The Neon Glow of Miami

True Love

A multi-coloured Art Deco backdrop and sparkling white beaches, Miami is a kitschy playground with a budding arts scene, inspired foodie landscape and sizzling hot nightlife.

While Art Deco hotels add to the dreamy charm, limitless creativity is the defining feature of Miami; a cuisine that artfully blends world cooking styles; renovated warehouses off-the-beaten-track hiding cutting-edge art galleries and designers who marry the modern with the vintage.

Beyond the sexy character of South Beach and the animated glamour so unique to Miami is Little Havana, and the hidden treasures off Calle Ocho, that rock to a different beat. Flashing neon, azure seashores, salsa beats, a ritzy nightlife and everything else, Miami is full-on fun, knock-out energy and surprise.

Our Recommendations

  • JUNGLE VERTIGO

    JUNGLE VERTIGO

    SUGAR Rooftop Bar

    Sugar, the ultimate rooftop bar in the middle of an Asian-inspired garden sits atop the 40th floor of the gorgeous EAST hotel.
    Bang in the city center of Brickell, this leafy oasis offers amazing views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.

    A super sexy cocktail list (EAST Cocktails, Sugar Cocktails, Beer Cocktails, and Mocktails) and gourmet Asian tapas treats from the kitchen of food star ‘Chef Ped’ – it’s really no wonder that Sugar made it onto Condé Nast Traveler’s List of “The 10 Best Rooftop Bar’s in the U.S” two years in a row.

    The dreamy rooftop has the dual advantage of offering stunning open views as well as secret intimate spaces off the central bar that echoes a wooden Balinese hut. The perfect spot for an unhurried afternoon nibble or a glitzy evening date.

  • SHOP

    SHOP

    MIANSAI Jewelry

    Miami-based jewelry brand Miansai is the embodiment of everything Miami. Launched in 2008 by Michael Saiger, the men’s jewelry line has since grown into a unisex accessories brand underscored by precision craftsmanship and urban design. Think leather wraps, brushed silver, gold accents and modern nautical styling; Miansai is elegant simplicity that everyone in the know is talking about.

    And now, they’re talking about it for another reason – Miansai’s new spin on pop-up retail. While it’s possible to buy an array of pieces in-store and on-line, it’s now possible to buy selected pieces via their stunningly cool vintage fleet of vehicles in Miami. Think park-up then pop-up.

    Step inside a vintage Fiat outside the Fontainebleau hotel pool or an equally beautiful Lambretta outside the Delano South Beach Hotel. There are more delightful vehicles to discover in other parts of the city. There is so much to love about this brand, not least its ability to capture our full attention when we least expect it!

  • EXTREME CULTURE FIX

    EXTREME CULTURE FIX

    Art Basel Miami Beach

    200 of America’s leading art galleries and museums gather to strut their wares at what has grown to be one of the United States definitive annual art fairs. This serious art event has grown from its launch in 2002 to an essential date in the December diary for art buffs the world over, including leading collectors, curators, and museum directors.

    Showcasing more than 4000 artists, expect a breadth of all that is contemporary, from paintings, photography and sculptures to digital art and installations. The exhibits stretches from the Miami Beach Convention Center (a hop from the South Beach Art Deco district) while larger pieces and performances change the landscape at both Collins Park and SoundScape Park.

    In addition to the visual art is a comprehensive list of events that include talks and panels with a host of speakers drawing from many areas of the art world. Take your party shoes, because serious art pondering is always followed by the much needed balance of a good party, in Miami at least.

  • EAT

    EAT

    Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis

    Listed in Zagat’s “Best Restaurants in Miami” guide, this is locally known as the mecca of exquisite seafood, sophisticated high-end dining, and quality ingredients to die for. You select the fish and seafood of your dreams, alongside fish you’ve never heard of, from the ice in front of the kitchen. One thing is certain, it is a jaw dropping display and the sort of excitement that makes a sea-foodie dizzy.

    With the fish offering changing daily – no two visits here need ever be the same. This is no-frills Greek cuisine that has the knack of putting a polished twist on traditional Greek mezze. Of the restaurant’s most talked about dishes, order the charcoal-broiled octopus seasoned with magic, it comes direct off the boat from Greece where the owner’s sister prepares it.

    The menu selection is stunning as is Milo’s wine cellar, which boast around 200, mostly Greek labels. Expect the very best service, the fanfare of having your food prepared next to you and an unforgettable ambiance.