Mix Business with Pleasure in the 305

From the gorgeous skyline and beautiful beaches to bustling cruise ports and booming nightlife, the cultural melting pot known as Miami has always given its residents bragging rights to the popular adage: “I live where you vacation.”

Now, Miamians can also vacation where they live with Miami Shines, a tourism-at-home initiative that encourages locals to experience a “daycation” right here in the city, with enticing deals from top-flight area hotels and restaurants, as well as a host of activities.

Since the coronavirus made landfall in America nearly 10 months ago, popular tourist cities like the Magic City have been dealt a severe financial blow. The pandemic also shelved many popular pastimes for locals.

With so many anticipated vacations, family outings and social events cancelled, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) created a tourism recovery campaign to bring back the activities Miami is known for in a socially distant way. The Miami Shines project was born through that intention, and allows both locals and tourists to experience the city through museums, art, food and of course, the beaches.

Initiative partnerships with restaurants, hotels, museums, bars and attractions provide the lowest prices Miami has ever seen during such a historically popular travel season. Under Miami Shines, the Work Learn and Play Remotely and Temptation programs bring locals deals to make the presently mundane work-and-school routines more appealing.

“The work and learn program meets two needs; it provides a change of environment to set up your office by the pool and discounted hotel rooms, and allows for enjoyment of local environments,” said Connie Kinnard, GMCVB’s VP of multicultural tourism and development.

According to Kinnard, Miami’s hospitality industry and small businesses only survived because of support from local communities and organizations.

“I think what we are seeing and hearing is that small businesses and local hotels are affected by COVID-19 and a lack of travel. Miami is also the cruise capital of the world; when cruises are affected, it affects tourism,” she said.

More than 30 hotels in the greater Miami region have created package deals that include free high-speed Wi-Fi, printing stations, tutors, spa treatments, pool access and lunch.

Miami’s luxury five-star hotel, Mandarin Oriental, offers a spa day escape package for locals wishing to pamper themselves. The package includes a 50-minute spa treatment, a healthy bento boxed lunch, and access to the hotel’s pool and private beach for $185 on weekdays. Locals can also request a day room for use from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day room consists of a personal workspace, dining credit at the hotel's Peruvian restaurant and private fitness rooms.

“With everything going on, people aren’t extremely comfortable going back to gyms. Having the option of a work-from-home space as well as a fitness center is very convenient and safe,” said Sharazade Kirton, director of digital marketing and CID of Mandarin Oriental.

Biscayne Bay’s Miami Marriot is yet another hotel offering locals a day package; $74 grants access to a guest room from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and complimentary Wi-Fi and coffee.

The list of hotels participating in Miami Shines can be found on www.miamiandbeaches.com. Those looking for a short getaway can count on hotels’ “We Care” program to enforce social distancing and safety guidelines during their stay.