After so many European escapades, it was refreshing to discover a new city on the other side of the world.
Miami is a cultural city known as the “Captial of Latin America” with the largest Cuban-American community. The city is famous for its amazing colourful Art Deco architecture where you won’t miss the bright yellow, pink, blue and purple walls. Sadly, it is also famous for the late Versace, whose home still stands on Collins Avenue.
The temperature averages between 25 – 30 degrees in September. No doubt you will return home with a suntan!
Flight
Flew from New York to Miami on 11th September 2011, can not say I was too happy with flying that day but United Airlines was great. Plus I already felt comfortable flying with them from my Sydney to New York leg.
Accommodation
Fountainbleau Hotel – Chic, iconic hotel built in 1954, featuring modern rooms, trendy bars/clubs, dining & an impressive day spa. I love this hotel on Miami Beach away from the riff-raff downtown.
Hoping the hotel has since hired more staff as the check-in process was extremely slow.
The Ocean View Guestrooms are spacious and comfortable with a great view of both the pool and ocean. If you’re feeling flashy, why not book a balcony room.
https://www.fontainebleau.com/
Dining in Fontainebleau
Hakkasan Restaurant – Amazing service and delicious modern Cantonese cuisine located upstairs in the Fontainbleau Hotel. I thoroughly enjoy the Dim Sum, a nightly offer.
Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday 6 pm – 11 pm, Friday & Saturday 6 pm – 12 am and Dim Sum Lunch Saturday & Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm
https://fontainebleau.com/dining/hakkasan/miami-beach-chinese-restaurants
Gotham Steak – Now closed, this steakhouse was located on the lobby level with enchanting chandeliers beautifully lit. I had the wild mushroom risotto with black truffle butter and gruyere. One can not go wrong with risotto in a fine dining restaurant.
Bars
Bleau Bar – Located in the Fontainbleau lobby, this spacious dance floor had house beats. Tables can be reserved around the pool, Miami Beach bar, center tables and Lobby Tables. Danced here briefly before heading downtown.
Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 12 am and Friday & Saturday 10 am – 2 am
https://fontainebleau.com/nightlife/bars/miami-beach-hotel-bars
Fontainbleau Pool
Fontainebleau offers 11 pool experiences surrounded by full-service cabanas and amazing views of the hotel and the beach. Renowned for when James Bond and Goldfinger sat by the water’s edge for a heated game of gin rummy.
Pool Operation Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Beach Hours Sunrise to 6 PM and
Arkadia Adult Pool Friday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm
https://fontainebleau.com/activities/miami-pool-beach
Nightlife
LIV – Known as one of the best night clubs in Miami, I loved my evening spent here. The music ranges from house, hip-hop and rock. My piece of luck Laidback Luke was playing! The club offers VIP table service with the fifty couch areas and six private skyboxes.
An admission fee and dress code apply.
Hours of operation: Wednesday – Sunday 11 pm – 5am and Mon – Tues Closed
My after dark memories have slipped away into the night but there are many other great venues to check out: –
Nikki Beach Miami –http://www.nikkibeach.com/destinations/beach-clubs/miami-beach/
Eden ROC –https://www.edenrochotelmiami.com/
Delanos –https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/delano/delano-south-beach/eat-drink/rose-bar
Day Spa
Lapis – Located in Fontainebleau, this has to be the best spa service and hair salon I have ever experienced. The Vichy shower was amazing. Ensure you book to avoid disappointment. Hours of operation: Sunday – Friday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm and Saturday 9:30 am – 7:30 am.
https://fontainebleau.com/spa/services/miami-beach-spa-services
Shopping
Not much time for shopping in Miami but did purchase a couple of items along Collins street.
Dash – Unfortunately, it closed in 2018, I loved this Kardashian store. I walked away with a gorgeous purple and white kaftan that I still wear every time I holiday.
Tour
Not sure taking a professional tour around Miami is necessary on land and water, to be frank, was kind of boring. My suggestion do a big bus tour instead where you can hop on and off at your choice.
Unfortunately, I do not have details on the tour booked but the places visited were Little Havana Cigar Factory, Versaces Home, Downtown Miami, Collins Avenue, Miami Marina, Art Deco area, Old City Hall, South Beach, Lummus Park South Beach and a boat ride along the MacArthur Causeway now Venetian Causeway where you pass exclusive celebrity homes as seen in my pictures below.
https://www.littlehavanacigarstore.com/
Thoroughly, enjoyed my 3 nights in Miami and maybe too much that most of it is blurred. I promise to have a lot more information and photos to share on my return visit. Til next time!
christinetravels 