Magnificent Fontainebleau hotel and pool
UNMISSABLE VIEWS. SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD. A DIVINE SMOKE
Miami - home to Little Havana. One of the best destinations in the world for beaches and a slice of luxury. Not to mention, one of the top locations to smoke a cigar whilst enjoying a drink. Here is your ultimate holiday guide, featuring the best Miami restaurants, hotels and cigar lounges, which contain a range of cigar shapes for you to smoke.
Where to stay
FONTAINEBLEAU – Elvis Presley, Bob Hope and Judy Garland collectively helped to make this hotel symbolise the very essence and glamour of Miami. You may have spotted the place in films ‘Scarface’, ‘Goldfinger’, ‘The Bellboy’ and ‘The Bodyguard’. Situated in the heart of Millionaire’s Row on Collins Avenue, the Fontainebleau features award-winning chefs, a two-story spa, a couple of pool options and famous nightlife venues. The hotel has instant access to Miami Beach, where you will find peace and tranquillity, with a feeling of complete privacy and undisturbed sand. Unlike South Beach which is packed full of tourists and hotels on every block, Miami Beach is much quieter and perfect for those uncomfortable with a crowd. The hotel provides a range of accommodation; however, we highly recommend choosing an Oceanfront suite. For our cigar aficionados reading, Fontainebleau’s acclaimed steakhouse StripSteak by Michael Mina, has Thursday Cigar Social events where you can pair a cigar and drink together on the terrace. Be sure to check when the event is running before trying to book.
Address of Fontainebleau: 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 33140, +800-548-8886
MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI HOTEL – Another 5-star resort located in the financial district and close-by to a selection of attractions, shops and train station. Staying in their Skyline View Suite will give you a marble bathroom and a wraparound balcony, overlooking the magnificent Downtown city horizon. The dining at the hotel also overlooks the water, and the hotel’s restaurants are well-established. The Mandarin Oriental Miami is known for it’s incredible staff-service, rooftop pool, private beach and luxurious wellness spa, which offers treatments based on ancient traditions of Chinese, European, Thai, Ayurvedic and Balinese cultures.
Address of Mandarin Oriental Miami Hotel: 500 Brickell Key Drive, 33131 Miami, +1 (305) 913 8288
Where to eat
You won’t be hard-pressed to come across good food in Miami. The space is filled with cuisine from around the world and often at fantastic prices.
LITTLE HAVANA – Initial assumption may have you believe the area serves strictly Cuban. As a matter of fact, Little Havana is a hub for traditional, modern and widespread variety. For wine and Spanish tapas, you can’t go wrong with LeKoké Wine & Bites – the family owned wine bar and café has over 300 bottles of wine you can purchase. For the tastiest ice-cream – Azucar Ice Cream Company will delight your taste buds. And if you do want Havana food, the Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine is your go-to. The restaurant is continually mentioned in the press, and the menu explains why. Cuban Style Macoroni, Special Cuban Sandwich and Assorted Seafood “Zarzuela De Mariscos” are a few favourites to try.
Top Left: Lobster Rolls, Top Right: Wagyu Tartare, Bottom: Market Seafood Casserole. Photos by the delicious Seaspice restaurant
WATERFRONT – Miami has a great perk of honing numerous restaurants with waterfront views. La Mar by Gaston Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, is an up-scale establishment for mouth-watering Peruvian dishes. Though seating is inside and out, we suggest you head out and admire the Biscayne Bay setting. For impressive seafood, try Seaspice. Octopus and king crabs are on the appetising menu, while a Maine Lobster Roll and Shrimp Linguine are optional for lunch. The vista of Downtown is worthy of reserving a table alone. For breakfast, Bistro Bal Harbour at The Ritz-Carlton is luxurious and has an oceanfront. Their unique breakfast plates include vanilla bean French toast and smoked salmon frittata. I advise ordering fresh Mahi Mahi fish at a seafront eatery before leaving.
Where to smoke
With their own Little Havana, Miami is recognised as one of the finest cigar destinations in the world. Miami Cigar Lounges are some of the most opulent for a relaxing smoke.
RUMBAR LOUNGE AT THE RITZ CARLTON – Described by themselves as transporting “guests into the 1940s Havana-style bar and lounge”, the Rumbar includes live Latin music, expert mixologists who create cocktails with fresh fruits, as well as a grand selection of rums, piscos and cachacas. The dark rich woods and modern design touches, puts the Rumbar in the top Miami Cigar Lounges list.
Address of Rumbar: 455 Grand Bay Dr, Miami, 33149, +13053654500
Top Left: Seating area, Bottom Right: Bar area, Right: Wine collection. Photos at marvellous Casa De Montecristo by Prime Cigar and Whiskey Bar
CASA DE MONTECRISTO BY PRIME CIGAR AND WHISKEY BAR – Step inside the walk-in humidor and see a vast quantity of cigars from the biggest brands. Montecristo cigars, Partagas cigars and Romeo y Julieta cigars are all stored at optimum temperature. Perfectly, the bar staff have exceptional knowledge on cigar and drink pairings, and are on hand to guide you towards making the right selections.
Address of Prime Cigar and Whiskey Bar: 1106 S Miami Ave Suite 202, Miami 33130, +1 786 622 2220
CUBAOCHO – Miami's essential, Havana cultural stop. A museum, performing arts centre, bar and abode for an exquisite smoke. The walls are abundant in Cuban artwork dating between 1800 to 1956, and the bar specialises in rum, with more than 400 bottles of different brands. Considered Miami’s home for live music and a no.1 tourist attraction in Little Havana.
Address of Cubaocho: 1465 SW 8th Street, Suite 106 Miami, 33135, (305) 285-5880
Our recommended Cuban cigars online today, include Montecristo Linea 1935 Maltes Cigar - hand-made, incredibly constructed and full flavoured, as well as Montecristo 80 Aniversario Cigar - worldwide acclaim, only 30,000 boxes and a mix of earth and nutty flavours. Both cigars are Limited Edition which means a highly regarded collectors item and impeccably crafted.