Famous for its pristine beaches and glamorous nightlife, Miami’s star hasn’t lost any lustre; in fact it’s brighter than ever. Once equated with crime and retirement, the city has staked its claim as a venerable tourist mecca anytime of the year even when the sizzling dog days of summer strike. Miami Beach, the jewel in Miami’s crown, is a destination in its own right, even after the untimely demise of its long time father figure, Gianni Versace, threatened to darken the shores of South Beach, its prime strip of touristic real estate. Still attracting camera laden tourists lined up in Lummis Park across the street from it, Gianni’s former uber-luxe abode is now the Villa by Barton G, an elite boutique hotel and restaurant, sitting front and center along well-trodden “Deco Drive” (Ocean Drive). Reminiscent today of Boardwalk, USA, with its plethora of cookie cutter beach restaurants, one after the other along the beach, its stunning Tropical Deco hotels decked out in pastel colors by day and neon by night are still a major draw for first time virgins to SoBe, as the area is nicknamed.
These days, though, well-heeled tourists have moved north to the other side of the Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall, where endless hotel renovations and refurbishings still fuel the conversation at Happy Hour. As well trendy Mid-Beach further north, home to both the Fontainebleu and Eden Roc Hotels and the white hot Soho House is forever getting new traction along with the Design District, Midtown and Wynwood, all once gritty slums but now gentrified and on the map but off the beach.
Yes, it looks like Miami and Miami Beach have forever shaken off their mourning weeds and are always ready to party so bring your sexiest duds and buckets of cash. Just remember this is a beach town and as I was once reminded, ‘It’s a sunny place full of shady people.”
Where to Stay:
W South Beach – With super-sized rooms and a balcony on every one, you just may not want to leave. 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, 305-938-3000. www.wsouthbeach.com
The Gale – A landmark property from 1941, this hotel is the latest hotspot with its onsite Regent Cocktail Club serving Pre-Prohibition cocktails. 1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 305-673-0199. www.galehotel.com
The Raleigh – A recent facelift to the glamorous lobby and poolside cafe have made the famous black outlined pool even more spectacular. Esther Williams swam here so you know it’s gotta be good. 1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-534-6300. www.raleighhotel.com
The Tides – The grande dame of Deco Drive is serene, sexy and exclusive. Kick back with a Bloody Mary in one of the 2 cabanas poolside, then hit the adjacent Palace Bar later for some action. 1220 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, 305-604-5070. www.tidessouthbeach.com
The Winter Haven – This smaller landmark boutique hotel has a lobby Martini Bar where you can make up for the bucks you’re saving staying here. 1400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. 305-531-5571. www.clintonsouthbeach.com
The Blue Moon Hotel – Off the beach but not off the map, this property has an exclusive vibe and subtly seductive charm. 944 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 305-673-2262. www.bluemoonhotel.com
Where to Eat:
The Setai Grill – Executive Chef Mathias Gervais will ensure you’re treated right when you feel in the mood for steak. Don’t even think about skipping out on their seafood selection. 2001 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL, 33139, 305-520-6000. www.thesetaihotel.com
Tosca – Delicious cuisine that channels the French Riviera with fresh seafood flown in from Brittany twice a week! 210 23rd Street (corner of Collins Ave.), Miami Beach, FL, 33139. 786-216-7230 www.toscamiami.com
Toro Toro – Expertly prepared craft cocktails will have you ordering seconds. Their rodizio-style meats carved table-side add some entertainment courtesy of Chef Richard Sandoval. InterContinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL, 33131, 305-372-4710. www.torotoromiami.com
Villa Azur – A beautiful room full of beautiful people. Head here for some champagne and oysters but make sure you’ve reserved. 309 23rd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-763-8688. www.villaazurmiami.com
Cvi.Che 105 – How many ways can you make ceviche, you ask? Don’t ask Juan or Luis or you’ll be here all night. Once you’ve had a few of their Piscojitos, you won’t be able to move anyway. 105 N.E. 3rd Ave. Miami, FL 33132, 305-577-3454. www.ceviche105.com
Joey’s – There’s nothing like a visit to art-infused Wynwood where you can eat some real Italian food after all that gallery hopping. 2506 N.W. 2nd Avenue, Wynwood, Miami, FL, 305-408-0488. www.joeyswynwood.com
Smith & Wollensky – Skip the steaks and sip a sunset cocktail while watching the cruise ships heading out to sea? Don’t be disappointed when you notice everyone else had the same idea as you. Wave! 1 Washington Avenue At South Pointe Park, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-673-2800. www.smithandwollensky.com
What to See & Do:
Bass Museum – With all the partying, it’s certain you’ll crave a moment of solace. This is the place and you can catch 40 winks in their park-like setting afterward. 2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139. 305-673-7530. www.bassmuseum.org
Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall – It’s Miami, you gotta walk the walk (if you can’t find it, you shouldn’t be in South Beach). www.lincolnroad.org
Nikki Beach – If you simply must have a cabana and don’t want to ruin your Gucci sandals. One hot beach party on the weekends. One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, 305-538-1111. www.nikkibeachmiami.com
The Standard Spa – Just wanna massage? Are you kidding, spend the day! 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, 305-673-1717. www.standardhotels.com
South Point– Few vistas match this one at the southernmost tip of South Beach. Grab a bike from the city’s rental racks and pedal the entire trail north along the ocean. Do it 3X and you can skip the gym. www.web.miamibeachfl.gov
Jackie Gleason Theater (now Fillmore East) – Remember when you first heard about Art Deco South Beach? Jackie was there first but now he’s got a Lichtenstein on the lawn. Great shows. 700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-673-7300. www.fillmoremb.com
Key Biscayne Kayaking – What, you’ve never been in a kayak? It’s Miami. Get wet! Go for the sunset adventure. 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149, 305-365-3018. www.miamidade.gov
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Photo by Devid Berkowitz[/caption]
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