Iggy Pop once said, "Miami's not anybody's poor cousin. It's an aspiration to live in this town," and he wasn’t wrong. The city has long been the domain of Hollywood royalty, where silver-screen legends and rockstars have left their indelible imprint. From Elizabeth Taylor’s lavish stays to Frank Sinatra’s late-night soirees, Miami thrives on a legacy of excess, reinvention, and style. The city attracts not only the rich, the fabulous, and snowbirds escaping the cold, but also friend groups and families seeking sun and glamour.
This time, we wanted to look beyond the vibrant veneer to uncover a luxury Miami known only to locals and hidden from most tourists.
Preparing for MIA
Whether you're in Miami for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, MONOS luggage is our go to. Their suitcases and accessory line effortlessly matches the city's vibrant, fast-paced energy with sleek, functional elegance. We chose the refined saddle tan Metro Backpack and matching Laptop Sleeve, to transport our tech devices. Their minimalist design and durable craftsmanship perfectly suited Miami's dynamic vibe. These pieces are the ideal balance of style and practicality, effortlessly transitioning from work meetings to beachside escapes.
For our two-week visit, the Hybrid Check-In Large and Hybrid Carry-On provided ample storage without sacrificing style, their smooth wheels and ergonomic handles make them a breeze to navigate through Miami's bustling airports and trendy hotspots. For strolling in style and turning heads, the Metro Weekender bag is the ultimate companion. Not only is it effortlessly chic, but it also offers impressive capacity—we even fit our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel inside, and he gave it his own seal of approval. With its premium craftsmanship and sleek silhouette, MONOS luggage perfectly blends fashion and function, capturing the essence of Miami’s sun-soaked sophistication.With its premium quality and modern silhouette, their luggage is as fashionable as it is functional, embodying the city's sun-soaked sophistication.
Explore our picks:
How to Get There
For those flying in from London and the UK, Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main gateway, with daily direct flights from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines.
We always choose Blacklane chauffeur to beat the London traffic in executive style.
After clearing security, why settle for the ordinary when you can immerse yourself in the world of refined luxury at London Heathrow’s No1 Lounge in Terminal 3? With the impending opening of the new My Lounge, travellers now have even more options to elevate their pre-flight experience to something truly exceptional.
If you’re after a seamless, champagne-fuelled arrival, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class ensures a refined, transatlantic experience—because long-haul should feel like an extension of the destination itself. And if you’re feeling particularly Hollywood, take a cue from Marilyn Monroe, who adored the romance of air travel, and book a window seat. After all, nothing quite compares to that first glimpse of Miami’s pastel skyline breaking through the clouds.
Where to Stay
Poised between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades, Miami offers an abundance of places to stay and explore. More than just a destination, it’s a state of mind. Art Deco façades frame ocean-kissed avenues, neon lights and swaying palms set the scene for adventure from South Beach to further afield. Whether you're drawn to jet-set glamour, an avant-garde art scene, or a culinary landscape blending Latin, European, and Asian influences, Miami demands to be experienced in full colour.
Hotel Croydon – Bleisure Chic
For those who mix business with pleasure, Hotel Croydon is a polished yet laid-back base. The boutique stay channels understated Miami glamour, with sleek interiors and a pool at the heart of the property, perfect for an early swim or an evening aperitif in their garden restaurant (The Tavern) overlooking bustling Collins Avenue. Think of it as a stylish retreat with just the right amount of artistic nostalgia.
For more information visit HERE
Mr. C Miami | Coconut Grove – European Elegance Meets Miami Cool
If old-world charm with a touch of cinematic drama speaks to you, Mr. C Miami in Coconut Grove is the perfect retreat. Inspired by the Bellini-loving Cipriani legacy, the hotel blends European sophistication with effortless Miami cool. Coconut Grove transports you to a bygone era, full of character and a relaxed energy—far from the bustle of South Beach. It’s the kind of place where one could imagine Grace Kelly escaping the spotlight, indulging in a sunset spritz on a private balcony.
For more information visit HERE
EAST Miami – The Urban Aesthetic
A favourite among the tech and creatively inclined, EAST Miami is a high-design haven in the heart of Brickell. Towering over the city, it’s where sleek minimalism meets rooftop revelry, with panoramic views that could rival a Michael Mann film set. If you’re in the mood for a more metropolitan Miami moment, this is it.
For more information visit HERE
Eden Roc Miami Beach – Group Getaways with a Social Pulse
Eden Roc isn’t just a hotel—it’s an institution. A legendary haunt of Hollywood royalty, this oceanfront retreat has evolved into one of Miami’s most dynamic spots for group getaways, blending retro glamour with a buzzing social scene. From Hungry Post’s Saturday pool parties (where the rosé flows as freely as the DJ sets) to Astronomy Night, where stargazing meets beachfront cocktails, there’s always something happening. For those seeking something a little more unconventional, Pet Yoga invites both humans and their furry companions for a stretch session with an ocean breeze. Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends, a birthday escape, or just want to be at the centre of the action, Eden Roc delivers Miami’s iconic luxe-with-a-twist energy.
For more information visit HERE
Whispers of a Rosewood Opening Soon
Miami is on the brink of welcoming a new chapter in its luxury hotel scene, with Rosewood The Raleigh set to make an entrance. The hotel closed in 2017 and is set to reopen later this year. If their properties in London and Paris are anything to go by, expect discreet, tailored luxury with a touch of old-money mystique.
For more information visit HERE
Where to Dine?
COTE Miami – Michelin-Starred Drama
Part sleek steakhouse, part K-pop fever dream, COTE Miami is where New York energy collides with Miami’s penchant for theatrical dining. With tableside grilling and a Michelin star under its belt, this is a power-dining experience with edge. Imagine if James Dean and Anna May Wong had a dinner date in 2025—this is where they’d go.
For more information visit HERE
Gianni’s at the Villa – The Versace Legacy
To dine at Gianni’s is to step into a time capsule of high fashion and untamed extravagance. Once the home of Gianni Versace, the restaurant still drips with the late designer’s signature maximalism—mosaic pools, Medusa motifs, and the kind of excess that feels deliciously forbidden. Expect fresh seafood, rich Italian flavours, and a setting that whispers of candlelit soirées once attended by Madonna, Elton John, and Princess Diana.
For more information visit HERE
Serena at Moxy South Beach Miami – Rooftop Romance
Perched above the stylishly laid-back Moxy hotel, Serena is a sun-drenched, open-air escape that channels the effortless charm of Tulum. It’s the perfect spot for a late brunch or a golden-hour cocktail, best paired with a linen slip dress and the kind of oversized sunglasses that feel vaguely Elizabeth Taylor.
For more information visit HERE
Things to Do
Bike Rides Along the Beachfront
Cruising down Ocean Drive on a vintage-inspired bike is practically a rite of passage. Channel the ease of a ‘60s film star—Audrey Hepburn on two wheels—while passing pastel-hued lifeguard towers and art-deco landmarks.
Wynwood – A Nightlife and Street Art Wonderland
Wynwood is Miami’s creative heartbeat, where graffiti-drenched walls meet an electric nightlife scene. Here, art and culture collide in a way that feels refreshingly raw—think Studio 54 meets Basquiat’s SAMO era, with tequila-fuelled dance floors and murals that tell a story.
At the heart of it all is Wynwood Walls, an open-air museum featuring some of the world’s most influential street artists. Legends like VHILS, known for his chiselled, layered portraits, and Blek Le Rat, often called the godfather of stencil graffiti, have left their mark.
Wynwood - Photo's by Jheanelle Feanny
Now, our latest obsession—Simon Berger—adds to the ever-evolving masterpiece, proving that Wynwood is more than a district; it’s a canvas in constant motion. Berger’s work is particularly mesmerising—he crafts striking portraits and abstract visuals by hammering safety glass, creating fragmented, layered perspectives. The magic? His art looks entirely different when captured on a phone or camera versus seeing it with the naked eye, offering a mind-bending play on perception.
By day, Wynwood is a living gallery, brimming with boundary-pushing creativity. By night, it morphs into an unfiltered party scene, where hip-hop, reggaeton, and house beats spill onto the streets, and the cocktails are as bold as the murals themselves. Whether you're here to marvel at the artistry or lose yourself in the neon-lit revelry, Wynwood delivers Miami in its most unrestrained form.
Design District – Where Fashion and Art Collide
Home to high fashion flagships and avant-garde galleries, the Design District is where art and style merge seamlessly. Whether it’s window shopping at Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, admiring contemporary sculptures, or indulging in a cult facial, this is where Miami’s chicest set comes to play.
For more information visit HERE
Dr. Barbara Sturm Facial – The A-List Glow
In need of a bespoke facial after exploring the city? A visit to Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Miami outpost in the Design District is practically an A-list rite of passage. Famed for her ‘vampire facial,’ science-led skincare, and signature anti-inflammatory treatments, Sturm has long been the secret behind Hollywood’s most luminous complexions. If it’s good enough for Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, it’s certainly good enough for us.
For more information visit HERE
Beyond Miami – Exploring Florida’s Hidden Gems
While Miami is the beating heart of glamour and energy, just beyond the city lies a world of adventure, old-money elegance, and untamed beauty. Whether you crave nature, history, or a laid-back island escape, these destinations offer a deeper look at Florida’s many personalities.
Clewiston – Fishing, Wildlife & Small-Town Charm
For those seeking something offbeat, Clewiston, tucked along Lake Okeechobee and known as the “Sweetest Town in America” due to its sugarcane legacy, offers a wealth of outdoor adventures. As the ‘Bass Fishing Capital of the World,’ it’s a haven for anglers chasing trophy-sized largemouth bass, while airboat tours glide through wetlands, offering glimpses of alligators, herons, and bald eagles. For a taste of local history, the Sugarland Express Tour takes you through the region’s agricultural past. Whether fishing, exploring nature, or delving into its roots, Clewiston invites you to slow down and connect with its unspoiled beauty.
For more information visit HERE
Plantation – Golf, Everglades & Vintage Florida
Just west of Fort Lauderdale, Plantation is a lesser-known suburban gem that blends Old Florida charm with lush green spaces. With tree-lined streets, sprawling parks, and easy access to the Everglades, it offers a refreshing contrast to Miami’s high-octane energy. Tee off at Jacaranda Golf Club, or take a kayak trip through the Everglades, where mangrove tunnels and sawgrass prairies provide an immersive wildlife experience. The town’s retro diners, historic streets, and serene spots like Plantation Heritage Park, framed by cypress trees, and walking peacocks, evoke a sense of nostalgia, offering a quieter side of South Florida. Whether you’re drawn to its historic roots or laid-back pace, Plantation feels like a well-kept secret, a peaceful escape from the modern world.
For more information visit HERE
Palm Beach – A World of Timeless Luxury
For a dose of Gatsby-era glamour, Palm Beach is Florida’s most refined escape. Stroll down Worth Avenue, a high-fashion haven akin to Rodeo Drive, or soak in the opulence of The Breakers, a grand waterfront resort that has hosted royalty and Hollywood elite. The Flagler Museum, housed in a 75-room Gilded Age mansion, reveals the extravagant history of America’s elite, while the Norton Museum of Art adds a contemporary touch with its world-class collection. It’s where old money meets new luxury, all with a pristine oceanfront backdrop.
For more information visit HERE
The Keys – Hemingway’s Hideaway
No trip to Miami is complete without a jaunt to the Florida Keys. Once the stomping ground of Ernest Hemingway and Hollywood’s golden-era elite, the islands exude a kind of carefree glamour. Picture Bogart and Bacall sailing through cerulean waters, with a mojito in hand and not a care in the world. A drive down the Overseas Highway is pure wanderlust, linking a string of sun-soaked islands where time slows and the margaritas flow.
Key Largo – A diver’s paradise, home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park with shipwreck dives and glass-bottom boat tours.
Islamorada – The sportfishing capital of the world, where deep-sea charters reel in tarpon and marlin.
Key West – A bohemian haven with Hemingway’s six-toed cats, legendary Duval Street bars, and Mallory Square’s nightly sunset celebrations.
For more information visit HERE
Coconut Grove & Coral Gables – Miami’s Historic Soul
While Miami’s skyline screams modernity, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables whisper of a different era.
Coconut Grove – The city’s oldest neighbourhood, a lush, bohemian escape with banyan-shaded streets, indie cafés, and waterfront views. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a palatial Italianate estate, offers a glimpse into Miami’s aristocratic past.
Coral Gables – A vision of Mediterranean Revival architecture, from the Biltmore Hotel (a Gatsby-esque landmark) to the Venetian Pool, an exquisite 1920s swimming grotto carved from coral rock.
For more information visit HERE
Final Thoughts – Miami & Beyond
Miami may be the playground of the rich and famous, but Florida is far more than just Art Deco hotels and neon-lit beaches. From the alligator-filled marshes of Clewiston to the sun-drenched elegance of Palm Beach, these side trips offer a chance to see a different side of the Sunshine State—one that’s filled with adventure, history, and a touch of old-school glamour.
In a city where the past and present dance in dazzling harmony, Miami offers a timeless blend of luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences, ensuring that every visit leaves a lasting imprint on the soul.
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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