| THE EXPERIENCE |
After touching down in the blazing heat and blasting Will Smith’s “Miami” lyrics, I knew we were in for some fun (and clichés) with Oasis Collections, a luxury rental company with coveted properties across the Americas. Think Airbnb’s chicer, older sister with an on-the-ground concierge and party-time Clubhouses to schmooze at once the sun goes down. The company hosted a Bachelor reunion for Catherine, Robyn and me, and to be honest – they know how to party in the city where the heat is on. Oasis prides itself on providing a fully curated experience for guests, offering the service and style of a boutique hotel but with the comfort and privacy of your own home, or in our case, an incredible apartment overlooking Brickell Bay.
| THE ACCOMMODATIONS |
Our apartment was located in the ever-so-chic Viceroy Residence Tower, and it was everything you could ever want in a home-away-from-home. Chock full of friendly staff and beautiful people, the apartment building came with access to the many over-the-top amenities including the 28,000 sq. ft. spa clad in quintessential Miami white designed by Philippe Starck for any of you interior design aficionados out there.
Another highlight was lounging by the pool placed 15 stories up that boasts views of Brickell Key and the mouth of the Miami River. I was a little overwhelmed as my eyes darted over the two-acre pool deck, the 200 ft. long infinity pool alongside a 50 person hot tub and wading pool. The anxiety of what to do first began to diminish as I felt a dreamy sensation upon noticing an Alice in Wonderland-esque oversized chessboard, an extended marble dining table and a massive glass fireplace. It was the definition of an adult playground and if this was a dream, I never wanted to wake up.
| THE PERKS |
Life is better with perks, and renting with Oasis Collections meant many benefits. To make matters extremely stress-free, a bespoke itinerary was sent along weeks before our arrival. Not having to worry about planning a single activity or making one dinner reservation made for a relaxing girls trip, even though I do like a good research session. We were presented with the tough decision of basking in the sun at private members club Soho Beach House or doing yoga at a well known studio. We decided to take our talents to South Beach when we realized we could do our own yoga in the sand. The perks continued with dinner at The Dutch inside the W South Beach followed by table service at Wall Lounge. A second night out on the town included dinner at Bâoli with a fast pass into LIV afterwards. It was straight out of a day at Disney World – save time, don’t stand in line. Unlike Disney World, Drake made an appearance, and if you know me, you know that topped off my trip quite nicely.
| THE REUNION |
Many people don’t quite understand how friendships can outlive a relationship on The Bachelor. Allow me to elaborate. Because the girls spend hours turned into months together bonding over anything from dating the same man to complaining over the same women who aren’t there for the right reasons, the alliance doesn’t break when one is simply dismissed by the lead on the show. The relationship delves so much deeper than what a reality TV show can display in two hours every Monday night. By the time you’ve seen the episodes play out on your television screen, we’ve already met each others families and in some cases, new significant others, as it was time to move on from the TV relationship we once shared. Sure, it was weird, but we’re grown women and know that friendship prevails over a public breakup. Well, not in Catherine’s case. She never had to breakup! One thing definitely remains within us all: We’re okay to never lay eyes on a rose again.