Miami: Full-On Latin Flavor North of the Border

Travelers familiar with Miami know it’s the only city in the continental United States where you can leave the country without actually leaving it.  An international mecca with a colorful backdrop, scores of US companies conduct their Latin American operations from this thriving metropolis.  For the business traveler, leave your “all-work-and-no-play” mentality behind: an explosion of hip restaurants, swanky hotels, and swinging lounges will make the business traveler’s stay in Miami anything but dull.

Where to Stay

Brickell, Miami’s financial district, is the city’s hub for international banking and finance.  Here, savvy travelers opt for the Four Seasons Miami, a quiet and luxurious spot for the hurried business traveler.  The Hotel Intercontinental, located in Dowtown Miami, boasts breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and a state-of-the-art fitness center for the health-conscious executive.

The landmark Art Deco district in Miami Beach houses the Miami Beach Convention Center and offers travelers a plethora of options for a trip that encompasses both business and pleasure.  The recently remodeled and decadently decorated Fontainebleau Resort is a popular favorite among luxe-seekers, especially with renowned chef Alfred Portale opening his Gotham Steak in the legendary hotel.  For a more personalized experience, choose The Delano, a boutique hotel with a lavish and practical concept: enjoy the complimentary high-speed wireless internet access or indulge in the in-room massages and personal trainers.

Miami’s vintage Biltmore Hotel and Resort is set against the lush south Florida landscape and is fashioned with a Mediterranean flair.  One of Miami’s oldest establishments, the hotel is equipped with a revolutionary business center, 18-hole golf course and private pool-side cabanas.  Situated in Coral Gables, an upscale neighborhood with a slew of local corporations and firms, the resort offers an impressive array of amenities and the ultimate in luxury and convenience.

Where to Eat

Miami’s eclectic culture means a conflation of sensational and exciting choices for eating out.  For a true taste of Miami fare, visit Lario’s on the Beach, Gloria Estefan’s Cuban-fusion concept.  The mojitos are regarded as some of Ocean Drive’s finest and the booming salsa music provides for a truly authentic experience.  If you want to impress your client, try Prime 112, a modern steakhouse with a sumptuous twist.   Robust cuts, sinful five cheese truffle macaroni and cheese, and lobster mashed potatoes are just a sample of items that make Prime 112 a place to see and be seen.

The trendy businessman will enjoy the Design District, an urban hideaway for fashion designers and struggling musicians.  Iconic chef Jonathan Eismann’s Pacific Time offers diners a palate of fresh and innovative seafood dishes in a cool amber-lit setting.  For a rustic Italian meal, visit Fratelli Lyon, where Chef Ken Lyon serves environmentally conscious plates traditional to Sicily and Sardinia, accompanied by an impressive selection of fine wines and impeccable service.

Visit Calle Ocho and feel the vibrancy of Miami’s Cuban influence, where you can experience old Havana and purchase authentic Cuban cigars. 

Off the Clock

Relax and unwind after a hard day’s work at The Standard Miami Hotel and Spa, where you can treat yourself to some “Essential Healing;” Resident Energy Healing Specialist Melanie Hahn integrates the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual so you can live life in peak condition.  The sailing enthusiast can visit Coconut Grove, a tropical enclave home to the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, where travelers can spend the day sailing around picturesque Biscayne Bay.  Or spend the day soaking the sun at any one of Miami’s beautiful beaches.

Known for its bustling nightlife, Miami’s bars and nightclubs keep their doors open until the wee hours of the morning.  The Miami glitterati can be seen at the Gansevoort South Beach, sipping cocktails on the rooftop terrace or dancing the night away at Louis.  The Opium Group’s latest project, Set nightclub, is notorious for its exclusivity; score an “in” to dazzle your client. Visit Area 31 in Downtown’s celebrated Epic Hotel and Residences for an elegant cocktail with a view of the Miami River.

Getting Around

The best and most reliable way to travel in and around Miami is by car.  The Miami International Airport has several car rental centers to choose from, offering suitable options for every kind of business traveler.  If you’re staying in Miami Beach, you can probably get away with calling a cab to get to nearby restaurants and nightclubs.  Avoid public transportation at all costs; a 15 minute trip by car can turn into over an hour and a half of travel on Miami’s not-so-reliable Metrorail.

Culture Shock

Visit Calle Ocho and feel the vibrancy of Miami’s Cuban influence, where you can experience old Havana and purchase authentic Cuban cigars.  The recently built Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House often features popular Broadway shows and theatrical performances.  Or spend a day at Vizcaya, a Mediterranean palace and gardens in south Miami.