In December, the glitterati of the art and design world will descend upon Miami for the annual double-whammy of Design Miami (2nd–7th December) and Art Basel (5th–7th December). Last year, we told you what not to miss at Art Basel Miami Beach. This year, we’re taking it up a notch, with an insider’s guide that covers where to go, stay, dine, and drink in between the private viewings and parties of Miami Art Week.
Where to go
147 NE 39th St, FL 33137 | Cartier: PANTHÉRE into the Wild Exhibit
Cartier’s new regional flagship in the Design District
Best for: jewellery and design buffs.
Not only did the Masion just debut its newly designed and expanded regional flagship boutique in the Miami Design District (recognisable by its wraparound façade of an undulating surface of fluted glass, etched with a motif from a 1909 Cartier brooch), but it will also offer a Panthére Into the Wild experience during Art Basel.
stores.cartier.com
Federico de Francesco at Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove
Best for: face time with an artist.
Federico de Francesco is serving as an artist in residence at Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove. His artwork will be displayed throughout the property, with moments for guests to meet him and learn more about his creative process and inspiration. Stop by the hotel’s Bellini restaurant for classic Cipriani dishes (owned by the famed family) and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.
mrccoconutgrove.com
2988 McFarlane Rd, FL 33133 | Credit: Mr. C Miami, Coconut Grove
1636 Meridian Ave, FL 33139
Philippe Carteau at MILA Miami and MILA Lounge
Best for: fashionistas and DJ sets.
MILA is joining forces with artist and designer Philippe Carteau, aka Philip Karto, for an exclusive Art Basel collaboration. Celebrated for his reimagined luxury handbags that merge high fashion with bold artistic expression, Karto will present his creations throughout the space, with a limited-edition MILA Miami collection. Don’t miss the exceptional MILA Lounge DJ lineup during the week, too.
mila-miami.com
Where to stay
The Shelborne By Proper
Best for: checking out the cool new kid on Collins Avenue.
One of Miami’s most anticipated openings, this hotel was reimagined by ADC Atelier, who honored the area’s iconic Art Deco legacy, while adding a tropical modernism twist. The guest rooms and suites lead to a poolside with private cabanas, fitness centre with daily wellness classes, restaurants that celebrate Latin American and Caribbean flavours, and full beach setup with membership options.
shelborne.com
1801 Collins Ave, FL 33139 | | Credit: The Shelborne By Proper
4040 NE 2nd Ave, FL 33137
The Hotel at The Moore
Best for: staying in the heart of the historic Design District.
One of the most recognisable façades in the Design District, The Moore was built in 1922 and the Neoclassical-style influenced the area’s development for the next 100 years. The suites and club were revamped by Studio Collective in 2024. The exhibition and event space overlooking the site-commissioned installation sculpture by Zaha Hadid is suspended over the four-story atrium restaurant Elastika.
mooremiami.com
Where to dine
Maple & Ash
Best for: decadent tableside service.
Maple Hospitality Group opened a branch of its award-winning wood-fired steakhouse earlier this year at Miami Worldcenter. Led by chef Danny Grant, the two-story restaurant offers signature experiences, like the ‘I Don’t Give a F*@k’ tasting menu, fire-roasted seafood tower, sundae service, and expresso martini tower. Designed by Studio K, the space holds intimate nooks and a speakeasy-inspired hideaway.
mapleandash.com
699 NE 1st Avenue, FL 33132
5937 Collins Ave, FL 33140
Omawei at The Bath Club
Best for: an intimate omakase experience that rivals Manhattan’s best omakase.
For the first time, the club will welcome the public to dine at Omawei – a roving and exploratory omakase concept. Specialising in Edomae-style sushi, chef Wei Chen presents a seasonal 16-course menu in an exclusive 10-seat setting within Miami’s historic The Bath Club – a landmark private beach and social club dating back to the 1920s.
thebathclub.com
Le Specialità
Best for: Italian dining art lovers.
Spicy Hospitality Group has recently unveiled Milanese institution Le Specialità in the Design District, marking its first US outpost. Designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group, the space has a retro-chic sensibility with a 60s/70s feel, anchored by an extraordinary art collection (from Jean-Michel Basquiat to KAWS) that turns the dining room into a living gallery.
lespecialita.com
40 NE 41st St, FL 33137
Where to drink
9011 Collins Avenue, FL 33154
The Champagne Bar
Best for: a large variety of bubbles.
Want to escape the fray of South Beach? Inside the historic ocean-front Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, a palm tree-laden lounge awaits with the largest selection of bubbly in Miami (close to 100 vintages) and a classic martini with No. 3 gin and orange bitters. If you’re peckish, bar bites include caviar, oysters, and lobster rolls.
fourseasons.com
Monterrey Bar
Best for: asking, ‘what’s your sign?’
This boutique cocktail lounge is located inside The Standard Spa in South Beach. In a cosy banquette, beneath a Murano glass chandelier, the bar offers masterfully crafted zodiac-inspired libations broken down by astrological signs – from Scorpio to Aries. For the latter, try the Double Standard made with Abasolo Ancestral Whiskey and charred corn-infused Rosaluna Mezcal.
standardhotels.com
40 Island Ave, FL 33139 | Credit: The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
915 Washington Ave, FL 33139 | Credit: Moxy Miami South Beach
Bar Moxy and Upside Rooftop Bar
Best for: private events and views
Moxy Miami South Beach has various drinking venues onsite, like Bar Moxy, The Upside Rooftop, and private event lounges Como Como and Mezcalista. Multiple indoor-outdoor spaces include a ground floor courtyard, a cabana-lined pool, an outdoor movie screening room on the rooftop, Mexican cuisine at Serena, and an exclusive beach club.
marriott.com
As the world’s leading luxury lifestyle group, we not only ensure all our members experience art like insiders, but we’re also the official concierge partner for Art Basel.
From securing you bookings at the top restaurants to tracking down the best beauticians to help you get red carpet ready, our private concierge services ensure you make the very most of the week. Oh, and we also secure you VIP access to all the top events, of course. Click here for more information.
