From the sun-drenched beaches of Fort Lauderdale to the sleek cityscape of Brickell, Haytham Said continues to shape South Florida’s luxury hospitality scene. A 24-year Four Seasons leader, he now takes the helm as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Miami, bringing a passion for innovation and impeccable service.

During his tenure in Fort Lauderdale, the city earned its first Five Diamond hotel and a spot on Travel + Leisure’s It List, with Haytham spearheading experiences like an elevated beach concept and award-winning dining. Now in Miami, he embraces the Hotel’s “Seventh Heaven” ethos—where tropical relaxation meets cosmopolitan energy.

We sat down with Haytham to chat about his favorite tips and tricks for experiencing Miami like a local. This is the latest edition of Voices on The JQ List.

1. What makes your city special to you, and how would you describe its unique energy?

Miami is an extraordinary place that blends cultures, languages, and histories in such a vibrant and dynamic way. The energy here is alive — it’s a city that never sleeps, where the sun, sea, and cosmopolitan lifestyle create an unmistakable rhythm. It’s the fusion of art, music, cuisine, and architecture, all enhanced by the stunning natural beauty. There’s an undeniable spirit of inclusivity and innovation that fuels Miami’s progress and energy. As the Hotel General Manager, I truly feel this city is one of the most exciting and diverse places in the world.

2. If someone only had 24 hours there, what are the must-do experiences?

If you have just one day in Miami, start with a morning stroll along South Beach’s iconic Ocean Drive. Enjoy the views of the Atlantic and the art deco architecture that the area is known for. Afterward, head over to Wynwood to experience the world-famous street art scene. For lunch, grab a bite at one of the many fantastic restaurants offering Latin-inspired dishes. In the afternoon, take a boat ride through Biscayne Bay to get a close-up look at Star Island and the homes of celebrities. Lastly, experience the vibrant nightlife of Miami in neighborhoods like Brickell or the Design District. Miami truly offers something for everyone.

3. What are some hidden gems—restaurants, shops, or activities—that even frequent visitors might not know about?

While Miami’s hotspots are widely known, there are still some hidden gems. One of my personal favorites is Café La Trova in Little Havana for authentic Cuban food and music. Another hidden gem is the Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay, which offers a unique blend of nature, history, and art. For shopping, the Sacred Space in Wynwood is a sanctuary for wellness and thoughtfully curated design items. Lastly, for a truly unique activity, try visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to see a beautiful historic villa that often flies under the radar.

4. Your city has an incredible food scene. Beyond the hotel, where do you personally love to dine? And how about at the hotel too?

Miami’s food scene is truly diverse. For me, KYU in Wynwood is a go-to, serving inventive wood-fired dishes with a modern twist. I also love Pao by James Beard award-winning chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the Faena Hotel for a more upscale dining experience. At the Four Seasons Miami, we’re thrilled to be working with Chef Jaime Pesaque, whose expertise in Latin-American cuisine will take our dining experience to the next level. Chef Pesaque is a true visionary, and I’m confident our guests will love the culinary masterpieces he creates in our restaurant, especially his innovative takes on Peruvian dishes.

5. What’s one local tradition or cultural experience that every visitor should take part in?

One local tradition that I absolutely recommend is visiting the Calle Ocho Festival in Little Havana, where you can experience Cuban culture through music, dancing, and delicious food. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Miami’s rich multicultural roots. Even if you can’t make it to the festival itself, spending time in Little Havana is a must-do for visitors who want to dive into the Cuban heart of Miami.

6. What’s your favorite time of year in the city, and why? Any seasonal events or festivals travelers should plan around?

Miami is a year-round destination, but I love the winter months, from December to March, because of the pleasant weather and lively events like Art Basel, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and the Miami Open Tennis Tournament. The city really comes alive during this time with cultural events, international travelers, and an overall vibrant atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

7. What’s the best way to explore—on foot, by bike, by boat, or another way?

Miami offers such a variety of ways to explore! I recommend starting on foot, especially in neighborhoods like South Beach and Wynwood, where you can really soak in the art and architecture. Biking is also fantastic for traversing areas like the Miami Beach Boardwalk, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze. For something truly unique, take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay — it’s a beautiful way to experience Miami’s stunning coastline and skyline.

8. What’s the one must-do at your hotel?

The must-do at our hotel is experiencing the exceptional dining we are about to offer with Chef Jaime Pesaque. His collaboration with the Four Seasons Miami will bring an entirely new flavor to the city. Aside from that, don’t miss our rooftop pool and lounge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Miami skyline while sipping a refreshing cocktail at Bahia Resturant.

9. How does your hotel reflect the character of the city and help guests feel immersed in the destination?

Our hotel is designed to reflect the vibrant, sophisticated, and dynamic character of Miami. We integrate local elements through art, design, and even the culinary experiences we offer. Miami is about a relaxed, yet high-energy lifestyle, and we aim to bring that spirit into everything we do. Our guests can feel immersed in Miami through unique, curated experiences, whether it’s a cultural tour, a beachside retreat, or enjoying authentic, locally-inspired dishes.

10. Anything new and exciting happening at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami this year?

This year, we are beyond excited about our partnership with Chef Jaime Pesaque. His creative vision for our dining spaces will truly elevate the food experience at Four Seasons Miami. We’re also launching a series of exclusive events around culinary excellence, wellness, and local art, designed to give our guests an immersive Miami experience. It’s going to be an unforgettable year!

So if you are visiting the Four Seasons Hotel Miami this year, definitely take some of these insider tips and tricks into consideration for the best trip possible!