Éliou cofounder Duda Teixeira created the natural jewelry company in 2018.
I’ve lived in Miami for years, and my relationship to the city has evolved over time—at this point in my life, I really appreciate it in a deeper way. I grew up between Brazil and the ocean, so there’s a familiarity here that feels grounding: the climate, the culture, the pace. I’m the co-founder of a brand deeply rooted in the sea, and a lot of what I’m drawn to, both personally and creatively, is shaped by that environment, especially the proximity to the water. Miami is constantly changing, but it still holds onto a strong sense of place, at least for me, which is something I’ve come to value more as I’ve gotten older. —Duda Teixeira, Éliou cofounder
Where to stay:
Day 1: South Miami
Breakfast spot: A treat at Facade Bakery
Facade Bakery
Everything they serve is absolutely delicious, from their cornflake matcha and the olive oil cake, to fruit yogurt with house-made granola and tahini (think: textured, layered, not overly sweet). And the egg dishes? Always perfectly executed. It’s a small space, but it sets the tone for the day.
Morning activity: Yoga (or Pilates)
Mimi Yoga
No matter where I’m traveling, I try to anchor the trip with a workout. I’m a sucker for a heated class, and Mimi’s yoga is always a push in the best way.
For another option, head to Tremble in Coconut Grove.
It feels like taking a reformer class inside a modern tree house in the jungle.
Lunch spot: Farm-to-table fare at Krüs Kitchen
Afternoon activity: A walk around Coconut Grove
Dinner: Share plates at Fooq’s
Fooq’s
Here you’ll find consistently good food with Persian and Mediterranean influences, centered around shareable dishes that make the whole experience feel easy and enjoyable. It feels like a full night out, not just dinner, but a place where you naturally stay and settle into the energy.
Evening activity: Nightcaps with a side of vinyl
Lion’s Den
Located just upstairs from Fooq’s, this vinyl lounge with low ceilings makes everything feel cozy. The room is layered with Persian rugs, brass accents, plush seating, and just enough light. There are only a handful of tables, so the energy stays intimate. It feels intentional, like you’re stepping into someone’s private listening room rather than a typical Miami bar.
Day 2: Biscayne and Beyond
Breakfast spot: Croissants at Flour & Weirdoughs
Flour & Weirdoughs
Head to Key Biscayne—the drive alone is magical. Crossing the Rickenbacker always feels nostalgic to me since I grew up there; it’s one of those views that never really loses its impact. Start the morning at Flour & Weirdoughs and order the croissant (they’re the kind that shatter when you bite into them). The breakfast sandwiches hit exactly how you want them to, especially if you’re slightly sunburned or a little hungover from the night before.
Try to avoid a Miami visit between June and September.
It’s brutally hot—unless your plan is to sit on a beach all day (and even then, the water is way too warm). If you do come during those months, at least it’s mango season.
Morning activity: A sweat session (and a beach visit)
Tondo Room
Get a little workout in at Tondo Room (heated Pilates is my go-to, if you couldn’t guess), and go straight to the beach. The easiest option is posting up at The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne. The beach there is wide, clean, and feels removed from the chaos of Miami Beach. It’s calm in a way that feels very “old Florida”—more families and fewer tourists.
Lunch spot: Oceanside eats at Gramps Getaway
Gramps
This is where you go when you want to feel like you’ve escaped Miami without actually leaving it. Gramps Getaway has that Florida Keys shack energy: wood paneling, salty air, cold drinks in plastic cups, zero pretension. Show up straight from the beach and stay for sunset.
Order raw bar delicacies from The Lazy Oyster.
They started as a pop-up special and are now a permanent fixture on the menu.
Afternoon activity: A dose of contemporary art at the Rubell Museum
Rubell Museum
Genuinely impressive in both depth and scale, the Rubell Museum houses one of the largest private collections of contemporary art in North America, and you really feel that as you move from room to room. A lot of the works were collected early in the artists’ careers, so you’re not just walking past big names on a wall; you’re seeing how contemporary art has evolved over time, piece by piece.
Dinner: Not-so-classic steakhouse vibes
Sunny’s Steakhouse
This is currently my favorite place to dine in Miami—whether it’s just for a drink at the bar, or you’re going all in on steak, pasta, and their house rolls, it always hits. The restaurant sits under a massive tree, so dinner feels like you’re at some perfectly lit garden party. There are little touches of Florida woven in, like your drink being served in an alligator-shaped vessel. Whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering the Green Ghoul—and the ice cream sandwich is non-negotiable.
Outdoor seating is always the move… until it’s not.
Check the weather and time of day: heat, rain, and mosquitoes all have opinions.
Evening activity: Live music at Zey Zey
Zey Zey
This is an open-air cultural space, part live music venue, part food hall, part hangout. What really sets it apart is the music lineup. They’re consistently bringing in incredible artists—the kind of names that usually skip Miami—and somehow getting them to play in this intimate, open-air setting.
Day 3: A little bit of everything
Breakfast spot: Smoothies at Under The Mango Tree
Under the Mango Tree
A true Miami classic. Under the Mango Tree is that easy, feel-good stop you make when you want something fresh and simple (smoothies, açaí bowls, juices). This is one of those places that’s been around forever for a reason.
It’s a must, but ask for half a shot of coffee. I still don’t know what they put in it, but the regular version feels like a heart attack.
Morning activity: A visit to the Design District and Little River
Lunch spot: Burgers at Vecinos
Vecinos
The food is good because nothing is trying too hard, and that’s exactly why it works. Their natural wine selection is a big part of the experience. Vecinos feels like a recommendation from a friend, not something you saw 20 times on Instagram. (That sense of discovery is rare in Miami Beach.) And the music? On point.
Afternoon activity: Spa time at The Standard
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Cycle between the hammam, sauna, and Ice room. Grab a coconut and sit by their pool overlooking the bay for a little tan sesh. As the sun starts to set, head to Lido Bayside Grill for drinks on their dock. Golden hour there feels cinematic, light hitting the water, boats drifting by, everyone a little sun-kissed and slower than usual.
Before leaving for dinner, stop by Monterrey Bar in their lobby for a Mezcalita.
The Mezcal selection is great.
Dinner: A Michelin-mentioned meal at Palma
Palma
Palma serves a seasonal tasting menu that changes often, so every visit feels a little different—the food is creative and full of layered, thoughtful flavors without feeling overcomplicated. The space is intimate and cozy, which makes the whole experience feel special without being intimidating. Add the wine pairing; it really brings the meal together.
Evening activity: Dancing at Medium Cool
Medium Cool
This spot doesn’t scream for attention—it’s a little moody, perfect when you want energy without the chaos. My last visit was for a vinyl night spun by Hermanos Gutiérrez, and the whole room felt locked in. Just know you’ll be dancing. The space is small, but that’s part of the charm; it feels packed in the best way, like everyone’s in on the same secret.