TORONTO — It’s going to take a lot more than a polar vortex to stop the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) from spreading the word on what’s hot this year in the sun-soaked destination.
The Bureau, along with valued hotel and travel partners, recently braved sub-zero temperatures in Toronto and New York City for a media mission that highlighted Miami’s new offerings in 2014. While acknowledging “great partners and hotels both old and new”, Bill Talbert, President and CEO of the GMCVB, attributed Miami’s appeal to its diversity. “That’s the beauty of Miami,” he said, “we’re constantly evolving at all times.”
Travelweek learned of the following updates:
- Mandarin Oriental, Miami, Azul restaurant and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami have received the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for 2013, making the hotel one of only six properties in the U.S. and the only one in Florida to earn the highly coveted triple Five Stars. The hotel will also be launching the new MO Bar + Lounge early this year, where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, an innovative food menu and lively music in the evenings.
- The Hilton Miami Airport, a 508-room property situated on a private peninsula on the Blue Lagoon, has completed a guestroom refresh and property enhancement, which included the lobby bar and lounge and the relaunching of its food and beverage program.
- Conrad Miami, a cosmopolitan oasis located in the city’s trendy Brickell neighbourhood, is offering a number of enticing packages designed for all types of travellers. For the more active guest, there’s the ‘Adventure Seeker’, which is priced from US$532 and includes electric bicycle rental for four hours for two adults and admission to the Bentley Beach Club in South Beach. There’s also the ‘Miami Fashionista’ package (from $715), which includes a four-hour VIP shopping experience in Miami’s Design District with transportation and two 15-minute foot massages.
- The Biltmore’s top-rated signature restaurant, Palme d’Or, welcomes Chef Gregory Pugin as the new Chef de Cuisine. With an impeccable background in Michelin-starred restaurants, Pugin is expected to take the legendary restaurant to another level of gastronomic excellence.
- Viceroy Miami continues to draw discerning travellers thanks to its ideal location in the financial district and world class amenities. The FIFTY Ultra Lounge on the 50th floor is one of Brickell Avenue’s hottest spots, featuring cabana beds, LED-panelled DJ booth and private pool. Day loungers can relax on the two-acre deck on the 15th floor, where they’ll find 12 cabanas, 200 chaise lounges, a thermal hot pool, shallow lounging area, movie theatre and the longest infinity pool in Florida.
- Not to be outdone is the timeless Eden Rock, Miami Beach, located just steps from eclectic boutiques along Lincoln Road. Featuring 631 spacious rooms and suites, this historic property truly impresses with four pools, two whirlpools, an adults-only upper sanctuary, 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, and the 22,000 square-foot Elle Spa.
- The boutique Betsy hotel now offers brides and grooms a rare and refined wedding location: a private and stately mansion. Designed to be a ‘home away from home’, this unique venue boasts wooden plantation-style shutters, ceiling fans and a relaxed timeless style. For pre-wedding or rehearsal dinners, the upscale B Bar is available for parties of 50 while the grand Roof Deck can accommodate intimate outdoor ceremonies.
For more information on travel to Miami, visit miamiandbeaches.com.
