Famed for its Art Deco buildings, beautiful sandy beaches, and distinctly Latin vibe, Miami is the go-to destination to get away from it all or be part of the action. With its iconic skyline and prestigious ocean-facing developments; its laid back and yet trendy atmosphere; nor big, neither crowded, this is an easy city to navigate even if you are a first-time visitor. But it is the cultural fabric of the city (over 80 languages spoken) and the people who create that fabric, that makes Miami so special. Its diversity manifests itself through art, music, food, and unique experiences, making it one of Florida's most energized and fun-filled cities. Visiting Miami is like traversing different continents while you are driving in the same city. This ethnic mix has a huge Latino and Caribbean flavor, with a third of the population of Cuban descent, followed by Haitian, Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican, and Colombian in perpetually shifting order.

View on Brickell from the EAST MIAMI HOTEL

It may be the youngest of the US big cities, but it is one of the fastest-growing. Being a gateway between the United States, Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean has meant a business advantage few cities claim. Located in the southern portion of the "Sunshine State, between the Florida Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean, the once sleepy old town on the Miami River has blossomed into an international business capital with global appeal. It not only boasts a plethora of trendy bars, high-end restaurants, and glamorous nightclubs but is also home to one of the largest concentrations of international banks in the US, as well as the largest hub - outside of Mexico City, New York, and LA - of Spanish-language media.

Officially there are 36 cities, villages, and towns that make up Greater Miami and the beaches. And from the glitter and glamour of South Beach to the luxury high rises and tropical landscape of Aventura, from Wynwood Art District, LittleHavana, to Little Haiti Miami fizzles with excitement. Each neighborhood has its soul and sexiness and all of them are astounding to explore.

Beach Life at Aqualina Resort

Where to live, where to go

Ranking the #1 2018 Best Neighborhoods to live in the Miami Area, Brickell is known for being the site of fashionistas and young professionals. Brickell is easily accessible from all other areas of the city and very walkable; it is full of great restaurants and just a few minutes from the beach!

While the charming seaside village of Coconut Grove provides a great neighborhood to raise a family, the best place to buy property in Miami is the northernmost neighborhood of Aventura. Shopping is BIG here, with the 3rd largest malls in the US at your fingertips.

And while South Beach has widely become synonymous with nightlife, there is another Miami beyond its bright lights and techno beat. With a spectacular stretch of coastline located halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles offers a blend of beautiful marinas, high–end real estate, serene suburban life, world-class shopping, and a true escape from the hustle and bustle.

Home to over 130 art galleries filled with unique artwork, showrooms, creative services, stores, antique dealers, eateries, and bars the Miami Design District will captivate you with its innovative fashion, design, architecture, and dining experiences.

Photo courtesy of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Known for its enormous and colorful art murals, Wynwood is one of the city's most happening districts and the undisputed selfie capital of Miami. The Wynwood Walls has brought over the world's greatest artists working in the graffiti and street art genre. Step inside and you'll find yourself amidst a kaleidoscope of color surrounded by hip young crowd, chic clothing boutiques, and stylish bistros.

But the city's art energy does not stop here, it is also fuelling infrastructure projects like the $ 620 million expansion of the Convention Centre District, which will position the venue among the top globally significant convention centers in the world.

Art deco metropolis, investment hub, world's busiest cruise port, art capital, city of opportunities… you get the picture, and that's so much more than sun, sand, and pool parties.

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