Luxury Experiences in Miami

Ok, let’s not beat about the bush here: if you want the very best in Miami luxury you’re going to have to pay top dollar for the privilege. And by top dollar, we’re talking – in some cases – several hundred bucks (often into four figures) for a single night’s stay. That’s because Miami’s opulent high rises and super-luxurious beach resorts are not your average hotels; they’re exclusive destinations in themselves.

You’ll find some of the best luxury hotels in vibrant South Beach, where locals strut their chiseled stuff along the two-mile stretch of pristine white sand, and beautiful people with perfect Miami tans sip mimosas at exclusive rooftop bars. Luxury hotels along this drag include The Setai with its distinctive Art Deco stylings and Far Eastern flavor. An oceanfront suite or pool villa here will set you back several thousand bucks a night. But what price luxury?

No less lavish (or expensive) is near-neighbor the Faena, a palatial oceanfront high-rise with some of the most out-there design in town – its multi-million-dollar gold mammoth centerpiece by Damien Hirst is one of the most Instagrammed sights in the state. Add to that a lavish spa that occupies an entire floor, fine dining, and an astounding ocean deck, and you have all the trappings of one of the most luxurious experiences in Miami.

Away from bustling South Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is a low-key (but high price) tropical retreat that boasts its own private island, yet is just minutes from downtown. Meanwhile, in the heart of the aptly named Millionaires’ Row, the Fontainebleau Hotel is almost as palatial as its French chateau namesake, thanks not least to its lavish Lapis Spa, widely considered one of the most exclusive and exceptional in Miami. No mean feat.

Miami’s culinary scene is red-hot, meaning you rarely have to look very far for a celebrity chef, or to clock the Hollywood A-list tucking into perfectly presented works of edible art. Indeed Zuma, located at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami, is practically a dead-cert for celeb-spotting, its contemporary izakaya-style dining like catnip for the rich and famous. Don’t worry, the sushi and sake here – let alone the stunning Miami River views – will quickly distract you from all that staring you’ve been doing.

Hit up Gianni’s for 110% maximum glamor. After all, it’s not every day you get to dine out at the former Versace mansion, is it? Now part of the Villa Casa Casuarina boutique hotel on Ocean Drive, it's the ideal place for gorging on caviar, champagne and seafood platters while trying to count the 24-karat gold tiles in the magnificently OTT pool by the terrace.

There’s yet more eye-popping Damien Hirst art to ogle at the Miami outpost of London stalwart Sexy Fish, where the menu too is something of a work of art. And Peruvian cuisine is the order of the day in La Mar over at the deliciously decadent Mandarin Oriental, a favorite of the Miami elite with unbeatable views of beautiful Biscayne Bay.

Shopping is practically an Olympic sport in Miami, where everything from designer boutiques to hangar-sized mega-malls jockey for real estate space with all those plush hotels.

Brace your credit card for a serious workout as you make your way to Bal Harbour, where the imaginatively monikered Bal Harbour Shops is one of the most upmarket malls in town. Here’s where to stock up on serious beachwear and accessories from some of the world’s most exclusive brands. We’re talking Versace, Chanel, Prada and Fendi, to name just a few. Don’t forget to pick up that cute limited edition Dolce & Gabbana suitcase – you’ll need it to get the spoils of your spree home afterwards. There are also several high-end restaurants for much-needed fortification and further opportunities to peer at Miami's fashionistas from behind the giant pair of Prada sunglasses you just paid $1799 for.

Among the (many) other malls that could reasonably lay claim to the title of ‘Miami’s most luxurious’, Aventura is a bit of a standout, thanks to its arresting architectural design and a cavernous interior that houses some 300+ shops, from high-street favorites to luxe design brands. There are also stacks of great dining options, plus an eye-popping collection of public art to ogle, and even a farmers’ market!

Last but by no means least, the clue’s in the name in the Miami Design District, a luxury shopaholics’ dream where prestigious brands including Cartier, Dior and Louis Vuitton rub shoulders with fine-dining restaurants and chic contemporary art galleries. Dive in, and worry about what your bank manager might say later.

Being a playground for the rich and famous means Miami also offers a substantial variety of high-end luxury activities. Charter a private yacht to cruise the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay or unleash your inner celeb as you set sail for the Florida Keys, glass of Champagne in hand, natch. Miami yacht charters generally come with all bells and whistles included so, as well as unlimited bubbly, you can also expect gourmet dining and on-call butler service. Idyllic.

You can also book private airboat tours of the Everglades if you fancy getting up close and personal with crocs and alligators without, you know, also having to get up close and personal with the human wildlife. Or make like an eagle and take to the skies over the Sunshine State aboard a helicopter; it’s one of the best ways to get a unique perspective on South Beach, the downtown skyline and the Everglades.

Prefer to do your sightseeing at ground level? There’s a luxury option for that too, darling. Book a private classic-car tour to cruise past Miami landmarks including iconic Art Deco mansions and the sweeping glamor of Ocean Drive aboard a cool antique convertible.

What with all that high-living, you’ll probably want to consider a few ways to conserve cash on your Miami vacation. Good news: the Miami pass from Go City can save you up to 50% on more than 40 Miami attractions, tours and activities, including sightseeing cruises, Everglades airboat adventures, the Miami Seaquarium and more. Click the buttons below to find out more and buy yours!