A Guide to South Beach Miami - Florida Vacations

As Canadians we think of Florida as a place to seeDeNiro, sit outside), Escopazzo on Washington Ave.
some sun, tee-up and say hi to Mickey & Minnie.(organic Italian, food exquisite, atmosphere not as
Minus Disney, Miami has all that and then some. It ismuch), The Setai restaurant (expensive but a real
vibrant, dynamic, multi-cultural and in general a fabuloustreat) & La Marea at The Tides (the service is
place to spend a couple of days.outstanding, the food excellent). If you are in Bal
If you are thinking of going, here are my suggestions:Harbour, have lunch at Carpaccio and watch as the
STAY at The Tides on Ocean Drive. The rooms arebling/botox brigade passes bye.
large and all have and oceanview, the service isWALK north on the Boardwalk and back down on the
second to none, the food at La Marea is a hit andsoft sands of South Beach. Most of the hotels have a
people-watching on the terrace is an experience untobar/lounge that backs onto the boardwalk. Stop for a
itself. Look out for snake charmers, rollerblading beachdrink at the Pool Bar of The Setai and have a South
babes and other wonderful eccentrics. Other optionsBeach Iced Tea. Walk West on 11th from Ocean Drive
include:into the Deco District for an amazing reminder of the
* The Setai - very expensive but gorgeous.booming 30's in Miami.
* The Delano - you feel cool walking in, the pool area isEXPLORE Miami as there is more to it than South
where to spend a day, location fabulous.Beach:
* The National or The Sagamore - next to the Delano,* The Design District - home to galleries, boutiques,
they are both great options on Collins.restaurants and more. Not quite on the radar yet, but
* The Shore Club - beautiful lobby with a very relaxingthe residents of the District like it that way. Don't miss
garden & pool area. Restaurants include thethe new Marni store, Maramekko and Thomas Maier.
uber-cool Nobu.* Casa Casuarina - Estate of Versace on Ocean
* The Mondrian - on Biscayne Bay, the Morgan'sDrive offering daily tours and a restaurant. The News
Group has come up with a real winner. Very slick,Cafe is just down the road where he had his last
overlooks the Bay and views of downtown Miami.coffee.
* The Gansevoort - great views from the rooftop bar,* Madeleine's Vintage - way up on Biscayne
very large rooms, the hype is a bit misplaced.Boulevard, incredible vintage clothing for women.
* The Betsy - renovated marvel on Ocean Drive, will* The shops of Bal Harbour - across the bridge from
be a winner with a fantastic address.Madeleine's, all the big boys are here and the people
EAT at Michy's in North Miami (ask for patio seating),watching is quite something.
AGO at The Shore Club (great Italian, owned by