Luxury Miami hotels, designer shopping, exclusive golf courses and five-star spas -- use this guide to indulge in the finer things in life on your Miami holiday.There’s room for indulgence at the Mandarin Oriental’s award- winning 15,000-square-foot spa. Try the relaxing algae and mud Ocean and Earth Body Wrap or an outdoor massage in the Oasis Beach Club’s private cabanas. The VIP suites have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the waterfront.
Brickell Key Drive, Miami, Florida 33131
Shop for glittering jewels in De Beers, high fashion in Fendi and fancy footwear in Jimmy Choo at the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops in northern Miami Beach. Lunch on spicy snapper fish in the elegant Carpaccio restaurant or enjoy French pastries in Lea's Tea Room &Bistro.
Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Take a boat tour for a waterside close-up of Miami’s palatial properties strung along Millionaire's Row on Miami Beach. Residents include Gloria Estefan and Julio Iglesias and Al Capone’s former home, where Scarface was filmed, is also here. Sail past exclusive Brickell Key and Fisher Island and watch luxury cruisers leaving the Port of Miami.
Live like a local and drive along Ocean Drive in your own luxury set of wheels. Hire anything from a convertible Porsche to a quirky Mini Cooper from Miami’s luxury rental car companies and drive out to the wealthy suburbs of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
Perfect your swing at the Miami Beach Golf Course, designed by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills. At the venerable Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, tee off at the 6,800-yard, 18-hole, par-71 championship golf course.
Live the Vegas life in Miami with a luxury casino cruise from the port of Miami. On board, feast on the complimentary buffet and cocktails while the ship clears US waters. When the gaming floor opens, put on your best poker face or get lucky at the roulette wheel.
Five-star luxury in intimate surroundings is what Miami does best. Have a drink in the wood-paneled bar at South Beach stalwart, the Raleigh Hotel. Or try the Popsicle martini at The Tides hotel’s Martini Bar. While you’re there, sneak a peek at the 50-foot pool and rooftop patio.
Hire a boat from Bayside Marina, Coconut Grove or Miami Beach Marina and explore the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay. Sail past the state park on Elliott Key and Boca Chica’s national park. Stay on board for sunset and soak up the sky’s ever-changing colors against Miami’s skyline.
Buy classic, contemporary and modern masterpieces in the Design and Wynwood districts, north of downtown. On the second Saturday of each month, galleries open late with music and cocktails on the Wynwood Art Walk. For Latin American art, SW 8th Street is home to collections like the quirky colorful Unzueta Gallery.
Buttered scones, finger sandwiches and English tea are why locals and tourists flock to the opulent Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Enjoy an afternoon in the ornate lobby to the soft sounds of a classical guitarist. Book in advance if possible.
Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, Miami, FL 33134
