by Hanna Mordekhai
New York is often hailed as the capital of the world—a vibrant epicenter of culture, commerce, and creativity, with something to offer everyone. From the Park Avenue mothers brunching daily at Serafina to the broke NYU students making music in Washington Square Park, the city’s diverse charms are unparalleled. But as enchanting as New York can be, it also has its downsides that make some people hesitant to call it home. Life here is incredibly expensive, to many people, squeezing into shoebox-sized apartments is just not worth it. The fast-paced lifestyle, while exhilarating, can also be stressful, leaving very little downtime for most. And for about four months each year, the cold, dark winters make stepping outside without multiple layers unbearable. Even the bright lights of Rockefeller Center can’t fully distract from the chill in the air. It’s no surprise that many New Yorkers yearn for a change of scenery. Many people decide to book a flight. And just two and a half hours after their last Thursday night corporate catch up, they are in a serene, peaceful, and sunny environment.
Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface
Over a century ago, in 1896, Miami Beach began its journey toward becoming the iconic destination it is today, with a population of just over 300 people. Its exotic allure was unlike anything else in the country at the time, and its rapid urbanization was groundbreaking. Just before World War II, the now-famous Ocean Drive saw the construction of several hotels, setting the stage for Miami Beach's evolution into a hub of entertainment, art, hospitality, and fashion. With movies like Miami Vice, events like Art Basel, and iconic spots like the Versace Mansion, Miami slowly started checking all the boxes, cementing its status as a cultural and glamorous hotspot.
For the first time in forever, I’m sensing a touch of jealousy from Manhattan towards Miami. In the past couple of months, two major Miami hotspots have claimed real estate in our concrete jungle, bringing with them a surge of foot traffic, with lines out the door and fully booked schedules.
Pura Vida, a wellness-focused café chain with multiple locations in Miami Beach, has been around since 2012. Walking into the space feels like a breath of fresh air, a weight lifted off your shoulders. Inside, you'll often find young people catching up with friends, many with abs like Victoria's Secret models in head-to-toe Alo Yoga and Pilates socks (I once spotted Victoria's Secret model Frida Aasen doing just this). Pura Vida embodies Miami’s essence—the sunshine state, where peace of mind, natural food, and a hot body are the order of the day. Last month, this Miami spectacle opened its first New York location on Broadway. When I stepped inside, for a moment, it felt like I was back on Collins Avenue with the Miami sun beaming down on me. But can this feeling be truly replicated, or do the sounds and vibrations of the subway below keep New York’s reality ever-present?
Fuze House, a hot Pilates boutique launched in 2022 in Miami Beach, also made its way to New York. The studio’s classes are all set at over 90 degrees, focusing on strengthening and toning, and it has become synonymous with the cool-hot-girl aesthetic, thanks to its collaboration with Bala. From weights to mats, everything in the studio exudes style. Fuze House quickly became a must-visit spot in Miami, with people booking their classes alongside their Delta flights to ensure a spot. Last month, Fuze House opened a New York location in Chelsea. With fully booked schedules, it's already booming and is slowly becoming one of Manhattan's hottest Pilates spots. I’ve gone a few times, and I couldn’t help but notice that the Miami studios wouldn’t have me touching arm-to-arm with the other ladies in the locker room—and like everywhere in Manhattan, this studio felt significantly more cramped. The pretty-pastel-pink Bala bands and the 100-degree room were almost enough to distract me from the fact that I wasn’t in South Beach, but down the block from my office.
I love Miami and all it has to offer. The dilemma of bringing its beauty elsewhere for others to enjoy versus preserving its unique charm is one I can’t help but ponder.
