Party in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach ’til the break of dawn – in the words of Will Smith, welcome to Miami. Akash Arora discovers there’s so much more to this US city than beaches and bronzed babes, thanks to hot Latin flavours and iconic Art Deco design.
10am: Welcome to Miami
In Miami, few locals get up early. So it‘s no wonder the best brekkie venue in town, The Front Porch Cafe (1458 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach), serves it until 6pm. Go the granola pancakes with lashings of honey and a side of potatoes – hearty to a T and the perfect antidote to shenanigans the night before.
12pm: Take a tour
The Colony Hotel (pictured – 736 Ocean Dr,
Miami Beach) is iconic in the Art Deco Historic District and makes a great starting point to explore the area. Or taste local specialities, including Floribbean ceviche, on a South Beach Food Tour (miamiculinarytours.com).
2pm: Lunch date
When it’s time for lunch, head to Bianca at Delano South Beach hotel (1685 Collins Ave, South Beach), where you can also soak up a side of Art Deco grandeur. Chef Jason Bamford serves succulent king salmon atop farro risotto and more. Frenchie‘s Diner (2618 Galiano St, Coral Gables) has Miami’s best croque monsieur for something more casual.
4pm: Cuba bound
Burn off those calories in Little Havana. Walking through its main drag, Calle Ocho, is a great way to take in classic Miami, complete with Cuban music blaring out of Latin record stores. There are a few excellent places to refuel, too, including Azucar Ice Cream Company (1503 SW 8th St, Miami) with its Cuban-inspired ice cream flavours.
7pm: Drinks galore
For a sundowner with killer views of Miami, you can’t beat the alfresco bar at Area 31 (270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami) on the 16th floor of Downtown’s Epic Hotel. Or, head to The Broken Shaker (2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach) located within cool Freehand hotel-hostel and renowned for its herb-infused cocktails and beautiful backyard.
9pm: Japanese story
If you only splurge once in Miami, do it at Zuma restaurant (270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami). Our tip? Forego the a la carte menu for chef Rainer Becker‘s ‘signature’ selection – 12 courses from soft shell crab with wasabi mayo to prawns with yuzu pepper.
12am: Putting on the ritz
Check into The Ritz-Carlton South Beach (1 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach), where many rooms feature private balconies and sweeping city or ocean views. There are a number of eateries, too, but our favourite is the palm-fringed poolside DiLido Beach Club for its sea vista and crowd-pleasing menu.
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