Haute Insider: Creator Vale Genta’s Guide to Miami

Welcome to Haute Insider, where Haute Living asks the city’s most discerning residents for the addresses they hold closest: the tables they return to, the boutiques they swear by, and the hidden corners they rarely share.

Vale Genta was born and raised in Miami Beach, and she has never really left it behind. She and her brother, Sebastian, started posting comedic Vines as teenagers, long before “influencer” was a job title, and built that into full-time careers as creators. Their bilingual videos celebrate (and poke fun at) life in the 305, and partnerships with brands including AT&T, Amazon, LTK and Revolve followed. Today the siblings have a combined social following of more than 2.7 million.

After five years in Los Angeles, the pair moved home to Miami Beach in 2021 and spotted a gap: Miami’s booming creator scene had no central place to connect. Their answer was #NextGen Creators, a summit series that brings creators, founders, brands, and marketers together for panels, networking, and brand showcases. The next edition takes place Oct. 23 at Andaz Miami Beach.

Here, Genta shares her personal guide to Miami Beach, from the Little River restaurant she calls her favorite to the Sunday routine she swears by.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Genta

Vale Genta’s Miami, in Her Words

Her Miami

Home Base: “I was born and raised in Miami Beach, and it’s the only neighborhood I’ve ever called home. When we were moving back from LA, I told my husband it was the beach or nothing. It holds such a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to raise my children here one day.”

Miami in Three Words: Beautiful, chaotic, spicy.

What Visitors Get Wrong: “People have this idea that Miami Beach is like the Las Vegas Strip, and it couldn’t be more different. There’s a whole residential side to Miami Beach, with quiet neighborhoods and a real sense of community.”

Where She Dines

The Reservation Worth Waiting For: Sunny’s. “It’s by far my favorite restaurant—the food is delicious, the vibes are great, and the staff makes the experience even better.”

Go-To Neighborhood Spot: “Probably Carrot. I’m always grabbing a bite there or ordering lunch.”

Best Coffee: “The coffee at Pura Vida is honestly so good, but lately I’ve been loving Cafe Fuze, the little coffee shop Fuze House opened right next door in Sunset Harbour.”

Best Cocktail: “I recently had the best dirty martini I’ve had in years at the Rose Bar at the Delano.”

First Night in Town: “It depends on what they’re looking for: Smith & Wollensky for the views and Casa Tua for the food.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Genta

Where to Stay and Recharge

Where Friends Stay: “The Shelborne, always! I love everything about it.”

Best Way to Recharge: A class at SOL or a lymphatic drainage massage.

The Perfect Sunday: “Start with a 9 a.m. hot yoga class at SOL, then grab a croissant at True Loaf. Head home, clean the house, throw on a bikini, and spend the day at the beach or by the pool at the Shelborne. Finish with a Lucali pizza.”

Shopping and Local Secrets

Favorite Boutique: Jessie’s Boutique, always.

Local Brand to Know: “Eliou. By far the coolest Miami brand, with the coolest designers behind it.”

What to Take Home: Croquetas from Versailles at the Miami airport.

Hidden Gem: “Manolo’s, an Argentinian spot on 71st Street. They have the best empanadas.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Genta

The One Thing

“You haven’t really been to Miami until you’ve gone out with no plan, run into everyone you know, and ended up somewhere you were never supposed to be.”

More from Haute Living: The Best Restaurants in Miami Right Now, When Delano Met Paris Society, and Haute Insider: Jessy Schram’s Guide to Chicago