Naomi marvels in Miami
Miami is a cultural hub of art and music set within distinctive architecture, palm trees and the famous white sandy beaches. It is a city of rich heritage that is blessed with wonderful weather almost year-round and some of the finest five-star luxury the United States has to offer.
To start off my Miami adventure, I took a breath-taking sunset cruise around Star Island on a Sunseeker yacht. Sipping on champagne and indulging in delicious hors d’oeuvres while pointing out A-List properties on the coveted south Florida neighbourhood, known for its lavish homes. We sailed into the downtown area, cruising through the middle of the famous downtown skyline and docked at a superchic waterfront restaurant that welcomed us with cool breezes and specially crafted cocktails. What a way to arrive at dinner! This experience would be perfect for an intimate, romantic evening or a fun, laid back night with friends. Miami attracts couples and friends alike to take part in its trendy outdoor-living culture.
Take a day out from the city and delve deep into the Floridian swamps for an exhilarating day in the Everglades. Wind through twisting mangrove tunnels or skim across the grasslands on a private airboat tour and if you’re feeling brave, get up close and personal with the alligators. If you like something a little slower paced, have an art curator take you on a private tour of the outdoor street art museum, the Wynwood Walls. Both art amateurs and enthusiasts will appreciate the iconic and ever-changing murals. In this neighbourhood there are bespoke stores full of unique art and local boutiques and if shopping isn’t your thing, the walk through the area is enough to fill your senses.
Strolling through the streets of Little Havana places you right in the centre of Miami’s Cuban culture. This little cultural haven has streets lined with the best Cuban food outside of its origin, Latin record stores with music spilling out into the streets and incredible art galleries showcasing local Cuban talent. Our private guide, who is a journalist specialising in this local Latino culture, was friendly with almost all the locals, which shone a light on how much of a tight-knit community Little Havana is. One minute a couple could be leisurely sipping their coffee, the next they were in the middle of the famed Calle Ocho, Salsa dancing with strangers – the vibrancy of this neighbourhood is infectious! How incredible to experience such a unique foreign culture within this magic American city? I highly recommend starting off any time in Miami with a guide who will give you insight into these special neighbourhoods and direct you to the best Miami has to offer. There truly is so much more to this city than Collins Avenue and South Beach.
