My first time visiting Miami was six years ago, during a short stopover to South America. Myself and my two friends were allowed to leave the airport for six hours, before getting a connecting flight to Bolivia – so, naturally, we hit the world-famous beach (albeit for a fleeting visit).
Now, six years on, I’m back again – just shortly after the area was named World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination. Only this time, I’m not watching the clock to get back to the airport on time.
Last year, the World Travel Awards crowned Miami beach with the winning title – so I’m on a mission to see what all the fuss is about.
Can Miami’s offering live up to some of stunning European beaches that are both cheaper and closer to the UK? And, more importantly, is it worth the 10-hour flight?
Perhaps the main takeaway is the overall destination appeal of Miami beach and how it’s so much more than just sand and sea.
A simple stroll down Ocean Drive (the road that runs parallel to the beach) and Miami’s strong Art Deco architectural roots shine through.
Stunning 1930s and 1940s hotels line the road, many of which are protected from development, as a result their original signs and fronts remain. This was a small detail that left us very confused when we first rocked up to The Gabriel Miami South Beach, when the front of the hotel read ‘Park Central Hotel’ thanks to its old-school signage.
However, after learning this historical detail from the hotel manager, it made me love Miami’s famous boulevard even more. It adds bundles of character to the area.
The main road is peppered with more of these Art Deco calling cards, such as building symmetry, window overhangs, porthole windows and neon lighting.
But Ocean Drive is filled with all kinds of characters as well.
Take a simple stroll at any time and you’ll find locals pumping iron at ‘muscle beach’ (a dedicated outdoor gym area), cyclists zooming past, runners and even a yoga class taking place on the promenade.
And, yes, the beach is pretty impressive, too.
Sprawling for nine miles in total, Miami beach is divided up into a few different parts: a more family-friendly North Beach, lively South Beach and Mid Beach – which is a mix of the two.
South Beach was the clear winner for me – with its white sand, swaying palm trees, and the pastel-colored Art Deco buildings lining the edge, it’s hard to not be mesmerised by the visual spectacle.
Dotted along the beach you’ll also find the vibrant Miami beach lifeguard towers – another signpost of the city’s visual identity. These come in various shapes and sizes, from Barbie pink to patriotic stars and stripes, and many draw inspiration from the area’s rich history.
Things to do in Miami – aside from the beach
Visit Wynwood
This district was previously described by Lifestyle Reporter Alice Giddings as ‘the arty, urban beating heart of Miami.’
She added: ‘Think a cooler, brighter combination of Camden and Shoreditch. And it was by far the highlight of my trip (apart from the pizza).
‘From a bustling food market to technicolor buildings and graffiti on the pavements, it’s an eclectic and fun neighbourhood.’
Spend an evening at Jaguar Sun
An evening of cocktails and food was well spent at Jaguar Sun – there’s a reason this spot has made it onto the World’s 50 Best Discovery list after all.
Found in Downtown’s X Miami building, there’s a cocktail for everyone at this sleek and atmospheric spot – and each is creative not just in make-up but in presentation too. My Fino Martini ($17) made with clarified passionfruit was unexpected and delicious.
Enjoy live music at Cafe La Trova
This buzzy spot, in the heart of Little Havana, comes alive with live Cuban music when evening strikes. It’s a great way to spend an evening in Miami, expect lots of dancing and be sure to book a table if you want to be near the stage.
But Miami beach is so much more than aesthetically-pleasing first impressions. Its history and culture goes so much deeper.
Not only are you constantly reminded of the area’s roots with the eye-catching buildings that surround it, but through its communities too – with neighbourhoods like Little Havana, where you can immerse yourself in Cuban culture.
In the 1960s, exiled Cubans flocked to Miami and now districts, like Little Havana, are steeped in heritage. Bars, restaurants, coffee shops and live music offer visitors a taste of this.
So, does Miami beach deserve the crown of ‘world’s leading lifestyle destination’?
My take is while Europe’s beaches definitely serve their place for summer trips, Miami beach is an unexpected winter sun winner.
With practically guaranteed sunshine, a serene beach, a fascinating history, buzzing restaurants and a lively nightlife scene, Miami beach is the perfect antidote to the UK’s hibernation months.
It does, however, come with a big caveat… it’s pretty expensive.
Nevertheless, there are ways to keep costs down on your trip, as Lifestyle Reporter Alice Giddings previously wrote about.
But if a beautiful beach, arty setting, and stunning architecture is your vibe, this spot in the Sunshine State is a no-brainer and worthy of it’s ‘leading lifestyle destination’ title in my opinion.
Where to stay:
South Beach
The Gabriel Miami South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
This hotel is in prime position on Ocean Drive and mere metres from the beach. It might be housed in a historic, protected Art Deco building, but everything inside is feels contemporary and stylish.
The decor blends mid-century modernism with quintessential Floridian style, with pastel-hues and tropical prints going side by side with classic Art Deco flourishes.
Rooms are light and bright, equipped with all the essentials and are available with either oceanfront views or terraces.
But one of the standouts of this hotel is its dreamy rooftop pool. A sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle on the boulevard below, this is the hotel’s hidden gem.
Prices start from £160 per night at Gabriel Miami South Beach
North Beach
Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau on Miami’s North Beach is – like the area itself – dripping in history.
This hotel has hosted every single US President since Eisenhower (that’s 13 in total), and was a firm favourite of the late Frank Sinatra – who would not only regularly perform and stay there, but many of his movies were shot at the hotel too.
The hotel is brimming with unique features, such as the grand ‘Stairway to Nowhere’ in the lobby where 1960s ladies would drop their coats in the cloakroom at the top and make an entrance in their gowns.
The supersized beachfront hotel boasts 1,504 guest rooms in total spread across three towers and the property even has its own nightclub in the basement. Elsewhere you’ll find Mirabella – headed up by Michelin-star chef Michael White – as well nearly a dozen different pool areas, a gym and spa – plus its own retail shopping area. It’s even got a Moet vending machine in reception.
Rooms are divided across four towers, and many have breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean or Biscayne Bay and Miami Downtown.
If you’re staying here it’s hard to escape the history of this hotel and with such a vibrant past, why would you want to?
Fontainebleau Miami Beach is available to book through British Airways Holiday packages, with flights and hotel from £864 for three nights for two people.
Getting there:
Flights from London to Miami start from £149 one-way on Skyscanner.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE : Mum’s twisted mugshot after ‘trying to sell her toddler for $500 at tax business’
MORE : Man’s hand bitten off by alligator as he reeled in fish on golf course
MORE : Race against time after 70ft sperm whale gets stranded on sandbar
Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.
Sign up here…
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.