 |
The Draw
• The timeless Caribbean appeal of Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Key West
• The pastel art deco wonderland of South Beach
• The nonstop fiesta of the party capital of Latin America
The Scene
Miami technically belongs to the United States, but it might as well be another country. The city with the largest Cuban population outside of Cuba itself, it is also home to legions of amiable retirees and impossibly tanned, lithe locals and visitors sporting the latest European fashions. Yes, there’s plenty of sun-bleached fun to be had, but highbrow beacons like the Art Basel Fair and the New World Symphony are helping to qualify this eclectic metropolis as a bona fide cultural destination. Emerging from decades of vice and neglect, Miami is now charting its own cosmopolitan course. Bring an open mind -- and a chic pair of sunglasses.
To Be Seen
• South Beach. This 10-mile-long strip features the highest density of beautiful people on the planet. Grab a table on Lincoln Road Mall and take in the pageantry.
• Miami Beach. The fabled carousing grounds of Al Capone and the Rat Pack suffered some lean years, but the lobbies and lounges are jumping again.
• Design District. This industrial stretch of downtown furniture and design stores is attracting scores of new galleries, clubs and exiled bohemians.
For The VIP
• Relaxing at Casa Casuarina. The former home of Gianni Versace is now an exclusive members-only club, but it occasionally books one of its 10 luxury suites for overnight stays.
• The VIP Room at Tantra. For a big night out (of the "what happens here, stays here" variety), superhot restaurant and lounge Tantra serves self-described "aphrodisiac" cuisine. Usher, J.Lo and Paris Hilton are fans of the VIP room.
• Fishing in Key West. The Ritz-Carlton South Beach offers a day trip that includes helicopter transportation, a yacht charter and an expert guide. Catching the big one is up to you.
Overrated
Bayside Market Place. This beachside development has some perfectly respectable restaurants, but the mall-like atmosphere tends to ruin the experience.
Underrated
Key Biscayne. Enjoy mile upon mile of pristine beach, just 10 minutes from downtown Miami. While the crush of South Beach is noticeably absent, you may bump into the occasional modeling shoot.
Don’t Miss
Drinks by the Delano Pool. Flavors of the month come and go, but the Schrager-designed Delano is still the best place to start the evening.
When To Go
The weather’s beautiful most any time, though the summer months can get muggy. During December and January, every night is a party.
Page 1 of 1
