Last week I wrote about traveling to Miami to attend the 22nd annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards. Several of my colleagues as well as my husband and I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, while others enjoyed accommodations at Loews Coral Gables, where our celebratory event would be held on Wednesday evening, Dec. 18. Because we had a full day of travel from the West Coast to Miami, Harry and I arrived late on Monday night, giving us most of the day Tuesday to get our bearings and explore the hotel before our staff dinner that evening.

We were in no rush to adjust to Eastern Standard Time Tuesday morning, especially after our late arrival the previous evening, so we missed breakfast and a generous buffet at Two Sisters restaurant on the lobby level. We nonetheless found some nice lighter items at Perks coffee bar on the same level (an assortment of fresh pastries and fruit and yogurt parfaits and juices) and had a nice chat with the barista. (We found all of the staff, from housekeeping to the front desk and servers very friendly and accommodating.)

We took our time heading back to our room, checking out some of the many public spaces and meeting rooms. The Hyatt boasts both indoor and outdoor large gathering spaces, perfect for a wedding reception or banquet, as well as a host of meeting spaces in a range of sizes and configurations, with the elegant, understated décor heavily influenced by Spanish and Moorish architecture.

Later, with my back protesting over long hours on a plane and several days away from my usual workout routine, I found my way to the 24-hour Stayfit Fitness Center, stocked with cardio equipment, weight machines and more. I spent nearly an hour there warming up on a treadmill and then using the provided yoga mats to stretch and relieve the kinks, having the room all to myself. The equipment, though perhaps a bit dated, was all well-maintained and spotless.

That evening, with my East Coast colleagues all having arrived throughout the afternoon, we met in the lobby to stroll over to nearby Zucca, the site of our annual staff dinner. There we all gathered around a large table surrounded by windows looking out over a lively street scene and holiday decorations. Zucca serves up authentic regional Italian cuisine complemented by a 2,000-bottle cellar and an extensive cocktail menu. We started with the table sharing three antipasti selections: grilled octopus, lamb meatballs and fresh burrata marinated with heirloom tomatoes. We were offered a selection of entrées, and several opted for the mushroom risotto — enormously popular and absolutely delicious, with an earthy, savory flavor and creamy texture (Harry shared some of his with me). I chose the filet mignon, which was so tender and perfectly grilled. Our final course, dessert, included traditional choices such as panna cotta, tiramisu and ricotta cheesecake. All were delicious and the perfect end to a great meal.

Throughout the meal we enjoyed lively conversation; and because I work remotely and the rest of the FXExpress team works from sites in Florida, Chicago and Pennsylvania as well, it’s always great fun to get to spend a relaxed time together in one space. We concluded with a “Pollyanna” secret gift exchange where it was clear that, although some of us rarely see our compatriots, we still know a good deal about each other’s likes and interests.

The next day saw some of the team supervising the preparations for the evening’s events at Loews Coral Gables while the editorial team, including editor in chief Kim Inlander, vice president and digital director Katie Skrzek, social media manager Mary Melnik, art director Tracey Cullen, associate editor Aoife O’Riordan and me (and missing senior editor Janice Hecht) met up for lunch at Threefold Cafe, a short walk from the Hyatt, set along a pedestrian-only corridor lined with cute boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. We have all worked together for years, so it’s always a delight to meet up in person and catch up with each other outside of our work responsibilities.

That afternoon I spent a little time enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the pool deck back at the hotel. The hotel’s main tower rises above the fifth-floor space, while three-story wings bracket each end of the palm tree-lined pool, with balconied guestrooms overlooking the space.   A cabana with changing rooms lines the fourth side of the pool, and hot tubs sit on an elevated terrace above. I welcomed the calm interlude before preparing for the evening’s festivities.

Dressed in our party finery, those of us staying at the Hyatt shared a ride to Loews Coral Gables and a splendid event set-up. We found the foyer outside the ballroom featured a bar, some hors d’oeuvres tables and comfortable seating arrangements. Servers passed delectable small bites, and a saxophonist provided a classy, jazzy accompaniment to the conversations that flowed between our guests.   Outside, a terrace beckoned with chairs and tables  and views over the lush property.

After guests had checked in and photos of the award-winners taken, the ballroom doors opened, admitting everyone to the spacious room where the awards would be announced and presented. Publisher and CEO of FXExpress Publications, Inc. Francis Gallagher served as emcee, welcoming everyone, acknowledging the sponsors of the evening and introducing each recognized guest and announcing the awards; many were recipients of multiple awards in their categories. The final award of the night, the Globility Award, goes not to a travel provider but to a FXExpress team member, recognizing their contributions and attitude of “being open to a world of cultures and experiences.” I was greatly surprised when my name was called out . . . what an honor!

The party continued after the awards had been bestowed, with everyone enjoying the wonderful options at the food stations lining the room and the opportunity to share news and notes across the travel industry. Later, our team gathered back at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables to unwind, exchange stories from the event and enjoy the fine food and drinks provided at Bar 50. The spacious lobby-level bar offered plenty of room for our large group to sit down and celebrate the conclusion of a wonderful evening. The next day would be another travel day for us all, but we were happy to pause and toast the efforts of Yasser Ogando-Gallagher, Emily Gladu and Hannah Gruen and the conclusion of 2025.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor