Miami’s Glitz and Glam Gets a Cultural Renaissance
By Jessica Montevago
From glamorous South Beach and the colorful Wynwood, to vibrant Little Havana and the upscale Design District – Miami contains multitudes. The city has grown into a cultural hub, shedding its reputation as the quintessential spring break destination known for its unrivaled nightlife and beaches (though you can still count on a thriving club scene).
Wynwood Walls | Justin Blount - stock.adobe.com
The Wynwood District is the heart of the city’s contemporary art scene. It’s home to more than 50 blocks of murals, galleries, and boutiques. Travelers can snap pictures for Instagram at the Wynwood Walls, an open-air street art museum, before checking out the Museum of Graffiti, a first of its kind.
Thanks in part to Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian diasporas, Miami is home to the largest Hispanic communities in the United States. That’s evident in the restaurants and popular ventanitas (takeout windows) that flank the area, serving Latin inspired cuisine. No trip to Miami is complete without Cuban food, so a stop in Little Havana is non-negotiable. Visit the lauded La Trova on Calle Ocho for a retro atmosphere and the croquetas. For more casual fare, share plates of yucca fries, pork tamales, and empanadas at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina down the street.
Little Havana | 4kclips - stock.adobe.com
Miami has also become home to professional sports teams. The thunderous roars of Formula 1 race cars will make its way back to the Miami Grand Prix in May. Soccer fans from around the world will head to Hard Rock Stadium for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in June, a prelude to the 2026 World Cup hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The month-long tournament will match up Europe’s Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich; along with South American Fluminense, Boca Juniors and River Plate.
Where to stay
SLS South Beach Miami
SLS South Beach opened June 2012 inside a 1939 Art Deco masterpiece designed by famed architect L. Murray Dixon. Inside, a color palette of white, black, and soft pink juxtaposes “just the right touch of opulence” – a nod to French aristocracy with ornate décor and tapestry-lined walls. Spacious villas are perched above the hotel pool and offer an eagle eye view of the famed parties at Hyde Beach. At the recently opened Cartagena South Beach, Michelin-starred chef Juan Manuel Barrientos celebrates the flavors of his native Colombia.
Hotel Arya, BW Premier Collection
Whether you need a property a short ride from Miami International Airport or looking for a getaway nestled in a quiet part of the city, Hotel Arya, BW Premier Collection offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay at the heart of Coconut Grove. Start the day at the breakfast buffet before getting a game in at the professional squash courts. Guests can then stroll the upscale neighborhood, exploring the sidewalk cafes and shops in and around the CocoWalk mall. Back at the hotel, unwind at the 8th floor poolside overlooking the skyline.
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
The slick 54-story Kimpton EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami is in walking distance to the nightlife and dining offerings of nearby Brickell. A marble lobby greets guests, before they head up to one of 411 rooms and suites, outfitted with wood furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows.
For discerning clients, the 29th and 30th floors have club rooms with a private members lounge and complimentary food service. Head to the 16th-floor pool deck, where two angular infinity pools and the acclaimed Exhale Spa await. For an upscale meal, the Japanese fine dining Zuma is a hotspot for the celebrity crowd. Or try Area 31 for Mediterranean and seafood in a laidback dining room.
W Miami Hotel
Staying in the Brickell District has the added benefit of getting away from the crowds of South Beach. Located right within the ten-acre Icon Brickell enclave in the heart of the financial district, W Miami is a stylish 118-room hotel. At every turn, the property offers magnificent views of the cityscape or Miami River. Whether it’s from the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the guestrooms, the rooftop pool, or the 15th floor bar. The new restaurant, TULUM, serves up South American fare in a beautifully designed interior. Inspired by nature, the space is designed with earthy hues, natural wood, and greenery. Menu highlights include seafood paella and tacos de birria.
Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach
Boasting direct access to a pristine stretch of South Beach, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach is an ideal stay for an upscale beach getaway. After a day at the beach, guests can take a dip in the 1,900-square-foot saltwater pool complete with an underwater sound system and poolside cabanas. There’s also a splash pool for little ones. The 250-key boutique property’s accommodations range from the Two-Queen Rooms to the 1500-square-foot Penthouse with its private outdoor terrace.
Miami has evolved into a diverse and dynamic cultural hub. Whether it’s exploring the murals of Wynwood, indulging in Cuban cuisine in Little Havana, or attending the excitement of Formula 1 and FIFA events, there's something for every type of traveler. From luxurious stays at art-deco hotels to quiet retreats with stunning city views, Miami offers a range of accommodations suited for all preferences, making it a top destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Biscayne Bay and Miami Skyline
