The Palms Hotel & Spa

With the Atlantic Ocean just steps away, protecting the marine environment is central to The Palms' sustainability efforts. Since 2010, regular community beach cleanups have brought together guests, team members and Miami residents to remove thousands of pounds of debris from the coastline. Guests can also participate in the Fill-A-Bucket program, collecting beach litter in exchange for a complimentary scoop of gelato. The Palms further supports marine conservation, education, and advocacy through partnerships with local environmental organizations.

At Essensia Restaurant & Bar, sustainability is embedded throughout the food journey, from sourcing to disposal. By prioritizing local, seasonal, organic and responsibly sourced ingredients, the restaurant supports regional producers while reducing environmental impact. Complementing this approach, The Palms' long-standing composting program transforms food scraps and other compostable materials into nutrient-rich compost, diverting tens of thousands of pounds of waste from landfill each year and advancing a circular food system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource recovery.

The Palms continually works to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics and replace disposable items with reusable or more responsible alternatives. Plastic straws have been replaced by gluten-free Pasta Straws, aluminum bottled water has replaced conventional plastic bottles, and reusable or compostable drinkware is used throughout the pool and beach areas. Wooden keycards and takeaway cutlery provide alternatives to traditional plastic versions, while refillable dispensers and other operational changes further reduce packaging waste. Even small details are considered. Replacing kitchen tasting spoons with reusable ones has eliminated the need for approximately 100,000 single-use spoons annually, demonstrating how seemingly small operational changes can create meaningful impact at scale.

The Palms encourages guests to experience Miami beyond the resort and discover the communities, culture, and natural environments that make the destination unique. From exploring Miami Beach's celebrated Art Deco architecture and the cultural heritage of neighborhoods such as Little Havana to discovering Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, guests are encouraged to engage more deeply with the destination and support local businesses and communities.