Ride Brightline to Miami for a Michelin Star Steakhouse Meal

The opening of Orlando’s Brightline terminal in Terminal C signifies a new era for travel between central Florida and the coast. This high-speed rail service offers a convenient escape, whether planning a staycation or a longer getaway to South Florida’s vibrant cities.

Seamless Travel to Miami

Brightline provides a sophisticated travel experience, serving as a direct link from Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C to the heart of Miami. The terminal itself is designed with passenger comfort in mind, featuring ample seating, a dedicated parking area for Brightline users, restrooms, and even a small children’s zone.

Isabella’s Take
What are the ticket options like?

Brightline offers three distinct ticket tiers: Smart Saver for budget-conscious travelers, Smart for added flexibility, and Premium for a more luxurious journey with enhanced amenities. Each option caters to different traveler needs and preferences, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Passengers can choose from “Smart Saver,” “Smart,” and “Premium” tickets, each offering varying levels of service and amenities. The “Smart Saver” option is the most economical, including complimentary Wi-Fi but with limitations such as no seat selection or cancellations. The “Smart” ticket provides more flexibility with available seat selection and the ability to cancel tickets within 30 minutes of booking. For the ultimate experience, “Premium” tickets include all “Smart” benefits plus slightly larger seats, complimentary food and beverages, and access to exclusive Premium Lounges. Dedicated parking is available for Brightline customers at the Orlando terminal, and while waiting for departure, passengers can relax in the terminal’s comfortable seating areas.

Exploring Miami Near the Station

Upon arrival at the Miami Brightline station, located centrally in Downtown Miami, a world of experiences awaits. Guests can easily access hotels, restaurants, and spas by walking, utilizing public transport, or arranging for pick-up. This prime location makes it an ideal gateway for exploring the city’s diverse offerings.

01
Hotel · Miami Beach
The Palms Hotel & Spa

The Palms Hotel & Spa is an oceanfront resort with a strong commitment to sustainability and wellness. This Green Globe-certified property features 251 modern guest rooms and offers direct, gated access to the public beach. Amenities include the Essensia restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, alongside a serene swimming pool set within lush greenery and a tranquil Zen garden. Guests can also participate in yoga classes held on select days at The Grand Tiki.

Hotel · Miami Beach
The Palms Hotel & Spa
An oceanfront resort focused on sustainability and wellness, offering direct beach access and on-site dining. Guests can enjoy a lush garden setting with a pool and yoga classes. Note that a daily hotel fee and service charge for the restaurant apply.
Oceanfront
Wellness
Sustainable

Best for
Couples Retreat
Relaxation Focus
Eco-conscious travelers

A daily hotel fee and a service charge at the Essensia restaurant are added to room rates and bills. For those seeking a rejuvenating experience, the hotel’s setting provides a peaceful escape with its expansive pool area and serene gardens.

02
Dining · Miami
COTE Miami

COTE Miami, a Korean Steakhouse, is a Michelin-star restaurant recognized for its chic ambiance and interactive on-table grilling of premium barbecued meats. The menu features notable dishes such as the Dol-sot Bibimbap and the Waldorf Salad, which incorporates radicchio, celery, Asian pear, kabocha squash, candied hazelnuts, parmesan cheese, and a honey doenjang dressing. Reservations are required for dinner service, and these can be made through Resy or SevenRooms.

Dining · Miami
COTE Miami
A Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse offering a unique on-table grilling experience and well-crafted dishes. The ambiance is sophisticated, making it ideal for a special night out. Be aware of a late cancellation fee and that reservations are essential for dinner.
Michelin Star
Steakhouse
Unique Experience

Best for
Food Enthusiasts
Date Nights
Gourmet Experiences

A fee applies for late cancellations or no-shows made within 24 hours of a reservation. The restaurant’s Miami Spice menu presents a particularly attractive dining opportunity for those looking to experience its offerings at a set price.

Worth knowing

COTE Miami is known for its lively atmosphere and the engaging process of grilling meats directly at your table.

03
Bar & Bites · Miami Beach
Tree of Life

Located within Faena Miami Beach, Tree of Life is an intimate outdoor venue that combines dining and bar services. The setting is designed to foster a connection with nature, featuring benches with mosaic tabletops and striking red and white umbrellas. Signature cocktail options include the Faena Spritz and the Royal Rose, while non-alcoholic choices such as the Beachcomber and Pineapple Fizz are also available. Small bites complement the drink menu.

Bar & Bites · Miami Beach
Tree of Life
An outdoor bar and dining space at Faena Miami Beach, offering a nature-inspired environment with creative cocktails and refreshing non-alcoholic options. It’s a place to relax and enjoy small plates amidst aesthetically pleasing surroundings of mosaics and colorful umbrellas. Note that a service charge is added to all checks.
Outdoor Dining
Cocktails
Artistic Design

Best for
Relaxed Drinks
Art Lovers
Casual Bites

The venue operates with no cover fee, though applicable taxes and a 20% service charge are applied to all bills. The environment is as much a draw as the refreshments, with its unique artistic touches.

04
Spa · Miami Beach
Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Lapis Spa, situated within the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, offers a comprehensive menu of luxury treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Available services range from restorative facials to manicures, catering to individuals, groups of friends, and couples. Booking a spa treatment grants access to the resort’s pool and beach facilities for the remainder of the day, maximizing the value of a visit.

Spa · Miami Beach
Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
A high-end spa offering a range of treatments from facials to nail care, located within a famed Miami Beach resort. A key benefit of booking a service is the complimentary access to the hotel’s expansive pool and beach areas for the entire day. Applicable taxes and a service charge are part of the pricing.
Luxury Spa
Beach Access
Full-Service Treatments

Best for
Pampering
Day Use Amenities
Pre-Night Out Prep

The spa operates daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. To make the most of the included resort access, scheduling appointments earlier in the day is advisable.

05
Dining · Sunny Isles Beach
IL Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort

IL Mulino New York, located at Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, is renowned for its tableside dining service and exceptional Italian cuisine. Guests are encouraged to sample the complimentary bread and cheese service that accompanies every meal. While menu items are positioned at higher price points, the restaurant offers a dedicated Miami Spice menu that provides a considerable value for both lunch and dinner.

Dining · Sunny Isles Beach
IL Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort
This acclaimed Italian restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on classic dishes and tableside service. The complimentary antipasti presentation is a highlight. While prices are premium, the Miami Spice menu presents an excellent opportunity to sample their fare. A business elegant dress code is enforced.
Fine Dining
Italian Cuisine
Tableside Service

Best for
Special Occasions
Gourmet Italian
Impressive Service

The restaurant observes a business elegant dress code, requiring diners to adhere to specific attire standards. Operating hours include lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend oceanfront brunch. Taxes and a service fee are applied to all dining expenses.

Note —

The Acqualina Resort is situated further north along the coast, requiring a slightly longer transfer from the Miami Brightline station compared to downtown options.

06
Dining · Miami Beach
The Strand at Carillon Miami

The Strand at Carillon Miami offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine within a contemporary setting that boasts impressive beachfront views. The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from Florida farms and other regional producers, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Among its beverage offerings are signature cocktails and mocktails, including the Batida, a refreshing blend of coconut milk, pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup, and nutmeg.

Dining · Miami Beach
The Strand at Carillon Miami
A contemporary restaurant with Mediterranean flavors and stunning ocean views, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. It’s a welcoming spot for any meal of the day, offering well-crafted drinks. Taxes and a service fee are standard.
Beachfront Views
Local Ingredients
Mediterranean

Best for
Healthy Eaters
Scenic Dining
Casual Meals

Applicable taxes and a service fee are applied to all checks. The restaurant’s proximity to the ocean provides a picturesque backdrop for any dining experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Brightline offers a convenient and comfortable travel option from Orlando to Miami.
  • The Miami Brightline station provides easy access to various dining, hotel, and spa experiences.
  • Miami Spice offers a valuable opportunity to sample high-end dining at reduced prices.
  • Consider booking spa appointments early to maximize access to hotel amenities.

From luxury spa treatments to Michelin-starred dining and oceanfront resorts, Miami offers a rich array of experiences easily accessible from the Brightline station. Planning a trip via Brightline opens up a world of possibilities for weekend getaways and longer stays in this dynamic South Florida destination.

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