Did you know we have two hotels in Miami, perfect for discovering its most refined side? Few cities in the United States live and eat with the same intensity as this Florida destination. Beyond serving as your gateway to the Caribbean, its cutting-edge culinary and artistic energy invites you to immerse yourself in culture, fine dining, and a full sensory experience. Miami’s spirit celebrates art and life, and shares its secret for enjoying both without restraint with anyone curious enough to ask.

Here is your guide to a Miami where flavor and exclusivity do more than coexist. Together, they have the power to make your vacation the most stylish moment of the year. 

What makes Miami an exquisite destination?

Beyond the beaches

The city’s name comes from the Native American Mayaimi tribe, associated with the lake of the same name, who inhabited the region between the 16th and 17th centuries. It means “big water” or “fresh water,” a reference to the vast wetlands and rivers that shape the landscape. Miami’s beaches are the other side of this striking geography, where radiant sunshine meets temperatures that rarely drop below 63 °F or rise above 91 °F.

Between the vibrant pulse of Miami Beach, facing the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay, and the Cuban traditions found in the “ventanitas” along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, this is a city made up of many cities at once.

The city’s transformation

You are about to begin a journey that feels anything but ordinary. An experience to enjoy as a couple, with friends, or as a family at one of Miami’s family-friendly hotels. Over time, the city has evolved through a rich mix of influences and styles. Today, skyscrapers define the skyline, reflecting its financial and technological growth, as well as the impact of high-speed rail like Brightline. Yet many streets remain open-air Art Deco galleries, with pastel façades, palm trees, and intricate details that feel like stepping into a film from the 80s or 90s.

a close-up of a burning book

Omakase Experiences

The Japanese expression omakase can be translated as “I’ll leave it in your hands,” or, in a culinary context, “I trust the chef.” This philosophy is also a preparation style associated with sushi, where the chef selects and prepares each dish using fresh, seasonal ingredients, rather than the diner ordering from a traditional menu. In Miami, venues such as Nossa Omakase, ELYU Omakase, an intimate ritual with just 12 seats per service, and Hiden, awarded one Michelin star, elevate Japanese cuisine while infusing it with Florida’s vibrant energy.

Designer Shopping

Bal Harbour Shops

Considered one of the most luxurious shopping destinations near Miami Beach hotels, Bal Harbour Shops brings together a curated selection of top fashion houses around a lush open-air courtyard. The experience is complemented by a range of dining options set among palm trees and cooling fountains. Much of its appeal lies in the unmistakable sense of exclusivity created by Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, two of the most prestigious department stores favored by America’s high society. Take a look at our three-day Miami guide to make the most of this part of the city.

Miami Design District

A furniture store opened during the Roaring Twenties marked the beginning of what is now the Miami Design District, an area spanning around 18 blocks filled with cutting-edge architecture, interior design, and luxury boutiques. Among its standout cultural spaces are the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA), designed by Spanish architects Aranguren + Gallegos, and the Museum Garage, a parking structure opposite the ICA featuring six artistic façades created by different designers, including the Spanish studio Clavel Arquitectos.

Wynwood Art Galleries

Miami’s art galleries operate by their own rules, forming a world of their own. Gallery openings and the work of contemporary artists such as Lealanie Larach and Rochi Llaneza shape the social scene. The neighborhood where creative minds set the tone for what will be trending globally in the years to come is Wynwood. Its streets are filled with alternative cultural offerings, including the largest collection of street art in the country. A highlight takes place on the second Saturday of every month at sunset, during the Wynwood Art Walk, when shops, galleries, and restaurants open their doors, and the district turns into an unmissable celebration.

Accommodations that Define Excellence

Iberostar Waves Berkeley Shore

If you are looking for a four-star modern-style hotel in Miami for all ages, Iberostar Waves Berkeley Shore, a family-friendly hotel in Miami Beach, is set in an iconic 1940s building in the heart of the shopping district, close to some of the city’s most lively clubs. Its sun terrace overlooks Collins Avenue, and the gym is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotel features purified water stations, a heated rooftop pool, and a reserved beach area for guests with sun loungers and umbrellas, located just 330 feet from the property.

Iberostar Waves Miami Beach

Iberostar Waves Miami Beach, a centrally located hotel in Miami Beach, offers a private beach experience in the heart of the Art Deco district. Its 80 rooms, free of single-use plastics, are thoughtfully decorated by local artists. Close to the Convention Center, this hotel is well suited for both business and leisure travel, allowing you to experience the city’s energy from a place of comfort and indulgence. Its pool set among the skyline and its culinary offerings, including restaurants such as La Vie Belle Miami, founded by Italian chefs, are just the beginning.