Miami for insiders

Bold and different, there’s so much more to Miami than the Florida sunshine. Exquisite beaches, Art Deco buildings, buzzing nightlife and designer restaurants – not to mention Super Bowl LIV, Art Basel and the upcoming SuperYacht Miami show, 13-17 February. Showcasing superyachts for both sale and charter from the Burgess fleet, including VANTAGE, MISS MONEYPENNY V and HORIZONS II, the 2020 show will return to its new location on Biscayne Bay.

The water-centric city is home to a number of superyacht marinas, including Island Gardens, centrally located between Miami and Miami Beach, and Fontainebleau Eden Roc Dock Marina. Simply choose your base and tailor your itinerary with the following picks; then explore, retreat on board, and repeat.

Eat, drink & dance

Miami’s food scene has undergone a major boost in recent years, with some of the finest restaurants in the world creating a buzzing restaurant culture to rival the city’s nightlife. KYU (pronounced like the letter q) is one such venue. Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has become one of the hottest in Miami – both literally and figuratively. The majority of the Asian-fusion cuisine is prepared on its wood-fired grill, while reservations need to be made well in advance, regardless of the day. 

The iconic, family-run Casa Tua is another favourite Miami eatery, best known for its Italian cuisine, fine wine and exquisite art. If there are a few of you in your charter party then try to reserve the chef’s table for a full view of the kitchen, or if you’re a smaller party sit outside in the stunning garden setting with lantern-lit trees.

Charter Broker Alastair Callender recommends Cecconi’s, which is located on the ground floor of Soho Beach House on Collins Avenue. The Miami outpost of the iconic Italian restaurant, with its counterparts in West Hollywood and London, has become the place to be seen when in Miami and is where the A-list cognoscenti congregate. 'This venue promises a lovely evening with open-air dining and a beautiful atmosphere with lights hanging in the trees.'

For a more relaxed affair, take a seat in the Mondrian Caffe’s indoor / outdoor dining room and indulge in the restaurant’s globally inspired cuisines paired with beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.

If you are stepping ashore for drinks then try the old-school cocktails with subtle updates at Sweet Liberty. Recommended by Charter Broker Diana Meza, 'It’s a fun place that always has live music,' she says. 'Order the piña colada that’s made with Jamaican coffee beans, and head for the table behind the bar so you can watch the bartenders at work.'

With a sassy vibe and 24-hour party scene, Miami is well known for its pop-up parties hosted by international nightclubs. Those lucky enough to be, or even know, a Casa Tua member should head to their private club (located above the aforementioned restaurant). Miami Beach also has a host of hotels that are known for their extravagant parties thrown during Miami’s leading events, including Art Basel Miami and Spring Break. Appearances from the most famous artists in the world are not uncommon.

Discover

One of the things that makes Miami such a dynamic city is its thriving art and cultural scene. Wynwood is the epicentre of the Miami art world, with more than 50 galleries located in the mural-splashed neighbourhood. However, the scene also extends to areas like South Beach, historic Overtown, Downtown and Little Havana. And if you are in the area on the second Saturday of the month then head to Wynwood for the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk.

Explore the Bass Museum of Art for modern art. This South Beach institution is set inside a landmark Art Deco building and recently reopened after a multi-million-dollar renovation.  Take a walk through the galleries at the Pérez Art Museum Miami overlooking Biscayne Bay, where you will find a contemporary collection of international art. Continue your creative day with a stroll through the 2.6-acre Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Set in a former mango and avocado grove, the gardens provide a peaceful haven with frangipani and vanilla scents and rare butterfly species.

Miami is surrounded by perfect beaches with all manner of activities on offer. Whether you are looking for a nature reserve, a family-friendly stretch of sand or a party beach lined with cafés and bars, there is a beach for every occasion. Charter Broker Clara Lormant-Balet recommends Nixon Beach as the place to head for a spot of relaxation. 'Located to the west of Key Biscayne, Nixon Beach is perfect for swimming or as a place to simply walk and escape the bustle of the city,' says Clara.

Shop 

Located on a barrier island just north of Miami Beach, Bal Harbour has the highest concentration of designer boutiques in the whole of the USA. Step ashore and discover the area’s intimate atmosphere as you browse boutiques from the likes of Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and of course Versace.

The Design District in Miami has become a glamorous international luxury shopping destination, liked for its sophisticated, neighbourhood style of shopping. Along the New York style streets, high end fashion brands join innovative art and design studios, with stores like Hermès, Christian Louboutin and Marni.

Diana Meza recommends the pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road, which intersects with bustling Collins Avenue just steps from South Beach. 'While you won’t find quite as many of the big-name fashion brands here, there is a nice mix of one-off high-end boutiques, along with upscale brands,' says Diana.

Dates for the diary 

Super Bowl LIV, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, 2 February

SuperYacht Miami, Island Gardens, Watson Island, 13-17 February

Spring Break, Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 5-22 March

Miami Open, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, 23 March-5 April

Carnival Miami, South Beach, 8-12 October

Art Basel Miami, Miami Beach Convention Center, 3-6 December

Traditionally regarded as a place to berth during the winter months, Miami’s season now extends throughout the year. The region enjoys a sub-tropical climate with the temperature hovering around 25 degrees year-round. Contact your Burgess broker for further information on SuperYacht Miami or for charters in Miami and the Florida Keys.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.