The Stylish Person's Guide to Miami, According to Chillhouse's Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton
The fashion and beauty industries are filled with interesting people from all over the world who have great taste — the types you can rely on for excellent travel recommendations. So, we're asking them about their favorite food, shopping and wellness spots in their cities. Consider this series your fashion and beauty person's guide to travel.
Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is a born and bred New Yorker — so is her business, which began as a spa-meets-cafe on the Lower East Side in 2017 and has since expanded into a self-care empire with a downtown flagship and a global reach. (You can buy its products everywhere from Target to Revolve to Urban Outfitters.) But, last year, the Chillhouse founder and CEO traded in the sounds of Manhattan traffic for the sounds of waves crashing on Miami Beach.
When she and her husband bought an apartment in Miami in early 2022, the plan was for it to be a vacation home or to go back and forth from New York. (Ramirez-Fulton had grown up going down to Miami, and has a sister who lived there already.) "When I got pregnant in early 2023, that's when my husband sat me down and proposed the full-time move," she says. "It's actually the only other city I've lived in outside of NYC, but it's the perfect balance to my birthplace," she says. "I'm a full believer that NYC is ideal in your 20s and early 30s, and Miami is ideal when you have two kids or more. We loved having one kid in NYC, but even that got a little hard during the cold months."
There are a lot of positives to Miami, including the obvious — "love the weather, the sunshine, the overall sexy energy, the vibrant colors of Miami Beach, the fact that you barely get to miss your friends back home because they're always coming down here and/or have moved here," Ramirez-Fulton says. It's also great for families, she adds, and a host of different lifestyles: "I think I've stayed out past midnight once since moving here, but if you want to party your ass off, there's that, too. It's also very wellness-centric. People take care of themselves on another level here, and I just feel healthier here in general. So many pros!"
Obviously, living where so many people vacation in means you've probably compiled a list of places to send when someone asks for recommendations — so, we asked Ramirez-Fulton to share her Miami favorites, including where to eat (and what to order) and where to lounge (and, importantly, which pool to go to).
What's one delicacy everyone that goes to Miami should try? And what's your favorite place to get it?
It may be obvious, but a cubano is probably a must — I'm a fan of Sazon in North Beach, but the most famous is from Sanguich de Miami.
What's your favorite place (or places) to get breakfast?
Weekdays are for Pura Vida (because, health), and weekends are for Caracas Bakery (because I wish I could eat there every day — pan con tomate is a banger).
Favorite place (or places) to get lunch?
Mandolin with an out-of-towner (it's a good representation of how far Miami has come with the restaurant scene), and Lido at The Standard with a local (it has the best vibes in all of Miami, and you can't tell me otherwise).
What about coffee?
I think there's definitely a need for good coffee spots in Miami outside of your Cuban cafes (which I don't mess with because I'm a coffee wuss and their stuff is STRONG). Excited to hear that Maman has made its way down here! I also really love Flora Plant Kitchen for a casual but chic coffee and breakfast.
What's your favorite place (or places) to get dinner in Miami?
Surf Club for an elegant dinner/night out, Drexel for a chill semi-healthy dinner, Macchialina for a good pasta, Krus Kitchen for natty wine and a solid meal, Chateau ZZ's for a scene, Sereia for seafood, Branja for a local/chill night out, Prima Pasta for happy hour with the fam.
If you were to plan a staycation for yourself, where would you stay?
The Standard, always! Like I said, best vibes in Miami. The spa, the shopping, the pool — it's all amazing. Food could be better, but everything else makes up for it!
Is there a spot you think is considered "tourist-y" but still very fun?
Soho Beach House. I spend so much time there and never talk about it because it's so expected, but it's one of the best houses for a reason. Also, Joe's Stone Crab OF COURSE. I'll forever crave the stone crabs.
A boat ride during sunset is worth the splurge for a special occasion. A Heat game is a must — so much fun! Definitely have yourself a Cuban night out and head to Cafe La Trova. And if you didn't do Mac's Club Deuce or E11even at some point, then you're doing it wrong. I'll allow you to do Dante's HiFi if you can't go hardcore Miami.
If you only had time to visit one museum or gallery while in Miami, which would you pick?
I haven't been here long enough to visit museums other than the Children's Museum — top-notch stuff for kids right there. Otherwise, Vizcaya Gardens is on my list, as is the Rubell Museum.
Where do you shop in Miami? What do you think are the most unique stores/boutiques that you frequent?
I'm waiting for Simonette to reopen somewhere (please!). As a mom of two, I appreciate a good mall lately, and Bal Harbour is the best of the best — it's in our weekend rotation. I'll pop into The Webster, and my husband goes to Todd Snyder. Otherwise, the Design District is getting better each year; Cult Gaia's new store is not one to miss.
What's a good place to buy souvenirs in Miami?
The Shop at The Standard. They have such random, naughty stuff that's slightly Miami-esque, but mostly just cool. They do a good job curating. Chillhouse is in there, too!
What's your top wellness experience in Miami?
I've mentioned The Standard enough, so I'd have to say I've been on a Modo Yoga kick lately. I also like Fuze House. But when in Miami, play tennis! Flamingo Park has public courts!
Sana Studio for a facial — they know what they're doing.
What's the best pool in Miami, that you would go out of your way to visit even as a local?
I may give this one to Faena. It's giving rich and fabulous, which is what you want from a Miami pool vibe, no?
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