Packing a punch in Miami

chooses the 10 best beach resort hotels, from the theatrical and lavish to the romantic and elegant

W South Beach

yoga, cabaret theatre and spa. The theatrical suites are outfitted with bright turquoise velvet drapes and bathrooms are like something out of Moulin Rouge. This is a true foodie destination hotel with Los Fuegos, the first North American restaurant by famed Argentinian asado grill master Francis Mallmann. Doubles from £275 telegraph.co.uk/tt-faenamiami

The Biltmore

An elegant Mediterranean Revival retreat that encapsulates Old Florida elegance, with its travertine floors, restored handpainted frescoes and lavish gardens. The property is situated on an 18-hole golf course, and also boasts an astonishing 600,000-gallon swimming pool, which is one of the largest in the United States, and a luxurious spa. There are plenty of eating options; Michelin-starred chef Gregory Pugin’s French haute cuisine at Palme d’Or is the centrepiece. Doubles from £195 telegraph.co.uk/tt-thebiltmore

The St Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Every inch of this resort in posh Bal Harbour oozes money. Enormous crystal chandeliers, glass walls and high ceilings evoke a sense of Art Deco opulence and the days of grand old hotels. Service is top notch. The impressive facilities include two pools and one of Miami Beach’s best spas. All the rooms have ocean views and fabulous bathrooms. The most notable restaurant offering is New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J&G Grill; try the black truffle pizza or short ribs. Doubles from £350 telegraph.co.uk/tt-stregisbal harbourresort

1 Hotel South Beach

At the frontier of eco-luxury with a 900-metre “living wall” composed of 11,000 varieties of local plants crawling up the façade, and its own collection of electric cars. The main pool puts the ocean at mesmerising eye level. Rooms are some of the most spacious in Miami Beach and decorated with Colorado beetle kill pine wood. Dining options include tacos and craft A seaside retreat in Sunny Isles Beach – just 12 miles north of South Beach. The design is Mediterranean opulence with golden chandeliers, copious marble and Spanish tiles. Views of the glittering Atlantic Ocean by way of the elegant pool deck steal the show. In addition to four ocean-front swimming pools, there’s a fitness centre and ESPA spa. Rooms are spacious with large balconies offering ocean vistas. Il Mulino New York does fine Italian fare and AQ by Acqualina offers fresh Mediterranean food, so guests should never be at a loss for a well-executed meal. Doubles from £410 telegraph.co.uk/tt-acqualina resort&spa

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

All glamour, all the time, the Fontainebleau drips with it from the moment you set foot on its marble bow-tied patterned floor and gaze up at three glittering chandeliers by Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei. The lobby is anchored by the neonpulsing Bleau Bar, and you can almost picture Frank Sinatra strolling by as he

Carillon Miami Beach

This destination spa resort exudes romantic luxury. The floorplan is expansive and flowing with impressive, sweeping views of the ocean. Service is professional and hands on. There are four pools, the largest spa in South Florida, a gym and multiple fitness studios. Rooms are extra large with a separate bedroom and living space, including a full kitchen. The Grill is the resort’s main restaurant, serving fresh Florida seafood with Asian influences. Doubles from £300 telegraph. co.uk/tt-carillonmiamibeach

Mandarin Oriental Miami

The Mandarin Oriental embodies Asian luxury, with dark-wood accents, bronze sculptures, and floor-toceiling windows offering

The Miami Beach EDITION

Drum and bass among the palm trees about sums it up. The interiors marry Fifties glam with gold mosaic pillars and a pool table with golden balls. Sleek rooms have pale rugs, oak-panelled walls and porcelain tiles; it’s worth paying the extra $100 for an ocean view. The main culinary action is in The Market, JeanGeorges Vongerichten’s culinary concept divided into different stations, including seafood, raw bar, and charcuterie. The imaginative mini-bar includes more than the usual with underwear, sunscreen and Illesteva sunglasses available at a charge. Facilities include an ice rink, bowling alley, swimming pool and spa. Doubles from £215 telegraph. co.uk/tt-miamibeachedition

For a complete guide to the best hotels in Miami, see: telegraph. co.uk/tt-miamihotels