Simply Abu Dhabi XX

2 6 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I A subtropical climate with year-round sunshine and a reputation that is getting hotter and hotter – Miami is enjoying a well-earned resurgence. What in the 1920s was a mosquito infested mangrove swamp is now a glittering city that everyone seems to be talking about – Miami has reinvented itself as one of the world’s premier playgrounds and those in the know are flocking there fast. Yes, Miami has always offered fun by means of the obvious attractions – poolside parties and glorious beaches, where sun-seekers fill the alfresco cafés by day and the jumping clubs by night - but a more sophisticated side has made a welcome addition to the mix. There is a burgeoning arts and cultural landscape that is equally playful in its own way, and its infusing Miami with a dynamic social scene, prompting some world-class dining and entertainment. There is a genuinely inclusive feeling due to the mix of people inMiami, which is home to more than 150 ethnicities. That means 60 plus languages, but English will suffice. Where to stay can be a conundrum. Miami is also home to the largest concentration of boutique hotels in the world. As cool and characterful as they probably are, I opt for the guaranteed luxury and impeccable service of the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton South Beach. The property was formerly the DiLido Hotel, a 1950s architectural landmark in the heart of South Beach's famed Art Deco district. Now completely restored and transformed in true Ritz-Carlton style, it’s ideally located at One Lincoln Road. Step out of the door and it’s minutes away from myriad dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife options, not least on Lincoln Road, a thriving ten-block pedestrian mall.