Destination Discovery: Miami

Party in the city where the heat is on…Miami is so much more than just the beach—this sizzling city also has plenty of amazing places to discover right in Miami city proper. See where to sleep, spa, snack, and more—and stay tuned for our upcoming Destination Discovery: Miami Beach feature!

Where to Stay
The downtown InterContinental Miami is a chic retreat designed of marble and travertine, with flawless components like the modern, Biscayne Bay-view mySpa Miami (amenities include a hydro capsule and his-and-hers experience showers with light and color therapy). While here, embrace the hotel’s hip Toro Toro restaurant, where Pan Latin dishes emphasize South and Central American flavors; beautiful club-level guest rooms; and outdoor swimming pool.

Where to Spa
If you’re able, seek out The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The spacious tri-level sanctuary exudes sophistication, and its holistic philosophy stays true to the Mandarin Oriental brand. Spa suites with floor-to-ceiling windows look out over Biscayne Bay (three have sunken tubs), and supreme services include the Thai Herbal Compress Ritual, a massage that gives back—for every treatment booked, a tree is planted in support of the Everglades National Park.

Wellness fans can also cool off at the hot Spa at Viceroy Miami—the strikingly bold Philippe Starck-designed spa reflects the designer’s signature look with large mirrors and a grand yellow chandelier, accented by Spartan white benches, chairs, and French-style chaise lounges. A refreshment bar and media room add to the glam atmosphere, though the glitziest of spaces is the 5,000-square-foot water lounge. Complete with reflecting pools and plunge pools, the lounge mimics a library, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, two fireplaces, a grand golden chandelier, and a wall of windows overlooking the bay.

Where to Snack
Chef Rainer Becker brings his contemporary Zuma restaurant to the states—more specifically, Miami’s EPIC Hotel. Modern Japanese dishes take center stage at this casual izakaya-inspired establishment, which tops Zagat’s list of 50 best restaurants in Miami.

Where to Sweat
Swimsuit season is year round here, so you can bet people take serious care of their bodies and that there’s a vast selection of fitness studios and gyms where you can break a sweat.

What to See
Make a stop at nearby Miami Beach, of course. From the nightlife of South Beach to the historic buildings of the Art Deco District to the beautiful beaches, this area has all the makings of an entertaining hotspot.