Welcome To Miami

Fall Under the Spell of Florida’s Magic City

Nestled on the south-eastern tip of Florida where the emerald waters of the Caribbean meet the Gulf of Mexico, Miami is a true American jewel. This vibrant city is one of the most cosmopolitan in the USA, with a multicultural population (around 70% of the city’s inhabitants speak Spanish) who love to lounge on the beach by day and party in some of the country’s most glamorous clubs by night. No wonder the locals call it the Magic City.

 

Miami Beach aerial view
South Beach, Miami, Florida, USA.

The most famous hotel in Miami is the Fontainebleau, a vision in white at the centre of ‘Millionaire’s Row’, which was recently restored to the height of its 1950s splendour. The refurbished hotel now boasts 1,500 rooms and one of the city’s swankiest celebrity hangouts – the ultra-exclusive nightclub LIV. For something a little different, the Standard Spa offers tranquil guest rooms and a range of relaxing activities, including massage, hydrotherapy and yoga. Their gorgeous saltwater infinity pool is the perfect spot for a relaxing swim.

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The hottest place in the city is the famous South Beach, where wannabe superstars (and some genuine superstars) strut their stuff on the golden sand. The ultimate people-watching spot, you’ll feel like Hollywood royalty as you lounge on the beach or sip a cocktail at one of the many chic bars that line the shore.

Try The Regent Cocktail Club, which brings a touch of old-school glamour thanks to luxurious leather seating, a cigar lounge, and live jazz sessions. Further afield, The Rum Line serves up exotic Cuban-inspired cocktails on its pleasant outdoor terrace. As the name suggests they specialise in rum – with over 100 varieties available – and the deluxe versions of summery classics like the Caipirinha and Mojito will knock your socks off. Meanwhile, smart shoppers should head to Bal Harbour at the northern end of the shore. This classic Miami shopping destination is bursting at the seams with deluxe designer stores and lined with tranquil pools where koi carp laze the days away.

Woman serving a cuban expresso coffee

 

For a taste of the Caribbean, head to Little Havana – the heart of Cuban culture in Miami. Smart travellers will start their day the local way with a Café Cubano – the strong, sweet variation on espresso that fuels the hectic pace of life.. There are plenty of cafes to choose from in the area, but you won’t find a better brew than the one served from the takeout window at Versailles on South 8th Street. Each March, this street (known as Calle Ocho to the locals) is taken over by a gigantic open-air party which has to be seen to be believed.

Miami Beach Florida, sunset over illuminated skyline of hotels and restaurants in art deco style
Miami Beach, Florida.

The area is also home to many of Miami’s liveliest nightspots – like the iconic Ball & Chain. This historic bar and lounge has some of the best live music in the city and a mouth-watering menu of Cuban bar bites. If you’re a fiend for the dance floor, visit Hoy Como Ayer. Almost every day of the week you’ll find the party-mad patrons shaking their thing to salsa, jazz, and more. Get ready to dance the night away – if you can keep up!

 

Forget the weather back home, grab an Aer Lingus flight to Miami and you could be sunning yourself on South Beach in no time.