Destination - Miami

BOTTOMS UP DESTINATION

MIAMI

By Thom Meintel of TravelSquire. Contributions by Tommy Merolla and Felicia Foster. For more travel tips go to travelsquire.com

Famous for its pristine beaches and glamorous nightlife, Miami’s star hasn’t lost any lustre, lately; in fact it’s brighter than ever. Once equated with crime and retirement, the city is poised to reach the apex of a lengthy renaissance which began in the late nineties thanks to a planned $3 billion resort & casino complex. South Beach, the jewel in Miami’s crown, is a destination in its own right, even after the untimely demise of its long time father figure, Gianni Versace, threatened to darken its shores. Still attracting camera laden tourists by the thousands, Casa Casuarina, sits oceanfront and center along well trodden Deco Drive which today is reminiscent of Boardwalk, USA, regardless of its stunning mid-century hotels decked out in pastels and the fancy shmancy beach restaurants, one unrecognizable from the other. True, these days, well-heeled tourists have chosen to move northward to Mid-Beach and to Collins Avenue’s famous Golden Mile while further afield in Wynwood and downtown, both once gritty slums, a trendier scene has emerged. Yes, Miami has shaken off its mourning weeds and is once again forever in a party mood so bring your sexiest duds and buckets of cash. Just remember this is a beach town and as I was once reminded, ‘it’s a sunny place full of shady people.”

STAY

W South Beach – with super-sized rooms and a balcony on every one, you just may not want to leave. You know what? You don’t have to. You’ll be “wowed” regardless. wsouthbeach.com The National – it doesn’t hurt to hole up at a glorious South Beach landmark especially when it comes to late night drinks in your 3 level penthouse suite. Take a dip in the 205 foot infinity pool after. nationalhotel.com The Raleigh – a recent facelift to the glamorous lobby and garden cafe have made the famous black outlined pool even more spectacular. Esther Williams swam here so you know it’s gotta be good. raleighhotel.com The Tides – the grande dame of Deco Drive is serene, sexy and exclusive. Kick back with a bloody in one of the 2 cabanas poolside, then hit the adjacent Palace Bar later for some action. tidessouthbeach.com The Clinton – off the strip but not off the map, this boutique hotel will make you feel like a local and not break the bank. clintonsouthbeach.com

1500 Degrees – it’s worth it just to see the Eden Roc Hotel’s lobby but you’ll be rewarded with stellar cuisine if you continue to the restaurant where farm to table just got more delicious. 1500degreesmiami.com Cvi.Che 105 – how many ways can you make ceviche, you ask? Don’t ask Juan or Luis or you’ll be here all night. Once you’ve had a few of their Piscojitos, you won’t be able to move anyway. ceviche105.com Quattro - like good Italian? You’ll get it here. Practically a culinary temple on Lincoln Road, South Beach’s dazzling pedestrian thoroughfare. quattromiami.co Red – cool, dark and secretive and the steak’s to die for - enuf’ said. redthesteakhouse.com Chow Down – missing your favorite Chinese restaurant? This place does it better and is South Beach’s best kept secret especially since it serves until 5 am. chowdowngrill.com Joey’s – there’s nothing like a visit to art-infused Wynwood where, surprise, you can eat some real Italian food after all that gallery hopping. joeyswynwood.com Piola – does anyone tire of fresh, thin crust brick oven pizza? With 56 variations, go with someone who can make a decision. I wish they had a caipirinha pizza. piola.it Club 50 – ah, that view (from the 50th floor, not down that plunging neckline). viceryohotelsandresorts.com Liv – a fusion of ultra exclusive lounge and high energy nightclub. You know what they say. Two is better than one. fontainebleau.com Space – craving an all night dance party with an international dj spinning? Hunt no more. clubspace.com Bardot – a hot hub for live indie music and your nightlife home away from home. You’ll be depressed if you wear a watch. bardotmiami.com Plunge Bar – there’s nothing like a round or two by a rooftop pool to stimulate your secret fantasies. Did I say less is more in terms of dress code? gansevoortmiamibeach.com

DRINK

Ricochet Lounge – it’s about time you experienced the cultural evolution of Miami nightlife. An artsy Midtown lounge where it’s all about the curated drink coasters. ricochetlounge.com Cecconi’s – it’s nice to crash a private party, right? If you don’t have a Soho House membership, then this is the next best thing. cecconismiamibeach.com Florida Room – hang with the cool crowd in Philippe Starck’s wonderland of a hotel complete with a Lucite grand piano. Hint: wear that transparent number. delano-hotel.com Senora Martinez – Michelle Bernstein knows a thing or two about hospitality and her cocktails are known to spark conversation. Settle back with one of her Brazilian Ballerinas, then take off the shades, slowly, of course. sramartinez.com Free Spirits – chill in this friendly dive with an old world beach vibe and lots of “free spirits” to connect with. Over 30 bottled beers and well drinks starting at $4.75! Hit the pool table after a few of Anna’s mojitos. 100 21st Street in South Beach. Smith & Wollensky – I know, this is a steak joint, but where else can you sip a sunset cocktail and watch the cruise ships heading out to sea? Don’t be disappointed when you see everyone else had the same idea as you. Wave! smithandwollensky.com

SEE & DO

Bass Museum – with all the partying, you’ll crave a moment of solace. This is the place and you can catch 40 winks in their park-like setting afterward. bassmuseum.org Lincoln Road – it’s Miami, you gotta walk the walk (if you can’t find it, you shouldn’t be in South Beach). Note to self: buy Prada sunglasses. Nikki Beach – if you simply must have a cabana and don’t want to ruin your Gucci sandals. nikkibeachmiami.com The Standard Spa – just wanna massage? Are you kidding, spend the afternoon! standardhotels.com South Point – few vistas match this one at the end of South Beach. Grab a bike from the city’s rental racks and pedal the entire trail north along the ocean. Do it 3X and you can skip the gym.

Jackie Gleason Theater (now Fillmore East) –

remember when you first heard about Art Deco South Beach? Jackie was there first but now he’s got a Lichtenstein on the lawn. Great shows. Key Biscayne Kayaking - what, you’ve never been in a kayak? It’s Miami. Get wet! Go for the sunset adventure. Google: Eco Adventures, Miami Dade Parks