Sun-loving culture buffs often think they have to choose one over the other when it comes to holiday destinations. Get the best of both worlds in Miami, Florida, where sweeps of sand, the beautiful party people and a burgeoning contemporary art and design scene exist side by side.
Sleep: For a touch of old-world glam, book one of the 45 suites at Ocean Drive boutique hotel King & Grove Tides. Its prime location is drawcard enough, but add in sea views from every room, tactile gold interiors, personal assistants and a chichi pool surrounded by beachy cabanas and it’s a Miami must.
Shop: Options abound for retail therapy. Innovative galleries stand alongside designer boutiques and cool restaurants and bars at Miami Design District. Lincoln Road in South Beach is a pedestrian zone with various high-street names and indie stores.
Snack: Don’t miss Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana. Opened in 1971, it’s been serving the likes of plantain pie, vaca frita de pollo (chicken and onions with white rice and sweet plantains) and lobster in creole sauce to locals, tourists and the exiled Cuban community ever since.
See: Beyond the beach, Miami has a world-leading arts scene. Head to Bass Museum of Art on Park Avenue, which explores the connections between its historical collections and contemporary art, or the Rubell Family Collection on NW 29th Street, which boasts modern art, artist lectures and community events.
Stroll: It’s the heart of Miami’s party district, but during the day take a wander along South Beach (or SoBe, as it’s known locally) to soak up the famous candy-coloured art deco beachfront and the glamazons on the equally stunning stretch of sand.
Spa: Even in a city that takes its well-being credentials very seriously indeed, the variety of treatments available at the spa at boutique hotel The Standard Miami is mind-boggling. Hammam rituals, holistic baths and detox cleanse massages, a sound shower, Roman waterfall hot tub and Vinyasa flow yoga are all on the menu.
Savour: Get a taste of New York at The Betsy South Beach boutique hotel outpost of BLT Steak. The casually elegant 100-seater is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner when the ribeye, Dover sole and tuna tartare are big hits.
Sip: Over at The James Royal Palm hotel on South Beach there are four tippling options. Our choice, especially during the day, is tropical cocktails at the poolside bar. If you’re staying here, make sure you head to the intimate South Shore, a Cuban-style guests-only retreat complete with rum curator.
To book any of Mr & Mrs Smith’s stylish boutique hotels visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 1300 896 627. Smith guests enjoy exclusive extras at all stays.