicks” are also experts with plaster if you’re looking for something along the lines of Venetian plaster or acid-washed cement floors.
Best Place TO REMODEL A Home or OfficeVisionaire At Home 9440 N.E. Second Ave., Miami Shores 305-758-9900 This home accessory store offers full interior design services. Its furniture lines and lighting manufacturers have been carefully selected to offer clients the highest quality and the best designs at reasonable costs. If you wish to completely change a room, its skilled staff, led by Marco Martinez, can help select the furniture, fabrics, lighting, flooring, paint, window treatments, artwork and miscellaneous objects. They know it’s impossible to carry everything in one store, so Visionaire At Home searches for manufactures of item to meet clients’ needs and desires. If your renovations require architectural modifications, Visionaire At Home can have construction documents prepared for adding or removing walls, fixed lighting or plumbing changes.
BEST SECOND-GENERATION INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANYThe Gershon Group 305-931-7381 For the past 55 years, The Gershon Group has offered interior design with quality service and world-class design. Rory and her brother Scott have continued their parents’ passion for design and complete projects that far exceed their clients’ imaginations. Quality and function combined with excellent service is why the Gershons are able to continue to offer interior design without compromising anything. Their commitment helps them create spaces that work for their clients’ lifestyles.
BEST VINYL RECORDS & CDSRadio-Active Records 1930 E. Sunrise Blvd., Suite B, Fort Lauderdale 954-762-9488 www.radio-active-records.com This is one of the best record shops, not only in Broward and Palm Beach counties, but in the whole state, because it is well-organized and well-stocked and has some of the best informed, polite and helpful employees in the business. Weekly live in-store performances, often tied to charity benefits and local artists, are an exclamation point. A coffee and tea bar will be coming soon.
BEST NEW STOP IN COCONUT GROVEThe Bookstore in the Grove 3399 Virginia St., Ste. 620, Coconut Grove 305-443-2855 www.thebookstoreinthegrove.com It’s not just a bookstore. Wander into The Bookstore in the Grove and you’ll not only find the latest new Chuck Palahniuk novel, but you’re also apt to be met with the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked muffins. Charming and community-oriented, this bookstore includes a café and a plethora of gifts and cards — perfect for browsing away an afternoon or for those last-minute stops. Open at 7 a.m., the café features a wide variety of baked goods, sandwiches, salads and amazing empanadas. There are magazines and newspapers, both national and international, and free Wi-Fi for all customers. The book selection spans all categories from hot new releases to a magnificent array of art and coffee-table books. It’s a fresh alternative to the big chains, and the ambience embodies the spirit of Coconut Grove.
BEST FULL-SERVICE VIDEO STORENew Concept Video 959 West Ave., Miami Beach 305-674-1113 New Concept is pretty much the only place on the beach where you can get a great selection of foreign films, hard-to-find film festival fare and gay and lesbian releases from smaller film companies, not to mention new releases, cult classics, classic classics, a bit of adult entertainment and hip magazines all in one spot. Residents of the West Avenue neighborhood love the addition, and others find it a good reason to visit.
BEST ADULT DVD & NOVELTY STOREThe Adult Supermarket 15657 S. Dixie Highway, Miami 305-252-6434 It’s hard to beat an adult novelty store where you wouldn’t be embarrassed to run into your mother. Well, almost you wouldn’t. The Adult Supermarket is a delightful shop, if not quite for the entire family. It is clean, bright and well organized, with a large selection of videos and novelties for women, men and couples. Its friendly, informative staff is a great help and there are sales every day.
BEST ADULT MEGA-MART
1321 S. 30th Ave, Hollywood; 954-927-8181 1019 Fifth St., Miami Beach; 305-673-3311 Gaydar, 1671 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305-538-6434 20600 N.W. Second Ave., Miami; 305-654-9400 7020 N.W. 72nd Ave., Miami; 305-805-9095 224 SW Sixth St., Miami; 305-854-7977 What more could you want from your neighborhood, ummm, intimate novelty shop than that it is open 24 hours at some locations and offers 25,000 videos and DVDs, private viewing booths, a decent (or indecent, rather) selection of leather and lingerie, and dates of the, uh, manufactured type. There is plenty more to prompt terrifically fun and titillating window shopping before making your final decision. With multiple locations catering to different neighborhoods, Pleasure Emporium is like the Starbucks of adult marts.
BEST TATTOOSLucky Tattoo 405 15th St., Miami Beach; 305-673-0847 1059 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-538-5132 You want a couple of things when you’re getting your first or 50th tattoo. Convenience is nice. So too is a talented and experienced tattoo artist who is going to treat you right. You get both at Lucky Tattoo, which has multiple locations and experienced artists. Reasonable rates, safety and consistency make for an experience you won’t forget — for the right reasons. BEST SURF SHOP, COCONUT GROVECatch-A-Wave Surf Shop 2990 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove 305-933-4027 Catch-A-Wave Surf & Skate Shop in Coconut Grove has been in business for more than 25 years and offers the most diverse, top-of-the-line new accessories around town. As the oldest independently owned skate and surf shop in Miami-Dade, Catch-A-Wave keeps its longtime customers returning and its first-time customers satisfied. That’s because Catch-A-Wave offers top brands, including Roxy bikinis, Billabong and Volcom boardshorts, O’Neill wetsuits and other items by Ed Hardy and Salinas. It sells the new epoxy and fiberglass surfboards, Cabrina kiteboards, boogie boards, skim boards and rash guards for the harsh Florida sun. For all those boaters, it offers an excellent selection of Hyperlite wakeboards and polarized sunglasses from such brands as Spy and Arnette. Of course, Tony Hawk would feel at home here, with a large array of skateboards from Element, Plan B, Girl, Chocolate and Sector 9.
BEST SKATE, BIKE & SURF INSTITUTIONFritz’s Skate, Bike & Surf 730 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 305-532-1954 www.beachinlineskates.com An honest to goodness institution, Fritz’s has been providing the best customer service, product knowledge and selection on Miami Beach since 1989. Fritz's offers the best alternative transportation to get to work, school or play, in addition to recreational opportunities. And it guarantees to deliver superior products, services and prices.
BEST SKATE SHOP 730 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 305-532-1954 www.beachinlineskates.com For cool kids (of all ages) who don’t ghoulishly stay out at the clubs all night, Fritz’s Skate Shop is the favored location for stocking up on sporting goods. Believe it or not, some of us do get up in time to greet the sunshine. Rollerblades? Got ’em. Skateboards? Got ’em. Bikes? Got ’em. Clothing and sunglasses? Got those too. How about those Heelys the kid is driving you nuts about? Even the latest fads get serviced at this venerable Lincoln Road shop. It’s so well-stocked that some frequent visitors to Miami claim they always schedule a trip to Fritz’s just to check out the latest gear.
BEST PET-GROOMING SALONCity Pooch 1686 Coral Way, Miami 305-859-7829 www.city-pooch.com City Pooch offers all its four-legged clients professional service and lots of TLC. It uses all-natural products, has a quick turnaround time, and has a large selection of retail goods. This pup salon also offers pickup, delivery and curbside service for commuters who are in a hurry. Just give them a call and they’ll come out to your car.
BEST DOG FOOD & ACCESSORIESDog Bar 1684 Jefferson Ave., Miami Beach 259 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables 866-4-DOGBAR www.dogbar.com The dogs of Miami, like their owners, are the most glamorous in the world. These pooches poop on South Beach, doggie-paddle in the Atlantic and sniff each other’s rear ends up and down Miracle Mile. The dogs of Miami don’t wear ordinary collars; they wear Swarovski crystal-encrusted collars. And these glamorous doggies all shop at Dog Bar. The unique pet boutique is the four-legged shopaholic’s haven for everything from raw pet foods to nutritional supplement powder for pups looking to beef up for shirtless summers on muscle beach. Both Dog Bar locations feature a grooming spa, complete with aromatherapy and massage treatments, obedience training workshops and nutritional guidance seminars for pet owners. And after a long day of shopping and spa treatments, Fido can stretch out on his Bauhaus-inspired cowhide sofa, while wearing his wool shearling coat, basking in the glory of being the most fabulous dog in Miami.
BEST CONCIERGE SERVICE Carefree Lifestyle 1031 Fifth Street, Miami Beach www.carefreelifestyle.com Carefree Lifestyles doesn’t just rent Miami Beach McMansions, luxury cars, boats and jets to vacationing Hollywood stars; it allows even the average Joe to momentarily live like the rich and famous. Porsches, Ferraris, BMWs, Mercedes, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Carefree Lifestyles, which caters to the world’s wealthiest individuals, knows how to make you feel like a king or a queen. Its luxury rentals can be seen in music videos and on TV shows.
BEST MEN’S SPA & BARBERSHOPMiles and Lyle Luxury Barbershop 19044 N.E. 29th Ave., Aventura 305-466-6665 www.milesandlyle.com This upscale, Old World barbershop and spa is unlike anything else in the market. Services — including haircuts, straight-razor shaves, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, reflexology, hair coloring, beard and moustache trims, hair removal, shoe shines, tanning and now even teeth-whitening — are delivered in dedicated private rooms by highly skilled professionals. The rooms are outfitted with the finest available equipment and products, and feature your choice of programming on flat-screen satellite televisions or your choice of digital music. There is little else like Miles and Lyle’s services and luxurious environment.
BEST UNIQUE BARBERSHOPChop Shop Barbershop 7283 Biscayne Blvd, Miami 305-756-5755 www.chopshopbarbershop.com The Chop Shop is a uniquely conceptualized barbershop themed with cars and car culture in all their glory. Patrons wait in comfortable car seats, and each workstation has a shelf with a die-cast car and motorcycle and barber’s tools kept in Craftsman toolboxes. When finished, barbers remove displaced hair with air hoses identical to those used for tire inflation. Bathroom walls feature a decoupage of urban car scenes and culture. Meanwhile, one shop wall features photos of celebrity visitors (there have been many) and a second wall features Polaroids of local patrons. There are flat-screen TVs everywhere. Experienced barbers do their work well and help contribute to a totally unique, cool and fun experience.
Best Parisian Salon Franck Provost 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach 305-534-0393 The French take their hair as seriously as they take their baguettes, their brie and their Bordeaux wine. French stylist Franck Provost owns more than 400 salons all over the world — there is even a Franck Provost Salon in Kazakhstan. But the only location in the U.S. is in Miami Beach. The Paris-based salon’s Miami outpost offers all the services you can find at most high-end salons, such as chic cuts and radiating highlights, as well as the Franck Provost line of maquillage (that’s French for makeup). The team of specialists can help you realize your Parisian beauty dreams right here in Miami.
BEST SALON TEAM, MIAMI BEACHSnip 456 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach 305-532-7333 www.snipsnip.net Co-owners Riley and Dona McLachlan gained more than 25 years’ experience at Vidal Sassoon. As both managers and creative directors of Vidal Sassoon, they have taken those methods and employed a modern twist. Snip’s staff goes through the most intensive training in the hairdressing world. The atmosphere is modern, sleek and relaxing — you won’t find any attitude here — and the service is superior. Whether you live on the beach or are flying in from afar you can count on a warm greeting in a sophisticated setting.
BEST BEAUTY SALON, HOLLYWOODDovetail 1930-C Harrison St., Hollywood 954-929-6123 www.dovetailsalon.com Dovetail is an Aveda Concept Salon that offers a cup of “comforting tea” with every complimentary consultation. So, no matter if you are looking for a cut, color or extensions, Linda and Alan Weinberger are able to provide the perfect look for any occasion. Every visit is an experience, complete with stress relieving massages, makeup touchups for the ladies, and facial grooming with hot towels for the gentlemen, all to the chill sounds of jazz and among hand-carved mahogany stations. Furthermore, by supporting Aveda you’ll be helping the planet, because the products are environmentally friendly and certified organic.
BEST HAIR EXTENSIONSAllure Salon 3405 Main Highway, Miami 305-461-0020 Carlos Collazo, owner of Allure Salon for the last 15 years, is a hair extension master. He even instructs hair stylists how to install and remove hair extensions at the Doral-based training center Socap Original. “A lot of people do a lot of damage when they try to extract them,” Collazo says. “There’s a life span.” Collazo’s staff of veteran hairdressers (each has 20 to 30 years’ experience in salons in Boston, New York and New Jersey) is well aware of that. But Allure is about more than just hair extensions. The full-service salon does all forms of styling, manicures, pedicures, hair relaxing and massages, and regularly offers specials for chemical services.
BEST SALON FOR HIGHLIGHTING & BRAZILIAN RELAXERS Richard & Company Salon 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach 305-918-6783 Richard & Company Salon is progressive, forward and sophisticated, targeted to stylish world travelers and fashionistas. This salon caters to locals who want a beautiful work and want to keep up with the trends. Sophisticated and stylish characterizes Richard & Company, and its exceptional staff is both talented and friendly.
BEST BEAUTY SERVICES SETTINGL.M.H. 611 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 786-273-2151 www.lmhsite.com Talk about exquisite service. At L.M.H., you’ll feel like a celebrity and have your hair appointments in complete privacy or while enjoying champagne with your entourage. Don’t expect to drop by; this elite establishment is by appointment only. You must call ahead to book your experience with Ms. Bridgé, the owner and C.E.O. You can book the entire salon for yourself if you enjoy having your hair done in private. If you’re the social type, you can book a treatment party with friends with an array of appetizers and cocktails. Ms. Bridgé takes the utmost care in doing all of her beauty regimes. By using only the best products and methods, she will discover your “other you” and you will leave looking naturally refreshed and beautiful. She offers an array of treatments including hair extensions, infusions, semi-permanent eyelashes, cuts, colors, waxing and nails.
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FULL-BODY BEAUTY BOUTIQUE 841 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 888-BROWNES www.brownesbeauty.com In the last 10-plus years, Lincoln Road has transformed from an artsy street mall to the purveyor of The Gap, Williams-Sonoma and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain. Despite the commercial takeover of the McStores, Brownes & Co. beauty lounge has stood strong on Lincoln Road for more than a dozen years. The romantic boutique carries the best brands in skin care, body treatments, cosmetics, hair care, perfumes and candles. Brownes & Co. is the only U.S. carrier of Liz Earle cosmetics from the UK, as well as one of the few sellers of the elusive Mario Badescu and T LeClerc skin care lines. The owners are constantly searching for the best brands and items, tailoring their inventory to meet the discriminating needs of the store’s clientele. Brownes also offers spray tanning services on its second floor, adjacent to its full-service salon and yoga studio.
BEST TREAT FOR FEETFoot Solutions 3789 N.E. 163rd St., North Miami Beach 305-957-8970 This wellness store for the feet offers clients numerous services and personalized attention stemming from a comprehensive examination. Foot Solutions includes a lab/workshop where custom work, such as custom arch support, can be crafted. It also offers specialty accessories, such as socks and pads, stretch leather shoes for people with bunions, multiple-width shoes for hard-to-fit feet all the way to size 16, mixed-size shoes, calorie-burning fitness shoes and more.
BEST MANICURE & PEDICURE, HOLLYWOODAlto le Mani Nails Salonz Beauty Suites, 4921 Sheridan St., Hollywood 954-478-7349 www.altolemanisalon.com Natural nails are protected in this full-service nail salon. No drills are used on the natural nails during service. Relaxing and invigorating pedicures use a seaweed and spearmint moisturizing mask, leaving your feet with a cool and tingling feeling all day. A calm and relaxing atmosphere permeates Alto le Mani, setting the stage for terrific treatments.
BEST TANNING SALONBoca Tanning Club 723 North Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach 305-695-1333 www.bocatanning.net Got the hankering for some tanning in the middle of the night? You can do that at Boca Tanning Club because it is open 24 hours a day. The actual tanning process is rather quick and efficient, whatever time of day you indulge. This place features the fastest, most technologically advanced tanning beds in the world and the state-of-the-art Versa Spa Spray Booth to boot.
BEST HAIR REMOVERSA.B.B. 6815 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-756-7794 www.abbfashion.com The A.B.B. stands for American Brazilian Body. Its specialty: removing unwanted body hair. That means the upper body, the lower body, the face and other regions. For the uninitiated, a Brazilian bikini wax removes the hair from the entire pubic region, except for a small patch just above the vaginal area. Many women prefer it because the close waxing permits the freedom to wear revealing swimwear and lingerie. Whether you are male or female, A.B.B. uses unique techniques using wax, honey and aloe to remove hair follicles in a relaxed atmosphere. It also does manicures and pedicures.
BEST BRAZILIAN BIKINI WAXWax On Wax Off 3215 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove 305-444-8455 www.waxonwaxoff.com First of all, the SunPost thanks all those who submitted applications to judge this particular category. Your applications will be kept on file. Wax on Wax Off takes the title hands down, if not off. Wax On Wax Off offers the best (and most glamorous) Brazilian bikini wax in all of Miami. Enjoy a free glass of champagne and funky tunes while the friendly, knowledgeable staff works gently and quickly with the utmost attention to detail. Its skin-friendly wax from Paris leaves your nether region soft and smooth.
BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTSLaser Cosmetica 400 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach 888-458-5793 www.lasercosmetica.com Laser Cosmetica uses top-of-the-line technology to ensure the best possible results, including a painless laser hair removal system. All treatments are non-invasive and require no down time.
BEST MASSAGE DEALMiami Spa Month www.miamispamonth.com From July 1-31, enjoy special treatments for $99 at Miami’s premier spas. Use your American Express Card to pay for your Miami Spa Month Treatment and receive 10 percent off of additional spa services and regularly priced spa products. Miami Spa Month is organized by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and is presented by American Express. Visit the Web site for details.
BEST HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPISTHolly Reeves Massage Therapist & Health Care 499 Sheridan St., Unit 323, Dania Beach 954-923-1314 For more than 10 years, Holly Reeves has been a successful massage therapist with scores of dedicated clients who receive a multitude of treatments. Over time, Reeves began to take note of the different people’s conditions — clients would come in and break down emotionally, would have cancer, be pregnant or other things outside the scope of her expertise. So what did Reeves do? She attended and graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and earned the designation of holistic healthcare counselor, which now empowers her to discuss healthy lifestyle choices from a number of perspectives.
BEST EXPRESS MASSAGE Carol & Kim’s 305-270-0044 A terrific service for those always on the go, chained to a work project or just in need of good quality care, Carol & Kim’s has a network of licensed massage therapists ready to come to you wherever you are. Swedish, deep-tissue, reflexology and sports massages are Carol & Kim’s specialties. They also provide massage service for hotels, office, home, conventions and corporate events. Available seven days a week until midnight.
BEST RESORT & SPA, SUNNY ISLESAcqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach 305-918-6770 www.acqualina.com Acqualina is a 97-room resort with the amenities of a much larger property. The rooms are unmatched by any other area hotel or resort. Acqualina’s backyard is the beach; you only have to walk a few steps before your feet are in the sand. ESPA at Acqualina is a 20,000-square-foot oceanfront spa with a private pool terrace, Roman waterfall, Finnish saunas, crystal steam rooms and experience showers. The treatment rooms are the most luxurious in the area with their own showers. The private spa suite has its own shower, which converts to a steam room and has a private oceanfront balcony.
BEST DAY SPA, MIAMI BEACH Le Spa 150 Eighth St., Miami Beach 305-674-6744 www.lespamiami.com Taking a day away from the everyday is a person’s birthright. OK, so maybe it’s a little something we do for ourselves. But it also happens to be relaxing, rejuvenating and healthy — not to mention that the delicious effects of a day spent at the spa will stay with you for days to come. You can’t do any better than Le Spa on Miami Beach for taking that special “you time” and enjoying a little pampering. Le Spa (used to be known as Lancome Spa) is a full-service spa with a wide range of services from manicures, pedicures, massage and many other treatments guaranteed to make for a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable break from everyday stresses. The services, staff and comfortable, relaxing environment all contribute to making the very best you that you can be.
BEST MOBILE SPAMiami City Massage 425 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach 305-534-5555 There is nothing more luxurious than having spa services come to you. Miami City Massage is the best spa/mobile spa company in town. It delivers stellar luxury spa services in its ocean-side spa or in your home, office, hotel room or special event. All spa services, even mobile ones, are administered in special “spa surroundings” created by massage therapists, estheticians and nail technicians. The staff dims the lights, closes the drapes, lights white candles, scatters fresh rose petals and turns on serene music. When they’re done, they’ll draw you a therapeutic bath with their signature blend of exotic herbs and essences, coupled with sea salts from Israel and rose petals. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
BEST MEDICAL SPA FOR LASER & SKIN REJUVENATION Sutera Med Spa 8099 S. Dixie Highway, Unit 4, Miami 305-667-7888 www.Suteraskin.com Sutera combines the best laser and skin rejuvenation treatments of any medical facility with the serenity and luxury of a spa in the beautiful South Miami area. As featured in Ocean Drive, Sutera offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience, with all of its procedures administered by licensed, advanced, registered nurse practitioners. Safety, client service and satisfaction are Sutera’s top priorities.
BEST COLONICFeel the Heal 21300 W. Dixie Highway, Aventura 305-466-9268 www.feeltheheal.com At Feel the Heal, you can get a wide range of services, from Swedish and deep-tissue massages to stone therapy and pregnancy massages to spa treatments, ear candling, ion foot detox and teeth whitening. Clients swear by the work of esthetician and massage therapist Suzy Herzfeld. But it is the colonic that many feel is particularly therapeutic because it helps with portions of the body that many people, wrongly, don’t consider when it comes to spa treatments. With so many ailments associated with the colon —from irritable bowel syndrome to constipation to colon cancer — a good cleansing makes sense. Procedures are done with sensitivity and care and, heck, clients can even watch a movie while undergoing the cleansing procedure.
BEST PRIVATE FITNESS TRAININGProperForm 1935 West Ave., Unit 208, Miami Beach 305-531-8818 www.proper-form.com Every year, more and more clients find their way to ProperForm. The effectiveness of its training is demonstrated by its clientele, which includes the founding partner of a large law firm, two owners of well-known restaurants, a well-known club promoter, a federal prosecutor, a prominent art collector/dealer, a highly successful real estate investor/developer, the wife of a high-profile developer, one of the state’s top 10 real estate agents, two reality show stars, an Olympic gold medal swimmer (who plans to compete in 2008), two of Miami’s most successful architects and several prominent attorneys and business owners. Of course, discretion is part of the ProperForm policy and its client list is private. It also has one of the few Bod Pod body composition measurement machines in South Florida, and every client’s program is personalized. The personalized training, high-end environment and clientele, cleanliness and service together have helped elevate ProperForm in a crowded field of training centers.
BEST GYM FOR PERSONAL TRAINING & CLASSES, AVENTURAOlympia Gym 20335 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura 305-932-3500 www.olympiagym.com Serving the Aventura area for an amazing 30 years, Olympia offers more than 25 nationally certified personal trainers in a no-contract, high-end-machinery gym with free aerobic classes, including spinning (more than 100 bikes), Zumba, body forging, yoga, Pilates, boxing, step and sculpting. Olympia Gym is an institution for healthy living in the Northeast Miami-Dade community.
BEST BEACH BOOT CAMPImpact Sports 480-457-9779 Impact Sports’ Beach Boot Camp has arguably trimmed more inches and fat off of beach bodies than anyone else. Beach Boot Camp is prepared to help those people seeking a real change in their fitness level with fundamental fitness on the sand. Master trainer Matt Heringer has more than 15 years experience in the field and knows how to motivate those in his program. Classes are broken down by gender and type of activity, including regular cardio workouts and exercise aimed at specific sections of the body. Men and women ages 10 to 70 can benefit from the program. Participants should attend regularly to maintain bonds built among those taking part in the program.
BEST WATER EXERCISE PROGRAMAquaFit 786-220-1799, 866-733-9980 AquaFit offers water resistance personal training with innovative equipment for everyone, from Navy Seals and major league athletes to senior citizens and rehab patients who can’t use conventional ‘gravity’ exercises to pregnant women who need strength training without impact. The real kicker — they get you in shape with virtually no soreness and no sweating.
Best Aquatic ExperienceRonald W. Shane Water Sports Center 6500 Indian Creek Drive, Miami 305-861-8837 www.shanecenter.com At Ronald W. Shane Water Sports Center, you can rent boats and take rowing classes or become a member of one its renowned rowing clubs. If you are a competitive high school student, you can become a member of the Junior Rowing Club (scholarships are offered for those who cannot afford it). The Miami Beach Rowing Club will take you from a beginner to a novice in a matter of months for a modest cost. If you are a University of Miami student, you can join the crew, participate in intercollegiate competitions and meet other college students who enjoy this sport as much as you do.
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