Miami, the most international city in America, has a burgeoning art, culture, culinary, design, and fashion scene, all thanks to Art Basel’s annual presence in the city every December. Every time I go back, a new innovation or ten have popped up, seemingly overnight. Here’s the most up-to-date La Vita Isabella guide to this vibrant not-so-American city. 

Brunch at Seaspice, the chic restaurant and dayclub situated on the Miami River all day, ending in the perfect sunset. Yes, down here in the 305, brunch starts around 2:30 in the afternoon and implies partying through sunset. Whether it’s the Maine Lobster Risotto or the Gorgonzola, Pear, and Black Truffle Pizza that you pair your wine with, you’ll have all the best cuisine to choose from all afternoon–-not to mention the selection at the raw bar and cocktail bar.

Take a ride on a boat out to the Key Biscayne sand flats, where Miami locals gather on Sundays to swim, blast music, and drink all day long.

Peruse the modern art collections at the Pérez Art Museum located on the breezy shores of Biscayne Bay. After exploring the collection, head outside to the museum’s waterfront restaurant, Verde, and be sure to order the Crispy Mahi Mahi Tacos, and, in true Miami fashion, rosé. And of course, Miami is at its peak during Art Basel every December—I’m counting down the days until the next time!

Explore the Miami Design District for a one-of-a-kind outdoor luxury shopping and modern design experience rivaled only by Monaco’s Cercle d’Or.

Spend the afternoon exploring the newly trendy neighborhood of Wynwood. Take a break midway through the murals, art galleries, and boutiques to enjoy the best açaí bowl you can find outside of Brazil at JugoFresh, which you’re bound to stumble across when wandering through the murals—and this isn’t just any açaí bowl: think Cacao-Goji clusters and imported delicacies like mesquite. Also make sure to stop by the iconic Montréal-based Marie Saint Pierre Boutique, one of my favorite independent fashion houses–there’s a reason the house’s only boutique outside of Montréal is located here in this newly discovered gem of a neighborhood.

Relax poolside at The Delano. Put glasses of white sangria on rotation between dips in the pool, bites of the incredible FDR role from the Sushi itamae at Umi, and naps in your poolside cabana. And, if you have the sudden desire to go into the salty ocean, no need to think twice about it–South Beach is waiting for you right on the other side of the fence, after all.

Watch the sun go down over the Miami skyline while sipping on a passionfruit cocktail at Mondrian South Beach. Head there early in time for happy hour and a dip in the pool while the sun’s still shining.

Dine at Hakkasan, a dark and sleek Asian fusion hotspot tucked into the ostentatious Fontainbleu–and make sure to take note of the iconic Tracey Emin’s Neon artwork displayed just outside of Hakkasan’s doors (I Followed You to the Sun, 2013). And arrive before the rest of your party just so that you have a chance to enjoy your apéritif while gazing over the work of art that is Hakkasan’s overflowing waterbar. If you’re looking for something a little more healthful and, dare I say, spiritual, head over to Sacred Space Miami, the up-and-coming Wynwood neighborhood’s epicenter of wellness. As soon as you’re done with your yoga session, head straight to Plant Food + Wine to have just that: I recommend the Cacio e Pepe (made out of kelp noodles and green olive tapenade, naturally) paired with the Malbec.

Explore a locals-only spot at night: at Bodega, the front of a local taquería obscures one of the most unsuspecting tequilería-speakeasies in the world. Start your evening out by heading straight through the port-a-potty door into the dark lounge with edgy contemporary décor, and after a baja panty (pear-and-cardamom) cocktail or two, head out to the taco stand out front for the most delicious calamari tacos in all of Miami.

Dance in the legendary Club LIV all night long–and the best part is, it’s all within the expansive Fountainbleu, so you won’t even have to slip back outside into the Miami humidity all night long.

Watch the sun come up on the water outside of LIV after it closes at 6 A.M.–just as you’re starting to understand why brunch starts at 2:30 P.M. in the 305.

Cheers!

xoxo Isabella