The cosmopolitan playground of the rich and famous. An eclectic mix of humbling skyscrapers, kaleidoscopic art, golden sands, and an echo of Afro-Cuban beats. Each area offers something unique, found only in Miami Florida.
Miami Beach
Sip a refreshing cocktail at a quirky, outdoor bar on Miami Beach's iconic Ocean Drive and enjoy the parade - grand cars cruise by, and the dazzling, colourful architecture have as much life as the mix of people who saunter and skate down the roads. Dotted around this area, you will find an array of plush hotels, including the 5-star Loews Miami Beach Hotel which combines the luxury amenities of a spa, six restaurants and lounges, and an oceanfront swimming pool with convenient location in the heart of the action. Chic and hip, this area of Miami is perfect for soaking up the infectious buzz of the city and is most well-known for the South Beach area. An art deco district established in the 1930s/1940s, SoBe as it is nicknamed, is home to more than 800 architecturally protected buildings, each with its own vibrancy and character. The beach itself is golden and palm-fringed, recognisable mainly by the flamboyant lifeguard huts, and as the sun goes down, you will not have to look far for a lively party and world-class nightlife.
Downtown Miami
Where work meets play, Downtown Miami Florida harbours a large concentration of international companies, and with that, hotshot men and women. Of course, there is more to this area than just banking and business, as the commercial and financial centre of South Florida, it is undoubtedly energetic and bustling, too. Then open-air marketplace of Biscayne Bay is where you will find tempting foods on display, as well as a plethora of stores, handmade crafts and quaint souvenirs. Head to Bayside Park on the riverside for a pleasant stroll, offering fantastic views of the bay and the Port of Miami as sailors come and go through the largest cruise port in the world. Here, you can also board a boat yourself and head out on the Millionaire's Row Cruise for 90 minutes of gentle cruising around the port, beach, Fisher Island and celebrity houses. Marvel at the mansions of the rich and famous, including self-confessed Miami Florida fan, Will Smith, and admire the impressive Miami Florida skyline from the water. Back on land, the Mandarin Oriental brings the spice of Asian luxury to Brickell Key, with a private island location looking out to Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.
Little Havana
This vibrant neighbourhood, coined as Little Havana in the 1960s, has a majority Latino community and beholds sights, smells and sounds that are worth lingering around for to watch life here unfold. Colourful murals and funky cafes line the streets, and the main hub of Calle Ocho presents old cigar rollers attending to their crafts, and the rich scent of Cuban coffee blanketing the air. Art and talent is admired here, the Walk of Fame honours famous artists and Latin personalities, including Gloria Estefan (whose home you can catch a glimpse of on the Millionaire's Row Cruise!) and the popular weekly showcase, Cultural Friday's, which commends cultural arts and outdoor performances.
Beyond Miami Florida
Unmistakeably, there is so much to see and do in Miami Florida itself, but venture a little further and you're not far from some of the greatest gems of the Sunshine State. The Everglades are just a one-hour drive from Miami, and as the largest subtropical wilderness in the USA, is an unforgettable adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. Take an airboat tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site to discover snakes, wild birds and manatee in their natural habitat, admire the beauty of rare, protected animals in the sanctuary, and hug a baby alligator.
To combine the best of beachfront bliss and happening city life, a multi-centre trip between Miami Florida and The Keys is ideal. Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is an adult-only resort, accessible only by vintage boat or sea-plane, and provides the ultimate island escape with no phones, no TV's, no distractions. After an exciting stay in Miami Florida, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, indulge in a private island picnic for two or dive deep with a scuba diving adventure in the glistening waters.
