Mi Amo Miami

South Beach in Miami doesn't feel like a city in the US. It's more of an international, tropical, Latin metropolis with US citizenship. The beach is wide, white and has fine sand. The ocean is the clearest I have ever seen on the East coast. The food and nightlife have young, stylish, and very sexy tendencies. Facing the beach and located directly on the lively Ocean Drive is the Hotel Victor which just opened in 2004. It's got all the classic Art Deco style Miami is famous for with some sensuous touches in the rooms (let's just say that you might want to explore your kinkier side with some things available in the mini bar). This place is NOT for families...unless you are Madonna. They should start a new slogan that whatever you try in South Beach may go home with you:). the Victor is part of a large chain so you can get points or use them to stay here if you have a gold passport with Hyatt. Prices are reasonable for being in the center of everything with outstanding accommodations. They have packages available that are better bargains if you plan your stay in advance or with a theme in mind (one package is called the Sensuous, another is for girlfriends only).

The Jaguar Spot in Coconut Grove is a delicious way to spend an afternoon/evening tasting from the spoons of ceviche or their full grill menu while sipping Mojitos or Margaritas on their sidewalk patio. They have the most unusual combinations and flavors presented on spoons that allow you to taste their 12 ceviches. Think of tapas on spoons. There was not one that I didn't like. Their menu incorporates the flavors of Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru, so this place truly is a Latin feast of the flavors of Miami. The location in chic Coconut Grove makes it an ideal spot to people watch and shop before or after your meal. Or better yet, have a few ceviches with drinks, walk around the few blocks that make up the center of town, come back for the main course right around sunset, and toast your luck at having found a place to taste all of Miami in one spot with a friendly Jaguar.