Miami for family fun
Having children doesn't mean you have to abandon all your holiday pleasures and cater for the lowest common denominator. You can enjoy a stylish break, and keep the kids happy if you mix sand and city in Miami
Admittedly, Miami may not be the first place you think of for a family holiday, but if you think about the pristine sandy beaches, interesting street-life and outdoor activities that kids will enjoy, coupled with a cosmopolitan city atmosphere, you may want to think again.
Miami has shed its reputation as murder capital of the United States and has re-invented itself as an international destination with lots to offer. Florida's weather means this seaside destination has almost permanent sunshine, and the combination of bustling city with peaceful beach resorts is a definite winner.
If you want to base yourself on the beach, head to South Beach, with its long stretch of elegant Art Deco buildings. There really is a feeling of stepping back in time, as this is the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world, and their pastel colours and wavy lines dazzle in the sunlight.
We stayed at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, on Collins Avenue, where children are made very welcome. This relaxed hotel has a large pool, with private cabanas (little tents that you can rent for extra privacy and more importantly, shade), and direct access on to the beach. There's also a fabulous Elemis spa here, with a private roof terrace on which to relax after your treatment.
The bars and restaurants are as stylish as you'd expect from this landmark hotel. The Hemisphere Lounge boasts the most extensive martini menu in all of Florida, and although I didn't have time to sample all 240 combinations, I'm sure you'll find a favourite among them! Preston's, the restaurant, sports an ocean view, and a delicious menu. Try Brett's pomegranate grilled ribs for a tasty treat.
If you can drag yourself away from the white sands, Lincoln Road is a great place to while away a few hours, enjoying the al fresco cafe lifestyle, shopping and some incredible people-watching!
Sushisamba, with its trademark fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian foods, is great for lunch or dinner, and offers special Bento Boxes with teriakyi chicken and purple mashed potato for the discerning youngster! Another dining option is Lucky Strike on Michigan Avenue. Here you can enjoy ten-pin bowling and dinner in one spot - top tip, take wipes to clean foody fingers between strikes!
1 | 2 | next
printer friendly
send to a friend
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
