What: In true luxury style, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami sits on exclusive Brickell Key exhibiting the best of both worlds: views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. While maintaining the same sleek and contemporary style the Hong Kong-based hotel group is known for, the Miami outpost also includes elements of its city’s seaside locale throughout—vivid accents of orange pop against the soothing cream-color palette in the guest rooms. Each of the 326 rooms (including 31 lavish suites) sports the latest-and-greatest technology, balconies to soak up the warm Florida sun and floor-to-ceiling windows with unbeatable views. But it’s the 20,000-square-foot manmade beach with lounge chairs, hammocks and decked-out cabanas just past the infinity-edge pool that is the ultimate spot for relaxing.
Where: Though you may feel as if you’re worlds away from the hubbub of Miami’s nightlife scene, Mandarin Oriental, Miami is a quick hop from all the hottest destinations. Whether you want to explore South Beach’s Art Deco district, eat your way through Little Havana or shop in Bal Harbour, the city is your oyster. And don’t worry about driving, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel has three house cars (two Escalades and a Jag) so you can arrive in style.
When: After opening in 2000—and welcoming the late Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti as its first guest in the Oriental Suite—Mandarin Oriental, Miami overhauled its guest rooms in 2010 for its 10th anniversary. In 2013, the hotel received its first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award, joining an elite group of properties with Five-Stars across the board; The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami and its restaurant, Azul, also earned Five-Stars. And when it comes to booking your stay, there’s not a bad time to vacation in Miami. Winter brings exciting events to the city such as Art Basel Miami Beach (this year Dec. 5-8), the four-day South Beach Wine & Food Festival in February and the festive Chinese New Year, while summer is packed with sunbathers and beach barbecues.
Why: Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, Mandarin Oriental, Miami is an ideal spot to be. Its serene location on Brickell Key is quiet enough to handle business meetings, but the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel also has everything you could possibly want for a week of fun. Head to the private Oasis Beach Club and post up in a VIP cabana—complete with a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, iPad, chargers and even butler service, or have a relaxing massage in your cabana or at the Five-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami. You can also enjoy an impeccable dinner at Azul, one of just two Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurants in Miami. Executive chef Jacob Anaya’s menu features dishes such as lobster “pot pie” with chanterelle mushrooms, peas, carrots and foie gras alongside stunning views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay.
Photos Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
