Miami is saved from provinciality by its role as Latin America’s “other capital”. A short drive from the business centers of Coral Gables and Brickell and you are at the world-renowned, sometimes world-class, attractions of South Beach. Sleeping
Intercontinental Miami. It is known for stellar service and is a landmark for the buttoned-up conference crowd. Executive rooms feature wireless internet, complementary daily papers and CD players. The restaurant and bar, Indigo, has a Henry Moore Sculpture as the centerpiece. End the day poolside watching the sun slip down into the Biscayne Bay. Average king room rate is $310. www.ichotelsgroup.com JW Marriott. This elegant hotel located in the heart of the financial district on Brickell is the ideal place for work and play. The furnishings are lavish – rooms have flat screen TVs and the bathrooms are kitted out with marble bathtubs. Recreational facilities include a fitness center, spa and an inimitable outdoor stainless steel pool. Average room rate is $335. www.marriott.com Four Seasons. This towering hotel – adorned with giant Botero sculptures and minimalist furniture – is undoubtedly slick. Geared for families, it provides the younger guest with an array of toys, child-sized robes and baby and children’s toiletries. The hotel also has a cracking brunch every Sunday at Aqua, where you will find free-flowing Champagne and a menu running from eggs benedict to garlic and rosemary roasted leg of lamb. Rooms start at $450. www.fourseasons.com/miami The Victor. This vibrant boutique hotel, managed by Hyatt, is located on the infamous Ocean Drive in the heart of Art Deco district on South Beach. With an electric backdrop – a tank of Jellyfish divides the blue reception room from the amazing Vix restaurant – the hotel is full of distinctive rich colors and vibrant fabrics. Rooms are designed to feel spacious, with open bathrooms and sliding doors. Choose a fizzing bath-ball from the menu and slip into the over-sized marble soaking-tub, relax in the V-Spa or sip a cocktail on the Vue sun terrace overlooking the ocean. Rates start at $305. www.hotelvictorsouthbeach.com The Standard. The old 1960’s Lido Spa hotel has been transformed by André Balazs into The Standard. On the perfect, quiet Belle Isle, away from the hustle and busy of South Beach life yet just a 15 minute walk to Lincoln Road, this spa hotel is tastefully decorated with terrazzo floors, white marble walls and a collection of vintage Danish furniture. The rooms are cool and simple, white with pale wood furniture, organic products, some with private outdoor soaking tubs. Other amenities such as yoga lawns, waterfall hot tub, sound pool and arctic plunge are available outside next to the bay. Average room rate is $210. www.standardhotel.com Eating Francesco. This popular Peruvian restaurant has won many accolades. The staff are as charming as the restaurant’s small and intimate setting. It’s ceviche menu is mouthwatering – the three sauce sampler (mild aji amarillo sauce, spicy rocoto sauce, or traditional Peruvian style) – is highly recommended. Another favorite is the parihuela de mariscos – a Peruvian seafood bouillabaisse base on a mild mix of tomato, red peppers and white wine. (325 Alcazar Ave. Coral Gables, Tel: 1 305 446 1600). Vix. Chef James Wierzelewski produces a mix of east meets west with delicate flavors and rich spices to awaken your senses. A DJ adds the ambience at this perfect dining spot in the Victor Hotel. Top-notch food at top-notch prices, but the Japanese black cod or the three-curry sampler is worth every penny. Ask for the table in front of the jellyfish tank. (1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Tel: 1 305 428 1234). Sardinia. A new hit in town, this busy restaurant has been non-stop since opening in Autumn 2006. Hardly surprising really when you try the food, which is simple, traditional and hearty. The tastiest of brussel sprouts (yes, really) served with the lightly fried sweetbreads is a favorite and the meatballs with asparagus are divine. For something meatier, try the suckling pig or the baby lamb stew. (1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, Tel: 1 305 531 2228). Prime One Twelve. This self-consciously fashionable steakhouse is one of a few restaurants that reside in the SoFi (“South of 5th”) area of South Beach. Prime steaks are cooked to perfection with a choice of sauces or foie gras, gorgonzola, garlic and herb and truffle butters. The burgers are made with the finest Kobe beef. Make sure you have room for the warm dulce de leche bread pudding with vanilla ice cream. (112 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Tel: 1 305 532 8112). Drinking
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Miami is saved from provinciality by its role as Latin America’s “other capital”. A short drive from the business centers of Coral Gables and Brickell and you are at the world-renowned, sometimes world-class, attractions of South Beach.