• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

(Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton; courtesy of Mandarin Oriental)

Removed from the South Beach party scene, André Balazs's third Standard (from $150), is inexpensive but sexy cool. The hotel opened a year ago, and the acclaim hasn't stopped. Go topless at the pool or visit the coed, clothing-optional mud lounge. Lather yourself in detoxifying, pore-tightening mud, lie in a deck chair to dry, and then hose yourself (or your friend) off.

(Photo: Courtesy of Casa Casuarina)

Skip the overhyped Shore Club and opt instead for Gianni Versace’s former South Beach home, now the Casa Casuarina (from $795). Guests (like Kanye West) stay in the Baroque Suite, swim in a mosaic-tiled pool, and sip a cup of the world's most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, gratis.

You and the kids will be comfy at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne (from $439 through December 21). Use the drawing room for games or afternoon tea, and ask the staff to arrange a family picnic on the Grand Lawn.

The Mandarin Oriental, Miami (from $329 through November 30; from $429 after December 1) is a quick cab ride away from the new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts. The “Biscayne Suites" have terraces overlooking the bay. A 20,000-square-foot artificial beach feels like the real thing.

Published on Oct 17, 2006 as a web exclusive.