Destinations

MIAMI NICE

Beneath its wild party reputation, Miami is a sweet and romantic city that’s perfect for honeymooners, as Kia Abdullah discovers

By fashion_admin | Posted Mon 20 September 2010

Taking your newly-wedded husband to Miami may not seem like the wisest idea at first. Its acres of perfectly-toned bikini-clad flesh may not set the scene for eternal monogamy quite as well as a sedate Maldivian beach, but look beyond the golden sands and ubiquitous tans, and you’ll find a city that is as sweet and romantic as it is fun and full-on.

From moonlit walks on the beach to luxurious romantic dining, Miami offers everything a couple could want – and then some. The only difficulty you’ll have is deciding how to divide the time between peace and partying.

As newlyweds, it’s natural to want some alone time before sampling Miami’s 24-hour party lifestyle. Consider stopping at Coral Gables for a few nights first to get the lay of the land. This exclusive community is like Miami’s elegant older sister, clad in a one-piece instead of the bikini that is almost uniform in South Beach (affectionately named SoBe). You’ll find its serene but opulent setting is the perfect place to start your honeymoon.
 

RELAX IN LUXE
There’s really no contest when it comes to choosing a place to stay in Coral Gables; it has to be the legendary Biltmore Hotel. Ten miles from South Beach, the Biltmore sits among 150 acres of gorgeous tropical gardens, an 18-hole championship golf course, ten tennis courts, and the biggest hotel pool in the US.
 

SUITE DELIGHTS
Opt for an Executive Suite for true honeymoon luxury or, if you’re feeling really extravagant, the premium Tower, Everglades, or super-luxe three-bedroom Merrick suite. Located in the Biltmore tower, these suites have played host to a number of actors (Johnny Depp, Will Smith), singers (Prince,  J-Lo), supermodels (Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer), politicians (Barack Obama, Bill Clinton) and all-round superstars like the legendary Muhammad Ali.

TANTALISING TREATS
Once you’re acquainted with the luxuries of your suite – and what is possibly the most comfortable bed you will ever sleep in – head down to one of the hotel’s beautiful restaurants. The Palme d’Or, voted South Florida’s top restaurant by the 2010 Zagat Guide, offers patrons the opportunity to create their own menu from more than 20 tasting plates. The restaurant’s opulent decor and delicious French Nouvelle cuisine create the perfect setting for a night of blissful romance.

If you prefer something more casual, but no less chic, try Fontana Ristorante. The Italian restaurant serves up authentic cuisine from its open-air kitchen and wood-burning stove offering al-fresco dining in a stunning courtyard, set among lush palm trees and the eponymous fountain. There is no danger of food envy here; everything on the menu is absolutely delightful. I opted for a mozzarella starter and gnocchi for my main, both of which were melt-in-the-mouth heaven.

Speaking of heaven, I should point out that the waiters – and almost all the men in Miami – are drop dead gorgeous, so it may be prudent to keep your eyes on your man (where possible).

MIAMI DELIGHTS
If you’re a laze-by-the-pool type, make sure you take a dip in the Biltmore pool. At 23,000 square feet, it was once the largest pool in the world. It has featured in several films and programmes, including Bad Boys and CSI: Miami, and is so large that it has to be cleaned by a scuba diver. If you would rather explore the local area, the Biltmore offers complimentary transport to shopping and dining destinations, and local attractions in the Coral Gables area.