Luxury Experiences in Miami

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is synonymous with luxury. Whether you want to board a sleek yacht to cut through South Beach’s aquamarine waters or hop on a helicopter to hover above Downtown Miami’s glittering skyline, this destination has you covered. Or maybe you want to dine at restaurants that showcase over-the-top meals, indulge in spas with royal treatments or shop the world’s most coveted fashion labels and brands. There are so many ways to experience the high life.

Over-the-Top Dining Experiences

Gianni’s

It doesn’t get any more glamorous than dining at Gianni's, an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant on Ocean Drive in South Beach tucked inside the former Versace mansion, which has been converted into the luxury Villa Casa Casuarina boutique hotel. Choose between sitting inside the storied dining room or dining under the stars by the famous mosaic pool, which includes 24-karat gold tiles. Start with caviar and Champagne then move on to delicacies such as chilled stone crab or a seafood plate and devour a T-bone porterhouse or Australian lamb chops.

NAOE

For an unforgettable omakase sushi experience, make reservations at the intimate NAOE, which offers two nightly seatings. The tiny eight-seat restaurant on Brickell Key offers a chef’s choice menu (no, you can’t find a menu on their website), and guests are spoiled with a 13-course meal of boldly flavored cooked and raw dishes that goes way beyond typical sushi. The leisurely three-hour experience features the freshest (and rarest) seafood in town.

Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish, an outpost of the popular London restaurant, also boasts maximum decadence in Brickell. With eye-popping décor that features sea-inspired artwork by Damien Hirst and a fish-lamp installation by Frank Gehry (and even bathrooms that are photo-worthy), Sexy Fish offers an extensive and impressive Champagne menu. Try swanky dishes such as beef tartare with truffles, Wagyu nigiri with foie gras and peaches, the signature duck salad and lots of bubbly.

Zuma

There’s a reason celebs and A-listers hold court at Zuma, a longtime Brickell favorite. The contemporary Japanese restaurant presents flavor-packed dishes that come from its main kitchen, sushi counter and robata grill. To get a taste of it all, don’t miss the Asian-inspired weekend brunch. Plus, the views overlooking the Miami River look like a million bucks.

Elcielo

Embark on a culinary journey in Brickell at Elcielo, where the dishes look as creative as they taste. With roots in Colombian cuisine, the restaurant showcases a menu that’s full of gastronomic fireworks. Each palate-pleasing dish is comprised of interesting flavors, textures and ingredients that come together for a plate of edible art.

Pampering Spa Experiences

Acqualina Spa

At the lavish Acqualina Spa at the Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, you’ll find opulence in a tranquil setting with extravagant treatments. While guests can enjoy the spa’s crystal steam room and private pool, for extreme luxury, you’ll want to escalate your spa day in the elaborate Royal Spa Suite. The private suite showcases designer furniture from Fendi Casa and a crystal chandelier. Hide away in the oceanfront treatment room, which has a mother-of-pearl steam room and private wraparound balcony that overlooks the ocean. Book a two-hour treatment to sip Champagne and savor lunch and sweet post-treatment treats.

Lapis Spa

Between massage-jet showers, mineral pools and eucalyptus steam baths, you’ll feel like a movie star at Lapis Spa at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel in Miami Beach’s Mid Beach area. The posh spa offers an extraordinary water-therapy retreat along with private suites for couples who desire a secluded treatment. Tuck away in the Indigo or Azure spa suites for a soak in a tub, lengthy custom massages and pampering foot and scalp treatments.

Tierra Santa Healing House

At the colorful, South American-inspired Tierra Santa Healing House, which extends over an entire floor of the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, guests are treated to a luxurious journey. Start in the hammam to relax on heated stone benches. Then move to the wet spa to lather on mud or a scrub. Finally, cool down in the ice parlor. The spa menu spotlights one-of-a-kind treatments, ranging from anti-aging facials to elaborate massages that involve hot stones and sound therapy.

Go On a Luxury Shopping Spree

Bal Harbour Shops

A prime spot to shop high-end brands is the lush, open-air Bal Harbour Shops in ritzy Bal Harbour. Join the parade of well-dressed shoppers to explore a collection of exquisite goods in a tropical setting. Find well-known luxury department stores, like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, along with shops such as Chanel, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Aquazurra and Balmain. You’ll find on-trend labels like Golden Goose and Etro, too. When you’re done lighting up your credit card, enjoy a stylish meal at Makoto or longtime staple Carpaccio.

Miami Design District

It doesn’t get more luxe than shopping in the Miami Design District, which is rich in famous fashion houses. In fact, the fashion-forward neighborhood touts approximately 120 flagship stores with coveted names such as Alexander McQueen, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dior, Cartier, Chanel and many more. Fashion even extends to food and drink options, with showstopping spots like the Baccarat Boutique B Bar & Lounge, where you can buy the same crystal that you’re drinking or eating from, and trendy cafes such as the Dior Café, where you’ll sip coffee on an elegant rooftop terrace.

VIP Attractions & Tours

ZWF VIP Jungle Experience

About 30 miles southwest of Downtown Miami, go wild for a five-hour private guided experience of Zoological Wildlife Foundation’s (ZWF’s) exotic animal residents. This VIP package includes encounters with scores of exotic wildlife, including primates, large felines, owls, sloths and more. Enjoy an included catered lunch, too.

PAMM Private Tours

Enjoy an in depth look at the stunning Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) with one of three private tours. Choose between an architecture tour, a museum highlights tour or a special exhibition tour. For the full experience, book all three. These tours highlight the unique architecture of the building, key works of art on display and special exhibitions.

Classic Car Tour

Ever dreamed of riding in a beautiful classic car? Cruise through Miami in style in an antique convertible on your three-hour private classic car tour of Miami Beach, Wynwood and Little Havana.

Services to Help you Live Large

EMC Rentals

It’s not uncommon to see Ferraris and Lambos cruising the streets of Greater Miami & Miami Beach, and those who want to zip around in an attention-grabbing car can rent one from EMC Rentals. It has bragging rights to a fleet of flashy exotics, like Bentley, McLaren, Rolls Royce, Maybach and more.

Heli Air Miami

Thrill-seekers can opt for a helicopter tour like Heli Air Miami, which offers the chance to see the best of Miami from the sky. Soar over white sand beaches, pastel-colored Art Deco buildings and iconic spots you’ve seen in movies. Or pop some bubbly as you watch the sunset.

Lou La Vie

In Miami for business and pleasure? At Lou La Vie, which is loved by celebrities, you can rent unique and rare vintage exotic cars for  video clips and photo shoots.

Miami Seaplane Tours

Viewing Miami from the sky offers another amazing perspective. With Miami Seaplane Tours, you’ll lift off from the water in a seaplane to cruise above some of Miami’s most scenic spots, including Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove and even Stiltsville. Hovering over crystalline waters, you’ll want to look for stingrays, manatees, dolphins and more.

Monet Yachts

If you prefer to draw attention out on Miami’s beautiful waterways, Monet Yachts offers a fleet of luxury boats, catamarans and yachts for rent. Let a knowledgeable captain show you around, or further elevate your boat day with cushy amenities such as a private chef, Jet Skis and jet packs, photography and video services and even a DJ.

Stay in Luxury and Style

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is meant for luxury. If you’re looking for a stay that matches your high-end taste, try one of these luxury hotels.