Things to do / Travel Guide
If you are in need of some upscale living, southern Florida is a playground worthy of consideration. Close both geographically and culturally to Latin America and the Caribbean, this region attracts diverse groups of visitors year-round. Miami Beach is synonymous with glamour and sets the tone for the region. South Beach defines chic for much of the country. Key West, while certainly laid-back, is a hotbed of activity for those seeking an alternative lifestyle. The region as a whole offers great potential for a luxury vacation encompassing sun, sea, and sand.
Luxury Accommodations around Miami and Key West, Florida
To get off on the right foot, any luxury stay in this region should begin with top-notch lodging. There is no shortage in southern Florida, but there are a few establishments that stand out.
The Astor is a luxury boutique hotel on Miami's stylish and trendy South Beach. Posh and pampering, this property is a great place to stay in style. The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove is the classic standard in luxury lodging. Outstanding amenities and a staff trained to cater to every whim makes this one a “can't miss.” Another classic is The Breakers in Palm Beach. This grand lady sports 140 acres of breathtaking oceanfront resort, and just completed a recent $225 million renovation. The Bentley Beach Hotel is located on Miami's fashionable South Beach, and has earned its marks as a very sophisticated choice in luxury.
Little Palm Island Resort and Spa offers a very upscale and private lodging experience and is featured on many “best of” lists. A few minutes down U.S. Highway 1 at Key West, Sunset Key Guest Cottages, the Marquesa Hotel, and Ocean Key are resorts that make a stay in Key West even more special. In Naples, on the Gulf Coast, there are a number of fine resorts with the Ritz-Carlton leading the pack.
Luxury Dining around Miami and Key West, Florida
Another factor in experiencing luxury in southern Florida is the outstanding array of fine dining options. Azul, located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami, is an outstanding choice. Fresh seafood creations and more in a dramatic oceanfront setting make it a meal to remember. Another great choice is Eduardo de San Angel in Fort Lauderdale. This is the place for gourmet Mexican cuisine, taking full advantage of the cultural variety in this region. For French cuisine, we suggest Pascal's On Ponce in Coral Gables. The menu is a tribute to French classic dishes and the décor is tre chic!
Luxury Activities around Miami and Key West, Florida
These hotels are certainly posh and take excellent care of their guests, but most have one other element in common: they have plenty of things nearby to enjoy, such as beaches galore, great shopping options, golf, and many other activity choices. It's these extras that really make a luxury getaway memorable. If you're looking for a special place to air out your golf game, there aren't many courses that compare to Doral (blue course). Also, the PGA Resort course is obviously top-notch. Tee times can be tough to get, so book early!
After you dine, you'll probably want to hit the town for some fun, luxury style. Maybe rent a specialty car for fun to tool around in. The only decision left is where to go. Might we suggest an evening of cool jazz at the Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club at the Deauville Beach Resort, a landmark of Mimo architecture, located on Miami Beach. Or perhaps you care to try Ellington's, on Sanibel Island. For something a bit more up-tempo, go for the Jazziz Bistro at the Seminole Paradise, in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Shopping is a great way to enjoy the luxury lifestyle in the region. There are a good variety of high-end and specialty shops to choose from. Here are a few suggestions to get the old credit card warmed up: Weston Town Center (in Weston) offers a good selection of one-of-a-kind boutiques, Las Olas Riverfront, in Fort Lauderdale, offers 260,000 sq. feet of shopping pleasure, and the Galleria Mall (also Fort Lauderdale) offers Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macy's Dillards and the Red Door Spa.
For a little bit of romantic luxury, perhaps a nice dinner cruise would be in order. There are a number of chartered yacht services available in the southern Florida region.
In general, the southern Florida region offers a super selection of upscale options for the discerning traveler. Make the most of your time in this busy, fun and stylish region!
Luxury Vacation Ideas in Key West, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Boca Raton and Southern Florida
Luxury-Vacations
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