Cities we love: Miami a highlight in every sense of the world.
Contributed by lifestyle and feature reporter Jens Hoffmann
Do you like the South Beach? The South Beach of stylish new hotels like Gale, Lord Balfour, SLS South Beach and special restaurants like Yardbird, Southern Table & Bar, Khong River House, Tongue & Cheek? I like the the South Beach of yesterday with Art Deco buildings, museums and monuments?
But Miami can be whatever you want it to be — laid back, decked out, gay, straight, a family retreat.
In this dreamland at the southern tip of Miami Beach, you can choose your own adventure.
My Miami restaurant tip: Palme d’Or
Located in the Biltmore Hotel, the Palme d’Or restaurant and his Chef Philippe Ruiz has created an excellent menu of French culinary delights. The guests can custom design their own dining experience around 20-plus offered tasting dishes. Consistently regarded and rated as one of Miami’s finest dining destinations, the restaurant offers exceptional service and a fine wine list amid a modern yet classy décor. Those looking for a romantic evening of exceptional food enjoyed in beautiful surroundings need look no further.
The beat comes from the glittering stretch of coastline and the narrow 100 mile divide across the ocean from Cuba.Celebrity glitz and Latin rhythms blend with sparkling sands and sultry weather. The cuisine is true fusion, with Caribbean and Latin influences. Spanish is heard more often than English; they dance the salsa and the coffee is Cuban.
The Mandarin Oriental soars above the heart and sea of Miami.
I love it to be here, it is hot, sunny and a great destination.
Jet setters around the world fly in to party along South Beach before retiring to the serenity of their preferred retreat and beach.
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers waterfront views, setting standards with regard to luxury and exclusivity.
And when you do like a taste of Art Deco, Cuban coffee or boutiques take a look at the concierge recommendations.
Easy to enjoy the Miami Marlins and their new, first-class baseball stadium.
The Mandarin Oriental offers the “I Love Marlins” package. Guests at the hotel will enjoy accommodations in a luxury suite, chauffeur transfer to and from Marlins Park and therapeutic spa treatments.
Do not forget to enjoy one of the most beautiful spas world-wide. A kind of escape with a spectacular waterfront setting and a series of innovative and restorative treatments.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami features six stunning spa suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Biscayne Bay. Each has been custom designed for specific treatments; three are created especially for couples wishing to share their experience.
If you like movies you should know “The Fountainebleu”. Built in 1954 by Morris Lapidus, who considered it his best work. Unquestionably one of Miami Beach’s most famous hotels, seen extensively in many famous Hollywood films, including “A Hole in the Head” in 1959, “Goldfinger” in 1964, and “Bananas” in 1983. Brian de Palma’s 1983 blockbuster hit “Scarface” features the hotel’s pool in several scenes.
Total: Culinary experiences of the highest standards you will a lot in Miami.
Check-in: The Mandarin Oriental
Photos: Rike Werner “Pepper-PR & Jens Hoffmann
