Make Merry in Miami

A day in Miami with LUXE City Guides

Welcome to Miami, America’s good times capital and playground of the rich and famous, with its miles of sandy beaches, balmy weather, abundance of Art Deco architecture, and nightlife like nowhere else. While most people think of Miami as Miami Beach and South Beach specifically, it’s not all itsy-bitsy bikinis and velvet ropes – the city also boasts an enviable art scene, thriving restaurants and retail outlets. With more than half the population being of Hispanic origin, Miami also serves as the unofficial gateway to Latin America, giving it an incredible multi-cultural energy and passion. Time to brush up on your Spanish, pack your chicest swimwear and party like a rock star.

Take a morning dip in the Atlantic

There’s no better way to start your day in Miami than with a cooling dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Clued-in locals make for the sands at 3rd Street in South Beach, though for sheer spectacle, Lummus Park, the stretch between 5th and 14th Streets, can’t be beat, with its parade of muscled hunks, barely-clad babes, flamboyant Speedo-wearing men, sprightly old timers and other colourful individuals who make this city a people-watching paradise.

Grab a coffee, Cuban style

Approximately one-third of Miami’s population is Cuban and the drink of choice to kick-start the day for many of them is a steaming hot cafe con leche, milky coffee with a generous dose of sugar added. Get your fix at Puerto Sagua (700 Collins Ave, Tel: 1 305 673 1115), a no-frills, family-run restaurant that’s always busy.

Explore Miami’s Art Deco architecture

Miami is famed for its well-preserved, pastel-hued Art Deco buildings, and the highest concentration is around South Beach and Mid-Beach. Start at the Art Deco Welcome Center, which provides information, maps and brochures about the area’s history and architecture. They also offer group and private tours of the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Crack a crab claw

From mid-October to mid-May every year, it’s the season for Florida’s stone crabs, which are harvested specifically for their oh-so-delicious black-tipped claws, simply boiled and served with lemon, butter or mayo. Tourists queue to try it at Joe’s Stone Crab, but fishermen and foodies know that the meat is sweeter at Garcia’s, a riverside shack, which doubles as a seafood market.

Take an art detour

Miami is now firmly on the international art map for serious collectors, thanks to Art Basel Miami, a major art fair held every December, but it’s also well worth exploring the city’s home-grown galleries. The Wynwood Art District is the city’s art epicentre and leading the gallery pack is the Rubell Family Collection, a privately held contemporary art collection (above) in a 45,000 sq ft concrete bunker. Expect to see big names such as Cindy Sherman, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring alongside the promising but lesser-known talent, such as local star Bert Rodriguez.

Shop for designer labels in a carpark

You may not think to come to Miami for the latest catwalk fashion, but you should still make time to visit Alchemist, perched five floors up in a landmark carpark designed by internationally renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron. The store’s layout is a stunning attraction in itself, with mirrored moving glass ceilings doubling as art installations, while the expertly edited men’s and women’s wear from designers such as Rick Owens, Givenchy and Junya Watanabe would be just as keenly coveted in New York, Paris or London.

Sip sunset cocktails on a rooftop

Hotels rule Miami Beach’s cocktail circuit, and the new Highbar atop the Dream South Beach is the place to head to for sundowners in high season. Think glossy glamour with stark white surfaces, gold detailing, blue-tiled pool, sea views and a see-and-be seen crowd. There’s champagne and wines by the glass, or order a blood orange and watermelon – or a classic mint – mojito.

Supper in Gianni Versace’s mansion

Sometimes, nothing succeeds like excess, and few places demonstrate this better than the former mansion of the late fashion designer Gianni Versace, now one of Miami’s most expensive hotels. A stay at The Villa by Barton G will set you back at least US$1,000 a night, but you can dine in what used to be Versace’s formal supper parlour for somewhat less. The pebble mosaic dining room is a sight to behold, with its ornate patterns, frescoed ceiling and signature Versace fine china, while the European menu of vodka-cured salmon, truffled asparagus salad, whole Dover sole and the like is befitting of its setting. While you’re here, be sure to have a drink at the intimate Onyx Bar.

Sleep in a private members’ club

London import Soho Beach House made a big splash when it debuted in Mid-Beach in 2010, away from the frenzied environs of South Beach. The jet set now make a beeline for this private members’ club, which houses 50 guest rooms open to the public in two wings. The decor shifts away from the minimalism and modernism favoured by its competitors, evoking instead a luxurious homeliness, with carved wooden beds, distressed leather armchairs, faded floor tiles and vintage pieces throughout. Guests have access to a private beach, two swimming pools, a Cowshed Spa and Italian restaurant Cecconi’s, one of Miami’s hottest tables. Book rooms in the new beach tower for balconies and ocean views.

So, now that you’re in the know about where to go in Miami, what are you waiting for?

Coming up next month, how to experience the Lion City, Singapore, in style – with the family.

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