The Official Website of Greater Miami & Miami Beach

Visitors

Meeting Planners

GMCVB Partners

Travel Professionals

Press & Media

About GMCVB

Advertising Opportunities

VIC

Business Relocation

Film/TV Production

Sports Commission

Partner Extranet Login

The Globetrotter Guys Vacation in Miami

By Arlene De La Torre - April 13, 2026

For Sion, a solo gay traveler from the United Kingdom, what began as a 2-year sabbatical has evolved into a full-blown business and award-winning travel blog, The Globetrotter Guys. His mission is to share his experiences, produce inspiring LGBTQ-centered travel guides and interview folks from around the world to find out what it’s really like being LGBTQ in their home countries.

After his recent trip to Miami, we caught up with Sion to hear about his most memorable moments, favorite restaurants and biggest takeaways for fellow travelers.

What Brought You To Miami?

I was in Miami to board the Atlantis Gay Cruise, which I’d done 3 times before. Historically, I'd just turn up, deal with jetlag, briefly check out the beach and head straight onto the cruise. This year, I decided to experience Miami more substantially, visiting the city for 5 nights before the cruise, and a bit afterward.

Where Did You Stay?

I experienced Miami in different ways, staying at various distinctive hotels. My first hotel was The Balfour on Ocean Drive in South Beach. Its 1940s architecture exemplified a boutique hotel look and feel, located just across from the beach.

From there, I stayed at the Hotel Gaythering, a gay-owned, adults-only hotel on the west end of Lincoln Road, where I had a big, live-in-style room with a kitchen. It has lots of tongue-in-cheek gay touches and is very social. I loved that it’s where locals come and mingle, and I had fun at the Drag Bingo night.

Then came the Kimpton EPIC in Downtown Miami. It’s called EPIC for a reason. I loved the grand city views, and the 16-floor Area 31 restaurant had an amazing brunch. I was quite happy there.

My last place was the Axel Beach Hotel in South Beach. It’s an Art Deco treasure, adults-only, hetero-friendly, close to the beach, with a nice pool, sky bar and a full calendar of planned events. Sadly since my visit, this hotel has closed.

What Were Your expectations of Miami Before You Visited? How Did They Change Or Evolve?

One of my preconceived notions – that was dispelled – was not knowing how much there was to do here. I realized you can spend much more time in Miami than I thought. I can now share a list of activities that I experienced and enjoyed.

From another perspective, my expectations about Miami were exactly as I had hoped they would be. My one word to describe Miami is iconic. Miami truly lives up to the image I had of it growing up. Recalling different films made in Miami, the city felt very familiar, even though I hadn’t visited before.

Poolside dining at Gianni's
Dine at Gianni’s at The Villa.

What Were Some Of Your Most-Memorable Moments?

One of my most memorable moments was having lunch at Gianni’s at The Villa in The Villa Casa Casuarina, the former Gianni Versace mansion on Ocean Drive. I had a lovely poolside table. It was so atmospheric and special. I felt compelled to dress up and really make an effort. It was a beautiful and special moment.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Treetop Trekking at Jungle Island was completely exhilarating. It’s very physical and outdoors, a range of courses on ropes, zip lines, climbing and balancing precariously on cargo nets and suspended bridges. It was a 3-hour adventure that I loved. And it was exhausting.

Performer dressed as an alien at the Palace
Don't miss the drag show at Palace Bar & Restuarant.

Any Favorite Food Spots?

Because I had the luxury of time, I wandered a bit farther. In Upper Buena Vista, I ate at El Turco, a Turkish restaurant I'd never been to before, and I didn't even know Turkish food. This MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant is adjacent to the Miami Design District. It’s a beautiful location; I was very well-looked after, and there were many courses. It motivated me to walk back to my hotel (3 hours!) over the lovely Venetian Islands. To be repeated, definitely.

Another spot, very unexpectedly good in terms of food, was the Palace Bar & Restaurant. I'd been there before for the drag brunch, which was incredibly entertaining. The big surprise was how good the food was. I had a very nice steak and, of course, plenty of mimosas. It was so much fun. I went back a second time.

What Was Your Experience With The Locals?

I have friends in Miami with whom I love to spend time. But speaking about the local staff and the service provided at places I visited, Miami is very friendly. Compared to some other North American cities like New York, for instance, where people are more abrupt, Miami is much more relaxed, and that suits me better.

What Would You Say Are Some Of Miami’s Most Unique Qualities?

There’s this very tangible feeling, vibe and culture. It’s about the sun, being outdoors and wellness. There’s even outdoor fitness equipment oceanside at Lummus Park's “Muscle Beach.” Miami feels good. This isn’t a feeling that you can get just anywhere. I love that the famous Art Deco District is protected and has so much character. Walk down any street in Miami Beach and you can’t mistake it for anywhere else.

View of the South Pointe Pier
Start the day with the view from South Pointe Pier.

After Your Visit, Back Home, What Did You Miss Most About Miami?

One thing that immediately comes to mind is the weather. Here in the U.K., we know what gray looks like. A favorite memory would be getting up in the morning, grabbing a coffee and heading to South Pointe Park’s pier. It’s such a calm, beautiful start to the day. To have that at your doorstep and be right on the beach is the image that comes to mind and that I miss most.

Ways to Connect with The Globetrotter Guys: