Haven’t heard of Coconut Grove? Get aquantainted with this newly
thriving area, using Mr. C Coconut Grove as your base. Away from
Miami Beach (in mindset and mapping), this refined stretch of
marina land (with an East-Village vibe) has inspired the Cipriani’s
latest iteration: Mr. C. Running along Biscayne Bay, the
nautical-themed hotel, with interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design
Studio, has an Italian sensibility – think: lacquered wood-panelled
walls and tiered chandeliers. Elevated on stilts, the hotel’s
concrete facade with oversized porthole windows makes you feel as
if you’re cruising on a luxury liner.

Freehand draws a young creative crowd to the beach with its
generous offering of poolside cocktails (and a fresh juice bar for
when you’re not feeling quite as peachy). It’s also home to one of
the city’s most effervescent watering holes, Broken Shaker.
Invaluable to the Miami scene, Freehand has shared spaces that have
a vibrant feel, while bedrooms offer a more homely atmosphere.

If you like being near the action but not quite in the throes of
it all, The Standard Spa’s Belle Isle positioning will certainly
appeal. A stone’s throw from South Beach (and a five-minute walk to
the trendy local neighbourhood of Sunset Harbour), this is less a
“hotel” and more a spa with guest rooms. Luxuriate in the peaceful
tropical gardens and make the most of the indoor and outdoor
hydrotherapy playground, complementary to hotel guests. Interrupt
your relaxation time to sample the Japanese-inspired menu at The
Lido Bayside Grill. Follow with a trip to the nail salon or head
back to your airy room for a post-lunch siesta.

Versace Versace Versace. Hotel Victor is plotted right on Ocean
Drive adjacent to the Versace Mansion – and it’s no less opulent,
we might add. The 91-room, 30s mansion has been given a modern-luxe
lift courtesy of Parisian designer Jacques Garcia – there’s a
flurry of royal blue and gold, velvet and chenille about the place.
After checking in to your boudoir, split your time between the
mosaic-tiled pool, spa (with hammam) and Gianni’s restaurant. BICE
Ristorante.

Far more relaxed and way less pretentious than its neighbours,
Kimpton Surfcomber is not super scene-y. With an amiable
atmosphere, this is the kind of place where you can expect a mellow
crowd and playful interiors – think: geometric patterns and
casually placed surfboards heaped in the lobby and by the pool.
Speaking of which, the hotel pool, shaded by the surrounding palms,
comes a close second to the sea breeze that can’t be experienced
anywhere better than right on the beach.

Casa Faena’s extravagant red-and-white facade is decidedly
low-key in contrast to its interiors. Rooms with ornate beds are
bedecked in pink tones, while shelves and side tables are stacked
high with antique features (think: an infinite collection of kitsch
ceramic paraquettes). Positioned on the shores of Mid-Beach, Casa
Faena makes a great launchpad for exploring the neighbourhood
before the heat gets a little too much – then retreating inside for
an evening of moreish tapas and double-pour cocktails at the
hotel’s Latin-American influenced restaurant.