Miami, Florida
A sophisticated, cosmopolitan city and a major center of Latin American culture, Miami has been a mainstay among Royal Holiday members for three decades and American tourists since the post-war period. With world-famous beaches, gorgeous modern architecture, lively local culture, and a thriving arts scene, Miami is one of the top vacation destinations in the country. For any Royal Holiday member who wants all the attractions of a beach resort without sacrificing urban comforts, Miami provides ample amounts of fun and sun.
Royal Holiday members can stay at the Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay, a Royal Holiday affiliate equally fitting for an overnight stay before a cruise or a weeklong getaway. With air-conditioned rooms featuring mini-bar snacks and complimentary coffee machines, as well as HDTV and sumptuous beds, the Doubletree offers the full luxury hotel experience. Its location near the Port of Miami is convenient for Royal Holiday members embarking on and returning from cruises, and also provides a perfect start-point for exploring the city. Sea Isle Marina and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami Dade are within walking distance, and both the Art Deco Historic District and the famous South Beach are just a quick drive away.
Miami’s beach culture has always served as its central selling point, and South Beach, which has been immortalized in print and on screen, offers Royal Holiday members the opportunity to let loose and enjoy life. Sip an iced coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes along Ocean Drive and take in the beautiful architecture and historic hotels. Those looking to enjoy Florida’s natural wonders without the rambunctious 24-hour party of Miami Beach can take a trip out to Key Biscayne, which features quieter beaches and preserves such as the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park. Others will want to travel inland, where Everglades National Park offers a glimpse at the unique flora and fauna native to the region.
Royal Holiday members looking for more excitement, however, will find numerous opportunities throughout Miami. Little Havana, the home of Miami’s vibrant Cuban community, features everything from high-class cigar shops to authentic restaurants serving up traditional cuisine. The city’s famed shopping can be found at places like Lincoln Mall Road and the Village of Merrick Park, and celebrities and fashionistas alike have been spotted in the various designer stores around the city, making it a perfect destination for Royal Holiday members hoping to revamp their look or score a one-of-a-kind find. One of Miami’s biggest claims to fame, however, is its thriving nightlife, with clubs offering everything from live music to comedy to dancing into the wee hours of the night.
Despite its reputation as a party capital, however, Miami is also a global center for arts and culture. Miami’s Latino population celebrates their heritage at the annual Carnaval Miami, which takes over more than 20 blocks of the city every summer. During November, the art world descends on the city for Miami Art Basel, a celebration of art from around the world that brings 1,000 artists’ work to more than 200 galleries across the city. Royal Holiday members can also view priceless works of art in Miami year-round at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Bass Museum of Art, and many other galleries in the area.