Accommodation in Miami for the Savvy Traveler

Miami’s diverse delights might be on the doorstep but you may never need to venture beyond this glossy fun-focused property north of South Beach. Dubbed an urban resort, the beachfront Ian Schrager-designed property has a cutting-edge spa, top fitness center, outdoor movie screenings and Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in charge of food. For nights out, the basement nightclub is a slick homage to Studio 54 with its own ice rink and bowling alley, complete with luminescent bowling balls and neon light show.

Located in a sparkling 54-story tower in Downtown Miami, Kimpton EPIC knows how to make its guests feel special. From the private marina for no-hassle boat trips to the champagne brunches at celebrated Zuma, the hotel takes care of every detail leaving you to relax and enjoy. Join barre and yoga classes at the upmarket spa, book a massage in the poolside cabana or take in views of Biscayne Bay from the flash, 16th-floor infinity pool.

The Standard may be within easy reach of Miami Beach’s party scene but wellness is the priority here. There’s a juice bar, sunrise yoga deck and extensive spa, while rooms are stocked with organic bath products and healthy minibar treats. Guests are encouraged to wind down by the fire pits and hanging chairs in the tropical gardens, or relax in the grassy solar circle. They can also while away hours in the pool area, complete with Arctic plunge pool, mud lounge and waterfall hot tub.

Put your wellness woes in the hands of the experts at this extensive resort in North Beach and emerge feeling like a new person. The largest spa in South Florida, the all-suite resort offers doctor-led treatments as well as alternative techniques to target everything from ageing to pain. The onsite wellness concierge will help make sense of the 20 daily fitness classes, thermal experiences and array of treatments, including IV therapy, chakra balancing and cupping.

Fancy a little more space to spread out on holiday? These two-bedroom villas are ideal for families and groups traveling together, with a separate dining area, whirlpool bathtub and fully stocked kitchen with fridge, oven and dishwasher. Though a car is handy to explore the rest of Miami from this suburban location, guests can still access a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, small lakeside beach, games room and family barbecue area.

Opened in 1969, The Mutiny was party central for Miami’s glitterati until it closed in the mid-’80s. It eventually re-opened as the all-suite property in Coconut Grove, ideal for those planning extended city stays. Contemporary one- and two-bedroom suites come with separate living rooms and full kitchens as well, as balconies overlooking the city or the idyllic bay below. There’s also a pool, spa, fitness center and Latin American-inspired restaurant.

If you’d rather splash the cash on Miami’s upmarket restaurants and glitzy nightclubs instead of a bed for the night, this bright, eco-conscious hotel fits the bill. Close to Brickell’s restaurants and bars, the hotel has its own lobby bar, with nightly happy hour, plus Cuban and Asian restaurants. A rooftop pool means you can still make the most of Florida’s sunshine while local calls, a hot breakfast and 24-hour tea and coffee are thrown in free.

Don’t compromise on location even if you want to cut the budget. The Generator offers same- and mixed-sex dorms as well as private twins, doubles and suites, but in a spot usually reserved for megabucks hotels. Just 100ft (30m) from the beach on trendy Collins Avenue, this lively design-led hotel has a pool with bar, skateboard and bike rentals, complimentary pool towels and the buzzing Jim & Neesie restaurant for homemade pasta, craft cocktails and Italian-inspired meat dishes.