Postcards from Miami
Schools out so I gave Ella a choice of options - Miami was TOP of her wish list !!
Arriving in Miami - once the plane touches down and that Florida sunshine hits you, you can almost feel the shoulders drop as you whizz your way to your hotel.
Miami South Beach is one of the most iconic and vibrant neighbourhoods in Miami Beach, Florida. The stunning white sand and turquoise waters with the backdrop of Art Deco hotels, cafes, restaurants and not forgetting the uber cool neon lights that make South Beach so popular. Home to the famous Versace Mansion with food options from upscale seafood to so many Cuban and Latin fusioned choices all through the area.
No trip to Miami would be be complete without a trip to Little Havana - the heart of Cuban culture in Miami. I looooved it. It didnt feel like a tourist trap but a true living neighbourhood full of Cuban Cafes, cigar shops, art galleries with salsa dancing and live music in the bars & restaurants. Honestly I had the BEST meal here! Little Havana truly feels like a slice of Cuba and I have been to Cuba.
In contrast to Little Havana we then have Brickell - Miami's sleek, modern and fast paced district - often described as the 'Manhattan of the South". A really nice walkable area with a cool multi-level open air shopping mall complete with cinema.
Then you have Lincoln Road - a lovely lively pedestrian only promenade great for shopping, dining outdoors and more people watching of course. Beautifully landscaped with palm trees, street art and fountains. Then very close to here is Espanola Way, a really picturesque pedestrianised street resembling a Spanish Village in the Med. It's a really great place for dinner away from the iconic but busy Ocean Drive. 
Miami really is a city with so many distinct areas and cultures. The blend of glamorous South Beach versus the more local, authentic neighbourhoods like Havana and Espanola Way gives Miami so many unique experiences for the discerning traveller. Think rooftop bars with music into the early hours, Art Deco facades, frozen cocktails and designer stores but step away from the the coast and feel the Caribbean vibes of Little Havana, old men playing dominos under the trees, salsa tunes pouring from corner cafes. A city of two halves makes for an unforgettable trip to Miami.
Miami combines so well with Orlando and Key West, and with direct connections to many other popular hot spots in the USA like Nashville, also with the islands of the Caribbean and of course as a pre or post cruise destination for ALL of the major cruise-lines so feel free to reach out if Miami is on your hit list!
