How To Road-Trip Along The California Coast

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Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Photo Credit: Hyatt Corporation

Leave the whirlwind of warm-weather parties, barbecues and family vacations behind with a little luxe “me time.” Savor the last of the summer rays with a solo road trip to some of our favorite coastal California hideaways. Let sumptuous spas, delicious fine dining and restful resorts guide your way on a high-end adventure guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed.

DAY ONE: San Diego
No adventure through California is complete without a stop in San Diego. Instead of hitting the more frequented destinations such as downtown, Del Mar or La Jolla, head 40 minutes north of San Diego International Airport to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad in the North County region. It is a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort with an Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole golf course with clubhouse, a blissful spa and delicious food.

Morning  
Upon arrival, make your way to the spa to unwind from the drive in. Loosen your limbs with four-hands massage, during which two therapists synchronize to give you the ultimate stress-releaser.

Afterward, linger in the light-filled solarium. Perch yourself on a lounge chair near the inviting fireplace or the trickling fountain and curl up with a magazine.

Afternoon
After this relaxation ritual, have lunch and lounge in one of the well-appointed cabanas, which are outfitted with a daybed, two chaise lounges, a bowl of fresh fruit, a stocked mini-fridge of nonalcoholic drinks and more. When you need to cool off, take a dip in the Adult Pool, which overlooks the Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific.

Another form of relaxation can be found with a good drink. When in San Diego, don’t miss a beer tasting, as the area is known for its breweries. Pop into Mother Earth Brew Co., which sits 16 miles from the hotel and emulates the North County vibe that you’ll see throughout the area.

Evening
With your first spa day out of the way, head to Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Vivace, Park Hyatt Aviara’s fine-dining Italian restaurant. Indulge in rich comfort food made with fresh ingredients, including handcrafted burrata, housemade pastas and the braised short rib Bolognese with rigatoni and Parmesan. Be sure to get accompanying pours from the excellent wine list.

Retire for the evening to the property’s spacious, coastal-inspired accommodations and take in the sunset from your private balcony or terrace.

Terranea Resort, Photo Credit: Terranea Resort

DAY TWO:Los Angeles’ South Bay
After a refreshing night’s sleep, try breakfast at Park Hyatt Aviara’s California Bistro before heading north to Los Angeles.

A nice pit stop between San Diego and L.A. is the coastal enclave of the South Bay. It takes about two and a half hours to get there, but once you pull into Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, you should hand the keys over to the valet with no intention of moving for at least 24 hours. The focus here is on the natural seaside environment that is best enjoyed on your private balcony overlooking the gardens and the ocean.

Afternoon
Pass the day away by sampling a few of the eight restaurants on offer at the coastal California resort. For lunch, opt for fresh New American fare with a California flair at Catalina Kitchen. Accompany your meal with an exquisite glass of vino and ocean breezes.  

Spend the rest of your day lounging however you choose — play a round on the nine-hole golf course, check out the spa or take a dip in either of the four swimming pools. Time drips away, putting you in the right frame of mind to mentally check out for a few precious hours before getting back to the hustle and bustle of a road trip.

Evening
Though onsite dinner spots such as Nelson’s and Mar’sel are always good options, we wouldn’t judge you if you decided to make the call for in-room dining before enjoying a refreshing night’s sleep in your stylish Mediterranean-inspired room.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC

DAY THREE: L.A. andSan Francisco
Morning
Take a detour through always-happening West Hollywood for an indulgent brunch. If the call of the day is stargazing, go to Catch, one of the hottest tables in Los Angeles. The New York import is a favorite of the celebrity set, and the menu is packed with globally influenced seafood preparations that transport you around the world in one sitting.

If that isn’t quite your scene, head over to Norah for more decadent fare. The open, bright space bubbles like a freshly poured glass of champagne. Chef Mike Williams packs unforgettable flavors into brunch specialties such as buttermilk biscuits and a crispy fried chicken sandwich.

Afternoon
After feasting and some frolicking, get back on track and depart Los Angeles to make the five-hour drive — and longest leg of this this adventure up the coast — to San Francisco.

Evening
In the evening, check into a classic California beauty, lavish Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, perched high atop Nob Hill on Stockton Avenue. You’ll be immersed in the elegance of a bygone era almost immediately, as the opulent marble lobby dates back to 1909.

For a superb experience, book a deluxe king room on the Club Level and receive access to one of the Ritz-Carlton brand’s top perks — its exclusive lounge. Inside, a concierge is available for all booking needs and there is continuous food and beverage service for noshing when the mood strikes. Enjoy samples from cuisine of the neighborhoods — The Mission, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and North Beach — that have made San Francisco famous.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s Vintner Wine Series, where you’ll sip pours of the best of Northern California vintages on Fridays and Saturdays in addition to a caviar presentation with all of the accoutrements.

Spa L’Occitane, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC

DAY FOUR: San Francisco
Morning
The fourth and final day of this road trip is one dedicated to the good life. At The Ritz-Carlton, check out the Spa L’Occitane by the Bay for the hour-long Immortelle Secret of Youth facial that removes signs of aging and makes the skin more smooth and youthful. L’Occitane treatments blend Provencal-inspired rituals with its signature products enriched with ingredients from the South of France.

Afternoon
After some down time at the intimate spa, liven up your afternoon with a stop at the crown jewel of the San Francisco hotel’s social spaces: The JCB Tasting Lounge from winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset. A jewel box of a space nestled in the lobby, this is the spot to taste rare and exclusive wines from the Boisset collection.

After lunch, work off the calories with a three-block walk to Union Square, a retail mecca with more than 200 shops, departments stores, more restaurants and an event calendar stuffed with all sorts of fun (The Graduate screens at the park on September 9).

Evening
For those who like to plan ahead, aim for dinner at Mina Test Kitchen, one of the most coveted spots in town, to venture out from the confines of the incredibly comfortable hotel. A space for Michael Mina’s team to test new culinary concepts, the cuisines are revolving and currently feature the “Mi Almita” theme, which pays homage to the spirituality and tradition of Mexican cooking.

Expect ceviches, moles, tacos and empanadas featuring traditional, authentic ingredients. The menu is fixed but there are choices within the courses and two different levels of wine pairings.

At the end of the night, come back to a placid view of the city and relax under the rain shower in the full marble bath before climbing into a bed decked out in Frette linens and a 46-inch TV.

Parallel 37, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC

DAY FIVE: San Francisco
Before returning to a non-vacation mindset, brunch at Four-Star Parallel 37, The Ritz Carlton’s signature restaurant, is unmissable. Specialties include an offering of Chinese dim sum, avocado toast with Easter egg radishes and sprouted quinoa and Dungeness crab eggs Benedict. Fill up before heading back home with a refreshed view of coastal California.

‘Fairytale’ Irish castle ranked in 25 best travel experiences in the world

Read article : ‘Fairytale’ Irish castle ranked in 25 best travel experiences in the world

A “fairytale” experience at Ashford Castle has been listed as one of the 25 best travel experiences in the world.

The listing was compiled by US travel advisor Chad Clark, who is aiming to certify travel “experiences” to create an annual list similar to what the Michelin Guide is for restaurants.

“You have the Forbes Travel Guide for hotel star ratings and Michelin for restaurants and Golf Magazine for the Top 100 courses, but there is nothing like that for experiences and that’s what everyone is looking for today,” he says. The ‘Certified 25’ is the “first of its kind in the travel industry”, he says, and the aim is to create an annual list of the best travel experiences around the world.

Experiences - and “experiential travel” - are the current buzzwords travel industry. For the ultimate travel bragging rights, it’s no longer enough to book a luxury hotel room in the five-star hotel with the best views of whatever piazza you happen to be in. Now it’s about “making memories through experiences”, according to travel advisors. Travellers want to actually do, see or learn something while on a trip, as opposed to lazing by the pool. It’s no surprise that the trend is particularly evident in the luxury travel market with wildlife safaris, Arctic cruises and active travel with learning experiences, such as photography courses, all on the increase.

Airbnb is also building on this momentum with its “experiences” section, where travellers can link up with locals in cities around the world. Other similar initiatives include Cool Cousin, which is soon to launch in Dublin. The Cool Cousin app provides a profile of locals who you can select according to your interests. You then receive their map of their city ,which is loaded with at least 25 of their favourite places, from restaurants to shops, as well as personalised advice.

Despite all the interest in the area, Clark believes it is hard to find the “best in class” experiences – there is no gathering of five-star experiences, which is where his “Certified 25” come in. The winners of the first annual listing were announced at the Virtuoso Travel Symposium in Las Vegas earlier this week. Virtuoso is a consortium of luxury and specialist travel advisors and agents and many of Clark’s listings are affiliates of the network, which has about 1,700 affiliates around the world.

Clark owns the Phoenix-based Chad Clark Travel Ventures. To create the Certified 25, he surveyed luxury travel industry suppliers and other travel experts, who submitted their best experiences from around the world. The winners were “chosen on their own merits of how cool the experience actually is”, he says. Reader beware however – money is no object when it comes to Clark’s definition of a “cool” experience.

A private showing of The Quiet Man in the 32-seat cinema at Ashford Castle is included in its fairytale experience – with Champagne and popcorn of course

Ireland’s sole listing is the “Ashford Castle Fairytale experience”. It includes private chauffeur transfers from the airport; two nights in a Stateroom; afternoon tea in the Connaught Room; falconry; a private showing of The Quiet Man in the 32-seat cinema at the hotel, with Champagne and popcorn of course; dinners in the Dungeon and George V restaurants; wine tasting; and meeting the estate’s Irish Wolfhounds. The price of your fairytale? From €4,350 in low season to €6,350 in high season.

General manager Niall Rochford says the castle is “privileged to represent Ireland and Irish tourism internationally as the only Irish property to be included in this inaugural list”. He describes Clark as someone “who has himself carved a career as a highly regarded and influential travel expert worldwide”.

“Our Fairytale Castle Experience offers guests the chance to experience the magic of Ashford Castle, offering the utmost in modern luxury and five-star hospitality in the unique setting of this historic castle.”

In Sydney, Clark’s list recommends you contact husband and wife team Jamie and Alex, aka Local Eyes Sydney, to give you the quintessential Sydney experience. This involves starting your day with early morning yoga or surfing on the beach before breakfast, National Park bush and beach walks. Jamie and Alex bring guests to their home for lunch and drinks before sailing to see Sydney Harbour’s icons up close from their classic cruiser, Iluka. The nine-hour “quintessential” experience will set you back €4,183 for two people, more than what most of us will spend on a 10-day trip Down Under. (Price comparison note: Flights from Dublin to Sydney average at €1,100 per person.)

For those with even deeper pockets (or a second home to sell) who also have an ethical travel conscience, safari company Singita offers a behind-the-scenes stay in their lodge and Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania.

Grumeti Black Rhino Project, learning about their anti-poaching unit and local enterprise development" height="348" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.3189875!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg" width="620" /> A six-night safari with Singita Safaris in Tanzania includes working with Grumeti Black Rhino Project, learning about their anti-poaching unit and local enterprise development

The experience includes learning about their wildlife re-introduction efforts, through the Grumeti Black Rhino Project; working with their anti-poaching unit first-hand; learning about their new canine law enforcement unit as well as their fund of local enterprise development. As for the cost…take a deep breath. The six-night experience costs €6,305 per person, which might not seem too wild for a luxury six-night safari experience. However, there is also a compulsory contribution of €42,500 ($50,000) per booking to support Singita’s conservation programmes. It is based on a minimum of two people and the maximum group size is six.

You might be glad to find out that the list also includes more affordable items to enhance your travel experience wherever it may be, such as the Kickstarter crowd-funded G-RO Smart Carry-on luggage.

features USB ports and a powerful battery, lightweight design, and a patented larger wheel making it easier to wheel on all terrain" height="348" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.3189874!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg" width="620" /> G-RO Smart Carry-on luggage (from €380) features USB ports and a powerful battery, lightweight design, and a patented larger wheel making it easier to wheel on all terrain

The bag (from €380, g-ro.com) features smart technology such as USB ports and a powerful battery, slick lightweight design, as well as a patented larger wheel concept that means a bag that is easier to wheel on all terrain - from cobbled streets to airport walkways.

Photography company Flyographer (flytographer.com) also features. The company, founded in 2013, links travelers with professional photographers in more than 130 destinations so you can abandon your selfie stick and instead use a professional photographer to capture your holiday snaps…for a fee of €210-€550 depending on the number of locations and length of the session.

Other immersive experiences include a volcano adventure with Four Seasons Hualalai; Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival with Nomadic Expeditions; an overnight Yurt stay at Platte Canyon with Brush Creek Ranch Luxury Collection; and a banquet on a remote section of the Great Wall of China with conservationist William Londesay.

See the full list below, or for more details, chadclarksertified.com

Top 25 Travel Experiences in the World (for those with very deep pockets)

Cong, Ireland: Ashford Castle’s Fairytale Experience includes a “luxurious stay in a medieval Irish castle where guests are invited to take part in authentic Irish activities throughout the castle and its picturesque grounds”.

London, UK:Travel company Noteworthy - who create “unforgettable Exquisite British Experiences” - allow clients behind-the-scenes access to the “Changing of the Guards” and the opportunity to photograph the event.

London, UK: The Beaumont Hotel in London offers a ‘do-it-yourself’ ice cream sundae with 300 potential permutations in the resort’s Colony Grill Room. For Clark, this is (thankfully) only part of the luxury offering at the Beaumont, which adding personal touches to all client stays.

ice cream sundae with 300 potential permutations in the resort’s Colony Grill Room" height="348" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.3189870!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg" width="620" /> The Beaumont Hotel in London offers a ‘do-it-yourself’ ice cream sundae with 300 potential permutations in the resort’s Colony Grill Room

Bhutan:Amankora Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural safari involves walks through ancient rhododendron forests watching black necked cranes, soaking in a hot stone bath; interacting with novice monks and dining in a rustic stone potato shed.

Wyoming, US: Platte Canyon Overnight Camp at Brush Creek Ranch is a luxurious camping experience that includes private outdoor activities, gourmet meals around an open fire, a large yurt and two traditional teepees with large decks located over the North Platte River.

New York, US:Chatwal Hotel guests can enjoy insider access to Broadway from the landmark building once home to the oldest theatrical club in the US. Guests have the opportunity to be part of the cast of a Broadway show.

Italy:Rosa Alpina Hotel bring guests on a journey through the Dolomite Mountains where guests hike in luxury from “hut to hut” while enjoying the gourmet food and wines.

Colorado, US:Limited “only by the imagination”, Colorado’s Dunton Hot Springs offers customizable experiences that are specifically tailored for each guest’s interests, including cattle driving, and horse riding.

Flytographer:Flytographer connects travelers with vetted local photographers for short, candid vacation shoots in over 200 cities around the world, providing both an authentic travel experience and unforgettable souvenirs.

Hawaii, US:The Four Seasons Hotel Hualalai offers a volcano with a private helicopter journey over the big island, a trip to a Rainforest Cottage Hideaway where you can hike, swim, explore the area around the volcano.

New York, US: The Greenwich Hotel offers a fully complimentary minibar in all rooms. This includes v “vintage favorite goodies” reminiscent of childhood combined with trendy new snacks with all-natural, vegan and gluten-free options. By the way, this is a mini-bar with a difference. Alcohol is excluded.

Utah, US: A stay at the Waldorf Astoria Park City offers beautiful snow-covered views of the largest ski and snowboard resort in the US. Don’t forget to take their signature vanilla mint chapstick on all adventures, according to Clark.

G-RO Luggage: G-RO luggage is specifically designed to accompany on-the-go travelers whether they are traveling around the block or around the globe.

China: With Imperial Tours, guests travel by helicopter over the Great Wall of China, landing at an isolated tower for a gourmet banquet with conservationist William Lindesay, who helped draft the law protecting wall.

France: Indulge in a progressive Parisian culinary journey at Le Bristol Paris, where they experience the French Art de Vivre, a decadent breakfast, a tailor made picnic and dinner at Michelin three-star restaurant, Epicure.

France:A meal at Les Prés d’Eugénie-Michel Guerard is described as capturing “the essence of French luxury, style, grace and elegance in a sumptuous setting”.

Ecuador: Metropolitan Touring offer a nighttime walk through the forest in search of nocturnal amphibians and insects, ending with a surprise (well, it was meant to be a surprise) picnic.

Minaret Station, New Zealand:Travel company Minaret Station bring clients on a helicopter tour of the Southern Alps in New Zealand before touching down in a deserted alpine meadow. Then it’s time to enjoy a gourmet spread of lobster pulled fresh from the sea, Minaret Station-sourced beef and lamb and award-winning New Zealand wines.

Mongolia: Watch Kazakh hunters at the Golden Eagle Festival in the remote Altai Mountains as these skilled hunters and their highly-trained eagles compete for the top prize. Nomadic Expeditions arrange this experience.

Amalfi Coast, Italy: Hotel Palazzo Avino’s “Sea of Love” dining experience aims to suspend guests between land and sea. Start with a boat trip to your private candlelit dinner overlooking the ocean.

Hotel Palazzo Avino’s “Sea of Love” dining experience aims to suspend guests between land and sea." height="348" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.3189871!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg" width="620" /> On the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Hotel Palazzo Avino’s “Sea of Love” dining experience aims to suspend guests between land and sea.

Peru:Experience the mystical beauty of Peru’s Lake Titicaca, the cradle of Andean civilization, through visits to a traditional community on the island of Taquile and hiking ancient trails surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountain landscapes.

Tanzania:Singita safari company offer behind-the-scenes insight into the work of the Anti-Poaching Unit in the Serengeti.

Singita Safaris offers a behind-the-scenes stay in their lodge and Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania – once you make a $50,000 ‘donation’ to their wildlife preservation work" height="348" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.3189876!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg" width="620" /> Singita Safaris offers a behind-the-scenes stay in their lodge and Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania – once you make a $50,000 ‘donation’ to their wildlife preservation work

India:Guests of the Ultimate Traveling Camp at Thiskey enjoy a day “on top of the world” where they are immersed in the region’s unique rituals and have the opportunity to try their hand at archery, raft down the Indus River and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Australia: True North conducts adventure-cruises in Australia’s stunning Kimberley region, with daily off-ship activities, some via the ship’s onboard helicopter.

Australia:Tour Sydney with husband and wife team Jamie and Alex (aka Local Eyes Sydney) who invite guests to their home for lunch and onboard their classic cruiser, Iluka to sail up close to Sydney Harbor’s icons. The tour also includes a native bush walk and opportunities to surf, stroll or perform yoga at the world famous Manly Beach.

Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

Read article : Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

When a standard room simply won’t do, it’s a good thing that Miami’s already luxurious hotels can accommodate with over the top digs—and price tags to match. Here’s a peek inside Miami’s most sought after suites with room to spare, floor-to-ceiling windows, private rooftop pools, marble bathrooms, and panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the downtown skyline. This is our ranking of the most outrageous penthouses in Miami.

1. The Setai 

The Setai (pictured at top) is perhaps the most expensive hotel in South Beach—period. And the penthouse gives you 10,000 square-feet of zen-luxe accommodations, including a 3,000 square foot ocean front terrace—all for a mere $32,000 a night. The views from the 40th floor are best enjoyed from the private terrace’s infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The four-bedroom, four-bath suite also includes a Steinway piano, a full-service kitchen and amenities like butler service upon request, Frette linens, a rainfall shower, and a Bose surround-sound system. 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-520-6000; thesetaihotel.com.

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2. Faena

Checking into the Faena Suite is like setting foot on a Baz Luhrmann movie set. The filmmaker and his wife, set and costume designer Catharine Martin, collaborated with Alan Faeana on the creative direction of the hotel. The suite is awash in lush red velvet, lavish animal prints and turquoise and gold accents. Connecting to a premiere oceanfront suite, it can be arranged into an extravagant four-bedroom suite at 3,549-square-feet. Drink in panoramic views of the Atlantic from multiple bathrooms or retreat in one of the five oversized bathrooms with a soaking tub. From $20,000 per night. 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-534-8800; faena.com. 

 

3. The Miami Beach EDITION 

A two-story bungalow at The Miami Beach EDITION is like a little slice of heaven. With blonde oak and walnut wood paneling and plush, white sofas piled high with pillows, the aesthetic is all understated elegance. Outfitted with a separate bedroom, dining room and living room, the bathroom is a spa-like treat with a personal sauna. Top floor bungalows are equipped with private rooftop soaking tub and all enjoy panoramic views of the sea with oversized balconies. 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com/miami-beach.  

 

4. Mandarin Oriental Miami

Famous for being a Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five Star Hotel in Miami, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami features two presidential suite options that channel this tranquil-luxe experience. The Oriental Suite on the 20th floor is the largest room in the hotel at 2,365 square-feet. With floor-to-ceiling windows, an oversized master bathroom, and a working fireplace, it’s a cozy retreat with a wraparound balcony and sweeping views of the city and Biscayne Bay. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room that entertains eight, and a piano “christened” by Luciano Pavarotti. For the true spa seeker, reserve the Mandarin Suite on the 19th floor and enjoy a personal therapist on call 24 hours a day for in-room services in your designated relaxation room. The 2,000 square-foot room also boasts an infinity-edge soaking tub and a two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower. A night in either room will run you $9,500. 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami; 305-913-8288. mandarinoriental.com/miami.

5. The Confidante Miami Beach

The 14th floor penthouse at The Confidante Miami Beach boasts a wraparound private terrace with both ocean and city views. The 980-square-foot pied a terrehas a master king bedroom with separate living and dining room and can be expanded to include an additional 367-square-foot deluxe king room with balcony. The luxurious bathroom includes a rainfall shower and whirlpool tub. All of this in Confidante’s signature playful palette of bright colors and patterns with a touch of vintage glamour. Nightly rates start at $1,500. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-605-4041; theconfidante.unbound.hyatt.com

6. W South Beach

The W South Beach has a collection of VIP suites, but none is so glamorous as the E-WOW Penthouse. The 2,600 square-foot suite has three bedrooms, all outfitted with king-sized beds and four balconies with unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. The modern-luxe furnishings are complimented with fresh orchids, a Nespresso machine, and a plush robe and slippers. Add to this a rooftop deck with private plunge pool and a grill, and you’ve found your home away from home. E-WOW comes with all the perks of a true VIP, including personalized concierge service, guaranteed entry into W’s nightclub Wall, and a farewell gift on the night of your departure. The E-WOW Penthouse is $4,000 a night. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-938-3000; wsouthbeach.com.

 

7. JW Marriott Marquis Miami

Situated 41 skyscraping stories above downtown Miami with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, the JW Marriott Marquis’ Presidential Suite with floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows seems to float above it all. At 2,479 square-feet, the suite includes two bedrooms with Brazilian cherry wood floors, two and a half baths with Italian marble, a living room, dining room, office, and private treadmill room. This modern luxury in the clouds can be yours for $4,000 a night. 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami; 305-421-8600; marriott.com.

8. SLS South Beach

You can party like a rock star—or just sleep like one—at the SLS South Beach inside one of Lenny Kravitz’s Kravitz Design Inc. penthouses. Choose from the Villa overlooking the action at Hyde Beach or the Tower on the top floor of the historic tower originally designed by architect L. Murray Dixon in 1939. Each high design penthouse is about 1,500 square-feet with a spacious ocean view balcony. The Tower features a grand living room, dining room, bar, and master suite with sumptuous interiors, like black and white marble, glass mosaic tile, textured leather, and screen-printed wallpaper in pewter and gold. The Villa has a contemporary feel with Cyprus wood paneled walls and stone floors, and a master bath with white Thassos marble walls and glass mosaic floors. If “you’re gonna go [this] way,” pricing starts at $2,500 per night. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-1701; slshotels.com/southbea ch.

 

9. InterContinental Miami

Originally named for President Ronald Reagan and Princess Caroline of Monaco, the InterContinental Miami’s pair of penthouse suites have been given an upgrade thanks to a 30 million dollar hotel renovation and the eye of tennis superstar Venus Williams and her V Starr design firm. Now named the Royal Palm and the Metropolis, each 3,300 square-foot suite offers a master bedroom, living room, dining room, multi-media room, office, and kitchen with gorgeous views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. A favorite hotel of competitors and attendees of the annual Sony Open Tennis tournament, Williams’ aesthetic is the perfect compliment to this classic downtown destination. Both penthouses start at $3,000 per night. 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami; 305-577-1000; icmiamihotel.com.

 

10. 1 Hotel South Beach

At 3,600 square-feet, boasting two king master bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a living room, pool table alcove, media room and a balcony with sweeping ocean views and a daybed for lounging, 1 Hotel’s Presidential suite is a luxurious retreat. With furniture made of rough hewn white oak and natural fibers, wood-grained tile floors and nature-inspired pendant lamps, 1’s penthouse reflects the aesthetic of “bringing the outside in” at this eco-driven luxury hotel. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and free-standing Boffi tubs. A throne-worthy rattan swing adds a touch of whimsy to the blissful space. Rates available upon request. 2341 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-604-1000; 1hotels.com/south-beach.

11. Delano

Delano is considered the original South Beach “scene” hotel. Designed by Philippe Starck to resemble a glamorous stumble down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, it has an equally stylish penthouse. At 1,660 square-feet, it features a master bedroom, dining room, sitting area, and wet bar. Picture dazzling all-white rooms with Starck-designed custom furniture and the signature bowl of green apples amidst billowing floor-to-ceiling white curtains. The bathrooms feature oversized Italian marble soaking tubs, and there’s also a spacious private balcony for discreet sunbathing and incredible views of the aquamarine sea. Rates are available upon request. 1685 Collins Ave.; Miami Beach; 305-672-2000; morganshotelgroup.com/delano.

Shayne Benowitz is Miami.com’s Travel Editor. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at ShayneBenowitz.com.