The Outback is packed with some of the most beautiful and majestic roads and trails in the world. If you want to experience them, a road trip is exactly what you need; here are a few of the best that will leave you in awe.  Photo by Dylan Shaw , Unsplash Red Centre Way The Red Centre is the heart of the Outback, and Red Centre Way is a spectacular, 835 km-long loop that starts at Alice Springs. You will make your way through the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, and finishes in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.  Pack your solo vapes  and prepare for a journey that will give you some of the most awe-inspiring views you will ever experience.    Gibb River Road The Gibb River Road is arguably the most legendary road trip in the country. Coming in at just over 400 miles, many believe you need to spend at least a week or two on the trip to ensure you see everything the area has to offer.  Be aware that the road is primarily for 4WDs, as there are sections where regular cars may get stuck or cannot pass. There are several roadhouses located along the route, giving you plenty of opportunities to refuel and restock your supplies.  Oodnadatta Track The Oodnadatta Track is a historic route connecting Marree and Marla. It follows the old Ghan Railway line, which is still in use today, and is a well-maintained gravel road suitable for almost all car types.  The route is famed for its scenic views and stretches of road that are the definition of serene peace and solitude. You can also find plenty of bush camping sites and historic monuments along the way.  The Cut Line Found in New South Wales , the Cut Line is a rough, 425 km-long route through the arid and desolate Outback landscape. The Cut Line is not for the faint of heart, and proper preparation is required to travel it safely.  However, the route is rewarding and will give you the best taste of what the Outback has to offer. The isolation will be unnerving at first, but you will quickly come to appreciate it and realize that being on your own is the best way to experience the area.  Photo by Chris Gresham-Britt  on Unsplash Tanami Road The Tanami Road is one of the longer journeys on this list, at just over 1,000 km. It takes you from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to Halls Creek in Western Australia. It is a popular route with locals and tourists, as it is the most direct route from the Red Centre to the Kimberley.  The road isn’t the best, as it is prone to dust storms, severe corrugations, and washouts. A 4WD is the most suitable option, as stops are rare. It is best to travel with extra fuel, food, and supplies.  Flinders Ranges Found in South Australia, the Flinders Ranges track stretches 430 km from Port Pirie to Lake Callabonna. On the road, you can find ancient landscapes, some being over 600 million years old, and you can also find the incredible natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound.  You can also learn about local culture, as the area is the ancient home of the Adnyamathanha people, and you can find rock art all along the route. You can also find the sites of Ediacara fossils , which show examples of early animal and plant life.  Outback Journey Tips Now that you know a few of the best journeys to take through the Outback, here are some tips to help keep you safe and ensure the road trip is as fun and memorable as possible.  Prepare Your Car The first step is to prepare your vehicle. The roads in the Outback are not well-used, and it is very easy to find yourself on a road or trail that hasn’t been used in months. Because of this, you need to be sure your car can handle the rough terrain and get you out the other side safely.  Check Weather & Road Conditions Building on the last point, another important step is to check the weather and road conditions of the route before heading out. Road closures are common due to flooding, and there’s a high chance you can drive on a road for hours, only to get to a closure and have to turn around.  Photo by Fiona Smallwood  on Unsplash Plan & Share Your Itinerary  Lastly, and arguably the most important step to take, is to create and share your itinerary. Towns are few and far between in the Outback, and having someone know where you are can make it easier to find you in the event of an emergency. Additionally, a signal isn’t that common at all, so there’s a chance you won’t be able to contact someone if they don’t know where you are.  In conclusion, these are only a few of the exceptional routes, roads, and tracks that can be found in the Outback. The best part? With a bit of planning, you can easily find something new and barely explored, and discover a part of the Outback that very few people have set foot in, in modern times.  By ML Staff.

There's this little-known secret about Miami's power players, they didn't get to the top by working nonstop. The real magic happens when they finally unplug, trading the boardroom buzz for the rhythmic crash of waves against an oceanfront sanctuary. I've watched friends who run hedge funds and galleries completely transform after a weekend tucked away at one of our city's elite spas, emerging with that impossible-to-fake glow that says they've finally remembered how to breathe. It's a world where days devoted to hydrotherapy blend seamlessly with evenings filled with private thrills, such as exploring platforms like Oddschecker , which allow you to experience the thrill of online gaming without ever leaving the serenity of your suite. The palm trees sway like they're keeping a secret, and honestly? They probably are. Photo resource Depositphotos . Where the Miami elite disappear to You haven't truly experienced Miami until you've spent a morning at the Acqualina Spa  in Sunny Isles Beach . This 20,000-square-foot sanctuary has a way of making you forget that the city even exists. I remember walking through those doors last year and immediately noticing how the light filters differently here, softer, somehow, like the building itself exhaled the moment you arrived. The Royal Spa Suite deserves every bit of its reputation, with private steam showers and a balcony where you can sit wrapped in a robe watching the Atlantic do its thing . What gets me though is the little details, like the Himalayan salt walls in the relaxation lounges that cast this warm pink glow across everything. Then there's The Spa at St. Regis Bal Harbour , which sits right across from those impossibly chic shops but feels worlds away . The 14,000-square-foot space recently hosted a La Prairie pop-up that had everyone in certain social circles buzzing . My sister treated herself to a treatment there last month and couldn't stop talking about the Finnish saunas and how the Vichy rain shower room made her feel like she'd discovered some secret wellness ritual the rest of us didn't know about . The place has this refined quietness that makes you lower your voice instinctively, even when you're just asking for more cucumber water. Treatments that sound made up (but aren't) The wellness crowd in Miami has moved way beyond basic hot stone massages. Walk into any of these spaces today and you'll find people lying in private oceanfront cabanas while sonic therapy frequencies wash over them. I was skeptical too until a friend dragged me to try it, something about those vibrations seems to reach places regular massage can't touch. The CBD infusions have become downright ubiquitous, with therapists blending custom tinctures into massage oils based on whatever tension they find in your shoulders. What's really taken off though are the private cabanas with ocean views. Not the shared areas where you're fighting for lounge chair space, but actual enclosed sanctuaries where the only sound is waves and maybe the faint clink of something refreshing. You can book these for entire afternoons, drifting between treatments and just staring at the horizon like you're getting paid for it. The Ritz-Carlton  has an amazing spa treatment if that’s something you like. When they roll out the red carpet The VIP packages currently available are truly exceptional, in the best way possible. Picture this: you book an overnight stay that includes not just your treatment but a personal chef who prepares a spa cuisine dinner tailored to whatever your body supposedly needs based on some consultation you filled out weeks ago . Then at sunrise, there's a private yoga instructor waiting on a terrace that feels suspended over the water. The Ultimate Spa Package at Acqualina runs through June 2026 and honestly, I'm already planning to guilt someone into gifting it to me.  Some of these offers include multi-night stays where the spa becomes your home base. You wake up, do some gentle stretching overlooking the water, have a breakfast that somehow manages to taste indulgent while being aggressively healthy, then spend the rest of the day cycling between treatments and that outdoor heated jet pool. By evening you're so relaxed you can barely remember your own name, which is sort of the point. Finding your own escape The beautiful thing about Miami's elite spa scene is that it's actually accessible if you know where to look. You don't need to own a yacht, though booking a luxury escape  to one of these properties certainly helps, you just need to prioritise showing up. Whether you're booking that couples suite at Acqualina for a milestone celebration or sneaking away for a solo afternoon at the St. Regis, the point is to let the city's rhythm replace your own for a while. The ocean doesn't care about your deadlines, and after a few hours in one of these spaces, neither will you. By ML Staff.

The House of Creed has unveiled Wild Vetiver, a new fragrance centered on vetiver and inspired by the contrast between cultivated elegance and natural freedom. The scent joins the brand’s haute perfumery line and expands its long-standing use of vetiver, an ingredient Creed has worked with for generations. Wild Vetiver opens with timur berries, bergamot, and pink pepper, bringing a fresh and slightly spicy introduction. The heart blends rose centifolia, geranium, and blackcurrant bud, adding a green and floral character. Vetiver anchors the base alongside cedarwood and amberwood, creating a woody floral profile that balances structure with a more relaxed, organic tone. According to Creed, the vetiver oil used in the fragrance is sourced through long-term partnerships with producers and farming cooperatives, with an emphasis on quality and traceability. The ingredient provides both the grassy brightness and earthy depth that define the composition. The launch also includes a limited-edition refillable travel atomiser wrapped in celadon leather, designed to be recharged directly from the Wild Vetiver bottle. The fragrance is positioned as a modern counterpart to Creed’s Original Vetiver, offering a more expressive interpretation of the note. Wild Vetiver will be available beginning February 17 at Creed boutiques and on the official Creed website . A wider rollout to select retailers worldwide is scheduled for March 3 . Pricing starts at $360 for the 50 ml bottle and $490 for the 100 ml size, with the refillable travel atomiser priced at $95. By ML Staff. Photos: Courtesy of The House of Creed.

A new chapter in modern Japanese dining has arrived in Coral Gables. Mottai officially opened on February 23rd at The Plaza Coral Gables, marking the first U.S. concept from Brazil's acclaimed Attivo Group, a hospitality collective with 13 locations across Brazil. Located at 2881 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Mottai introduces a chef-driven approach to Japanese cuisine rooted in discipline, technique, and seasonality. Attivo Group visionary Marcelo Simões Abrāo describes Miami as a natural fit, citing the city's international energy and cultural diversity.  Mottai's culinary direction is led by Chef Brian Nasajon, who brings more than a decade of experience across New York and South Florida kitchens. He has worked alongside Executive Chef Moritz Esser, whose background includes Michelin-recognized Cote Miami, and Sushi Chef Hiroshi Shintaku, formerly of Makoto and Hiyakawa.  Designed for exploration, the menu begins with cold plates such as Hamachi  with white soy ponzu, jalapeño, and citrus oroshi, and Hirame  with spicy pomelo and lemongrass. The hot plates include Japanese Eggplant  with miso mustard and tentsuyu, Steamed Clams  with sake and chive oil, and Mottai Crispy Chicken  with pickled watermelon and chili sauce. These offerings reinterpret traditional Japanese preparations by adjusting texture, seasoning, and pairing, allowing classic formats to feel refreshed while maintaining their integrity.  Signature entrées spotlight seafood and grill techniques, such as Sugi Katsu , Pork Belly with Hatcho Yakiniku, and Black Garlic Chicken with carrot purée. From the grill, guests can expect American Wagyu Rib-Eye with shiso tempura and tare, Prime Filet Mignon, and U4 Prawns with garlic ginger sauce. Rice and noodle selections include Yaki Udon and an interactive Kinoko Hot Pot, prepared tableside with egg yolk, furikake, and chili crunch over rice. At the dedicated sushi counter, Chef Shintaku emphasizes precision, seasonality, and high-quality sourcing. Nigiri and sashimi offerings include toro, kinmedai, sake, ama ebi, hotate, uni, and ikura, available individually or as curated chef selections. The maki program ranges from classic rolls such as Tekka and Kappa to composed options like Spicy Tuna Maki and Salmon Tataki Maki. The beverage program is led by Gui Jaroschy of Unflitered Hospitality, delivering refined interpretations of classic cocktails, subtly influenced by Japanese technique and Miami's multicultural identity. Desserts balance citrus, tropical fruit, and chocolate. Highlights include Mango Chawanmushi , inspired by traditional Japanese custard and accented with coconut sorbet and passionfruit, and Chocolate Fondant , a molten cake paired with black sesame cocoa nib tuile and Okinawa espresso ice cream. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with dinner service offered Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Closed on Sundays. By ML Staff. Image/ Mottai.

In 2026, digital leisure in the Philippines looks less like “going online” and more like living with a second layer of reality humming in your pocket. Entertainment is no longer a destination; it is a behavioral loop stitched together by notifications and familiar usernames. The country’s love of sports, music, and comedy is still the engine, but community features have become the fuel. The audience is massive and always reachable, and that scale changes how trends behave. There were 95.8 million social media user identities in the Philippines in October 2025, so a meme or a highlight can reach critical mass fast. Many adults treat online betting PH  as a parallel scoreboard that sits beside replays and group chat arguments. Odds movement can reflect late updates, collective expectations, or pure crowd emotion, and the conversation often spills into comments within minutes. Group chats became the main stage The Philippines has a long tradition of communal viewing, and messaging apps turned that tradition into an always-on format. A match thread can live in Messenger, Viber, Telegram, or Discord, with the same people showing up every week the way they used to show up at the same sari-sari store. Messenger’s ad reach in the Philippines was 65.8 million users in late 2025, which helps explain why “send it to the group” is still the default reflex. Communities build their own rules: who posts the link, who keeps score, who clips the best moments, and who provides the jokes that turn stress into laughter. The clip economy runs on speed Short-form video is the front page for leisure because it delivers proof and mood at the same time. TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels thrive on moments that are clear even without sound: a crossover, a punchline, a dramatic reaction shot, a quick “here’s what changed” breakdown. Creators package context into captions and overlays, then hand the audience off to longer videos, live streams, or discussion threads when interest sticks. That pathway is why communities can form around a creator first and a topic second: people return for a voice that makes the feed feel navigable. Sports fandom turned into a daily participation habit Filipino sports talk has always been social, but digital tools made it measurable and constant. Basketball remains the loudest engine: the PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and Gilas Pilipinas produce continuous storylines, while NBA mornings still dominate highlight culture. The NBA has described that appetite in hard numbers, reporting a record 923 million engagements across its localized social media accounts in the Philippines during the 2022-23 season. Once that attention exists, every game becomes content: postgame grades, tactical threads, clip-by-clip debates, and “who actually changed the match” arguments that last all day. In the middle of that ecosystem, basketball betting  can become part of the vocabulary without becoming the point of the night. A creator might reference a spread to explain why late-game free throws mattered, then return to rotations and shot selection. Fans often use lines as a way to pressure-test their instincts, especially when a team’s form is unclear or injuries muddy the picture. Gaming communities feel like neighborhoods Gaming is leisure with a built-in community, and the Philippines sits in the middle of a mobile-first culture. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile remain mainstream viewing and playing habits across the region, while PC and console scenes add depth through competitive titles and creator-led challenges. Streaming platforms make the social layer visible: a chat scrolls like a crowd, donations become applause, and inside jokes become identity markers. Even when viewers don’t play the game at a high level, creators translate why a draft worked, why a rotation failed, and why one decision shifted the entire map. Prediction culture keeps people returning The most reliable community features are the ones that turn passive watching into participation. Fantasy leagues, pick’em contests, and weekly prediction threads give people a reason to care about a midweek game that might otherwise pass quietly. The mechanics are simple: track minutes, track form, track matchups, then make a call and live with it in public. That public element is the hook: wins feel shared, losses become jokes, and the group learns together. These tools also reward healthier attention. When fans focus on repeatable roles of who closes, who gets touches, and who defends the key action, they become better at separating signal from noise. It is easier to enjoy a season when your community talks about process, not only outcomes. Adult digital leisure Digital leisure for adults also includes sports interaction, prediction tools, and casino-style gaming, and many platforms bundle these experiences under one login. In the Philippines, menus can place online casino Philippines  options close to streams, match trackers, and community chat, which can blur two very different kinds of entertainment. The clean boundary is intent: a sports wager is tied to information and context, while casino play is designed around fast volatility. Keeping those lanes separate makes the whole ecosystem feel less noisy and keeps the community conversation sharper.  What this says about 2026 leisure Online communities in the Philippines are not only consuming entertainment; they are co-producing it. A creator sets the pacing, a group chat sets the tone, and the platforms supply the tools that make participation frictionless. The future of digital leisure here is not a new app so much as a better loop: easier sharing, clearer context, and communities that stay welcoming even when the internet is loud. In 2026, the most valuable feature is still feeling like you belong in the crowd. By ML Staff

Miami Living brings you the following upcoming concerts and live performances happening from March 2 to March 9 in Miami and nearby South Florida. Billy Ocean · March 3, 2026 Purchase Tickets Billy Ocean is a Grammy Award winning British R&B and soul singer known for global hits such as Caribbean Queen and Suddenly . Emerging in the 1970s and reaching peak success in the 1980s, Ocean helped define crossover pop soul with chart topping singles in both the United States and United Kingdom. His influence remains strong through continued touring and legacy recognition. Jake Shimabukuro · March 4, 2026 Purchase Tickets Jake Shimabukuro is a Hawaiian virtuoso known for redefining the ukulele as a solo instrument capable of complex jazz, classical, and rock arrangements. His technical skill and viral performances introduced the ukulele to global audiences in a contemporary context. Shimabukuro has collaborated with major artists and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative instrumentalists of his generation. Paul Anka · March 4, 2026 Purchase Tickets Paul Anka is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame associated singer songwriter whose career spans more than six decades. Known for classics like Put Your Head on My Shoulder and Diana , he also wrote My Way , famously performed by Frank Sinatra . Anka remains one of the most successful pop vocalists and composers of the modern era. The Offspring · March 5, 2026 Purchase Tickets The Offspring are a California punk rock band that rose to prominence in the 1990s with albums such as Smash and Americana . Known for blending melodic hooks with fast paced punk energy, the band helped bring punk rock into mainstream commercial success. Their music continues to influence alternative rock and punk scenes worldwide. Pink Martini · March 5, 2026 Purchase Tickets Pink Martini is a Portland based ensemble that blends jazz, classical, Latin, and pop influences into multilingual orchestral pop. Founded in 1994, the group has performed with major orchestras worldwide and is known for sophisticated arrangements and global musical influences. Their work reflects an eclectic and international approach to contemporary performance. Xaviersobased · March 6, 2026 Purchase Tickets Xaviersobased is an emerging hip hop artist associated with the new wave of internet driven rap. His music blends experimental production with modern trap and alternative influences, helping him gain recognition among younger audiences. He represents a growing generation of independent artists building audiences through digital platforms. Jazz In the Gardens Music Fest · March 7 to March 8, 2026 Purchase Tickets (2 day pass) | Purchase Tickets (Saturday Pass Only)  | Purchase Tickets (Sunday Pass Only) Jazz In the Gardens is a major annual music festival held at Hard Rock Stadium featuring established and contemporary artists across R&B, hip hop, soul, and jazz. The 2026 lineup includes performers such as Jhené Aiko , Ludacris , Nelly , Ashanti , and GloRilla . Since its founding in 2006, the festival has become one of the premier music events in South Florida, drawing large audiences and nationally recognized talent. Gary Numan · March 7, 2026 Purchase Tickets Gary Numan is a British electronic music pioneer known for his influential 1979 hit Cars and his role in shaping synth pop. His early work helped define the sound of electronic music in pop and alternative genres. Numan continues to tour and release new music, maintaining relevance across multiple generations. Interpol · March 7, 2026 Purchase Tickets Interpol is a New York based indie rock band known for its atmospheric sound and influential early 2000s albums such as Turn On the Bright Lights . The group played a major role in the post punk revival movement, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated international following. Their music is recognized for its distinctive guitar work and introspective tone. Silvestre Dangond and Juancho De la Espriella · March 7, 2026 Purchase Tickets Silvestre Dangond is a leading figure in modern vallenato, a traditional Colombian music style, and has helped bring the genre to global audiences. His collaborations with accordionist Juancho De la Espriella highlight the authentic sound of contemporary vallenato. Dangond has received multiple Latin Grammy nominations and remains one of the genre’s most prominent ambassadors. Darius Rucker · March 7, 2026 Purchase Tickets Darius Rucker is a Grammy Award winning country artist and former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish . Since launching his solo country career, he has achieved multiple number one hits and became the first Black artist to win the Country Music Association New Artist of the Year award. His work bridges country and mainstream pop audiences. Emo Night Brooklyn · March 7, 2026 Purchase Tickets Emo Night Brooklyn is a touring DJ driven event celebrating emo, pop punk, and alternative music from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The event has built a strong following across major cities and frequently features guest appearances from artists associated with the genre. It has become a notable cultural event tied to the emo revival. Two Friends · March 7, 2026 Purchase Tickets Two Friends is an electronic music duo known for melodic dance tracks and mashups that have gained significant streaming success. Their Big Bootie Mix series helped build a large global audience and solidified their presence in the EDM festival circuit. Their performances blend electronic production with pop and dance influences. DJ Raphi · March 9, 2026 Purchase Tickets   DJ Raphi is a contemporary DJ known for blending electronic, Latin, and club music styles in live performances. His work reflects the multicultural dance music environment of South Florida and international nightlife scenes. He continues to perform at venues and events that highlight global dance music trends. By ML Staff. Photos/Courtesy of each artist

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami is asking community members to help determine its Summer 2027 special exhibition by completing an online survey about potential exhibition themes. According to the museum, feedback from visitors and residents will guide the selection of concepts for the upcoming seasonal show. The survey, which the museum says takes about three to five minutes to complete, is designed to measure which ideas most interest participants. Participants who finish the questionnaire can choose to enter a sweepstakes for a Science Store prize pack, with official rules available on the Frost Science website. The call for input comes as the museum prepares to open Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits in May and The Science Behind Pixar later in the year. The museum states that responses will be kept confidential and will be shared only in aggregate form. Personal information will not be linked to survey answers unless a respondent chooses to enter the sweepstakes. Those interested in contributing to the planning process can take the survey online. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

New World Symphony has outlined a series of March performances in Miami, including full-orchestra and chamber programs at the Adrienne Arsht Center and New World Center. On March 7 the orchestra returns to the Adrienne Arsht Center for an evening built around Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé , with Stéphane Denève conducting and soprano Kelley O’Connor performing settings of Pablo Neruda love poems. Later in the month Denève leads “Denève + Hadelich: The Hollywood Sound” on March 14 and 15, featuring Augustin Hadelich in Korngold’s Violin Concerto along with Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra and music by Max Steiner associated with early Hollywood cinema. Chamber programs during March include “Ives, Monk, Cage & Eastman” on March 22, which links works inspired by subjects from Ellis Island to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland , and “Percussion: Americans Got Rhythm” on March 29, which focuses on American repertoire that emphasizes rhythmic drive and resonance. Fellow-led events place NWS musicians in the spotlight, including “Devotion Meets the Symphony” on March 18, a meditative concert conceived by Viola Fellow Srivishnu Ramankutty, and “If it ain’t Baroque...” on March 31, which revisits music associated with Bach’s coffeehouse in Leipzig and other Baroque and Baroque-influenced works. Tickets and additional program details are available on the New World Symphony website . By ML. Photo(s)/New World Symphony

The Orchids in Bloom Festival is returning to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden  in Coral Gables on March 14 and 15, 2026. The two-day event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and features over 150,000 orchids displayed across the 83-acre property. The festival highlights the Million Orchid Project, an initiative aimed at restoring native orchids in Miami's urban areas. Attendees can view interactive science demonstrations to learn about propagation techniques used to protect endangered plant species. The event also includes a juried orchid show presented by the Orchid Society of Coral Gables. Visitors can shop from growers at the Global Orchid Marketplace or participate in family programming. The festival offers several premium activities for adults, including a mimosa flight, a fragrance and wine pairing workshop, and a botanical cocktail flight. Tickets are required for entry. General admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Fairchild members and children aged two and under receive free admission. By ML Staff. Photos: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

The Balfour Hotel , a charming, historic art deco property with 82 guest rooms and suites, has announced the appointment of Antony Awak as Chef de Cuisine and Alberto Montesino as Lead Mixologist. These new hires mark a pivotal time at the hotel as the team elevates the food and beverage offerings for hotel guests and locals alike.  “We’re excited to introduce Chef Antony Awak and Lead Mixologist Alberto Montesino to The Balfour Hotel food and beverage team,” said General Manager Skylar Siminovsky. “Their expertise adds a new dimension to our culinary and mixology programs as we prepare to unveil a new culinary concept at The Balfour later this year.”  Raised in Caracas and Maracay, Awak embarked on his culinary journey with a connection to food from an early age, watching his grandmother and mother craft culture-rich dishes. Over the years, Awak has worked at multiple luxury hotels and restaurants. Most recently, he worked as senior sous chef at Groot Hospitality and Highgate hotels in Miami Beach, elevating his culinary and leadership skills by overseeing junior sous chefs and ensuring a seamless operational flow. Prior to that, Awak was with The Confidante Hotel in Miami Beach in April 2019 where he orchestrated food preparation, managed line coordination and played a crucial role in training staff.  “I’m thrilled to be a part of The Balfour Hotel team and incorporate my passion for diverse cuisines,” said Awak. “I’ve developed a mastery for crafting dishes rich with cultural influences and am looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective with new flavors that will elevate The Balfour’s culinary experience.”  Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Montesino has been captivated by the atmosphere of the hospitality industry, first encountering the lively energy on his way home from school. Montesino’s passion grew as he pursued studies in tourism at the Official School of Tourism in the Canary Islands, Spain. His proficiency in mixology results from robust experience working in the hospitality and tourism industries beginning in the Canary Islands at the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Tenerife.  “My journey in mixology led me from Havana, Cuba to the Canary Islands where my passion for tailoring flavors to suit every palate deepened,” shared Montesino. “First experiencing the dynamic energy of the hospitality industry in my adolescence, I was drawn to pursue a career as a mixologist, and am thrilled to craft a fusion of bold flavors and innovative cocktails that redefine The Balfour’s bar experience.” Diners enter the hotel’s restaurant and bar through a wrap-around terrace with ample outdoor seating overlooking iconic Ocean Drive. The dining room is centered around the historic building’s original marble fireplace, terrazzo flooring, and an inviting lobby bar featuring a well-crafted, classic cocktail program. Serving as the hotel’s social hub, this space celebrates Miami’s diverse cultural scene with its plush rattan furniture, pops of tropical prints and warm hues, and art from local artist Gustavo Oviedo.  The Balfour Hotel is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and is located at 350 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. For more information, visit thebalfourmiamibeach.com , call 305.538.1055, or follow the hotel on   Facebook  and  Instagram . By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Balfour Hotel.

Editor’s note: The state passed an emergency rule on the night of Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 enacting cuts to the Florida AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Court challenges are still pending. Thousands of HIV/AIDS patients in Florida could soon lose access to lifesaving medications. Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images More than 128,000 Floridians are living with HIV. The state has the second-highest rate of new HIV diagnoses after Georgia, with approximately 4,500 new diagnoses in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. But access to treatment could be in jeopardy if potential budget cuts, announced in January 2026 by the Florida Department of Health , are enacted. These changes, set to go into effect on March 1, would cut funding for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which helps more than 31,000 Floridians with HIV/AIDS afford care. I am an emeritus professor of medicine and a practicing clinician in the Tallahassee area who specializes in HIV/AIDS treatment. Many of my patients have been treated through this state program over the past 17 years, so I am deeply concerned about threats to its funding. Funding access to care Since its creation in 1996, the Florida AIDS Drug Assistance Program has been funded through the Ryan White CARE Act , which Congress passed into law in 1990. The law ensures people with HIV have access to clinical care, housing support, nutrition, case management, and behavioral and substance use care. Most importantly, it guarantees access to medications to treat HIV and its complications. More than half of those served by the Florida AIDS Drug Assistance Program earn less than US$22,024 per year, which is 138% of the federal poverty level . While researchers can’t say exactly how many lives have been saved by this program, modeling studies have determined that AIDS drug assistance programs across the U.S. are cost-effective . But the Florida Department of Health says that it is facing a $120 million budget shortfall, and that the federal Ryan White funds are no longer enough to keep the program going without major cuts to services. Loss of care and insurance Currently, the program provides access to medication for low-income, HIV-positive Floridians either by directly giving them prescription medications or by paying for insurance coverage for them that includes HIV medications. The proposed cuts would stiffen the eligibility requirement for the program from earning 400% of the federal poverty level or below, about $88,000 per year, down to 130% or below, about $21,000 per year. This would immediately remove financial support used by about 16,000 patients to access lifesaving medications. The cuts would also stop program funds from being used to purchase health insurance for eligible patients. The Department of Health has also proposed changing which drugs the program can cover, removing the recommended and most commonly prescribed drug for treating HIV, Biktarvy . Without access to insurance coverage and medication, these patients face worse health outcomes, and HIV transmission is likely to increase. Ultimately, this would lead to higher health care costs in Florida and more deaths from HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral drugs suppress HIV in patients’ blood, which lessens their symptoms and decreases the likelihood of transmitting the disease to others. BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Pushing back AIDS Healthcare Foundation , a national HIV advocacy and provider network, is suing the Florida Department of Health to require that it go through the normal rulemaking process to make changes to the program. Florida statute requires that substantive changes to a program undergo a process of public announcement, followed by a public comment period, before the change is enacted, which did not happen in this case. An administrative judge has approved an expedited hearing for the lawsuit and will issue a ruling before March 1. The foundation has also filed a second suit to determine the cause of the Department of Health’s $120 million budget shortfall. Meanwhile, in the state legislature, both the Florida Senate and House have attempted to include additional funding for the program in their respective budget proposals. But the final budget won’t be voted on until later this March, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has line-item veto authority. For now, I, along with other health care providers, am scrambling to ensure that patients do not lose access to their medications. We worry that if the drug assistance program is cut, Florida could see a return to the days of increasing HIV-related complications, hospitalizations and deaths. Read more stories from The Conversation about Florida . Words by Jonathan Appelbaum, Professor Emeritus, College of Medicine, Florida State University. Special thanks for The Conversation . Support and donate  today.

For this month, we feature Bea Interiors Design by Bea Pernia  and take a closer look at a recently completed Miami Beach project. The Mediterranean-style home is reimagined through a modern minimalist lens, layered with organic and contemporary elements. The design emphasizes white and light tones, creating a clean, airy atmosphere that enhances natural light and gives the home a more expansive, open feel. Simple, clean lines are evident in the furniture and architectural elements, such as the arches and off-white linen curtains, typical of minimalist design, creating a comfortable atmosphere . Natural materials like marble, micro-cement, and light wood flooring add warmth and texture, aligning with organic influences. The plush furniture and ergonomic shapes prioritize comfort without sacrificing style, reflecting a blend of form and function. Decorative elements like the vase, small sculptures, and black accents on the furniture and lighting fixtures provide contrast and interest without overwhelming the space. Large windows with sheer curtains allow ample natural light to flood the room, highlighting the bright interior. Artful accessories, such as an abstract rug and sculptural objects, add a touch of personality and artistic flair. The view of the garden through the windows and the use of indoor plants blur the lines between the interior and exterior, enhancing the sense of tranquility and connection with nature. Overall, the design aims to create a serene, stylish, and inviting atmosphere that combines minimalism with comfort and elegance.  The homeowner, Chanda Carroll, is a mother of 2, entrepreneur, and tastemaker with a passion for philanthropy, travel, and fashion. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she has lived in Milan, and has called Miami home for the past 2 decades where she lives with her children and husband, Joseph Del Vecchio, a real estate investor and developer originally from New York. Amongst her projects is a boutique hotel in Negril, Jamaica which she shares with her husband and partners. Her latest project is a collaboration for a jewelry line she is currently designing.  Chanda is renowned for her unique blend of classic style and modern edge, complemented by her spontaneous nature.  More on Bea Interiors Design BEA Interiors Design is a dynamic interior and exterior design firm with expertise in residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Based in Miami, the firm was established in 2012 by Bea Pernia, who has since become a prominent figure in the realm of urban design. Bea combines extraordinary talent with diverse global experiences to create striking yet comfortable spaces that reflect the lifestyle, personality and esthetic goals of each of her clients.  For more than a decade, BEA Interiors Design has offered a full range of services including conceptual design, custom furniture and finishes, project coordination, art procurement and installation, lighting and furniture design. Bea is intimately involved in each of her projects from conception to completion, collaborating with clients, architects, artisans, and contractors to craft meaningful solutions – always with precision, flexibility, attention to detail, and genuine passion.  The mission of BEA Interiors Design is simple: to explore and realize design experiences that are elegant, creative and exceed clients’ expectations by providing environments that reflect their values and meet their needs well into the future. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Gabriel Volpi