Miami puts on a show

A festive multicultural icon at the edge of white sandy beaches a few nautical miles from the Bahamas, Miami is renowned worldwide for its tropical setting, Art Deco architecture and pronounced taste for contemporary art. A brief stopover…

Latin-American culture is omnipresent in this capital of hedonism where sport, shopping, design and contemporary art reign supreme. Nurtured by the influence of Cuban immigrants who founded the neighbourhood of Little Havana, Miami welcomes over 250 prestigious art-galleries from all over the world each year, in December, for the greater enjoyment of thousands of visitors attending “Art Basel”, the US edition of the Swiss contemporary art fair. In March, it’s the turn of the Winter Music Conference to assemble the world’s best DJs who plunge the town into a frenzy of electronic music. The rest of the year, art flourishes everywhere in Miami : in private galleries, specialized museums (MoCA), at major concerts (Miami’s Symphony Orchestra), in areas such as the Design District and, of course, the many smart hotels at the very forefront of artistic trends.

Good addresses :

The Bazaar by José Andrés

Florida’s version of the famous Mondrian in Los Angeles, the Mondrian South Beach on the splendid waterfront of Biscayne Bay embodies the vision of star designer Marcel Wanders. A treat for all five senses, with a yacht marina reserved for hotel guests. www.morganshotelgroup.com

At the heart of the Art Deco district, the Tides South Beach proposes 45 luxury rooms and suites, all offering views of the ocean or marina. A 4-star hotel benefitting from 2 pools and direct access to its private beach. www.tidessouthbeach.com

Built in 1954, 45 metres tall, its main building in the shape of a crescent turned towards the Ocean makes it one of the best-known hotels in Miami Beach. After being treated to renovation to the tune of 1 billion dollars, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach offers a total 1,054 rooms. www.fontainebleau.com

South Beach snobbery is at a minimum at the Bazaar by José Andrés in the SLS Hotel, offering a party atmosphere and cool cuisine : a gigantic choice of sandwiches and off-the-wall dishes such as tuna garnished with “pitahaya” - or fruit of the dragon... slshotels.com

Hakkasan

A very sophisticated atmosphere and spectacular decor for the Hakkasan restaurant nestling in the Fontainebleau Hotel. Featuring a multitude of starters and dishes, this creative cuisine offers excellent value for money. hakkasan.com

Nobu

In the ultra-chic Shore Club, Nobu Miami is one of the places where one simply must be seen. Variety and succulence characterize this Japanese restaurant which has become an international reference. Hence the prices… www.noburestaurants.com