Luxury holidays in Miami

When to go

Winter (December to March) is the peak season here, particularly with US tourists, so you’ll need to book well in advance; same goes for the fortnight around Carnival weekend in October. Miami is in the most southerly state, and enjoys year-round sunshine, so there’s no bad time to go unless you can’t take the heat: summer temperatures usually hover around 30º Celsius and it can feel very humid. June to November is hurricane season, so keep an ear out for any warnings during this time.

Getting there

• Planes

  You’re more likely to arrive at the busier Miami International Airport | 12 miles west of Downtown | rather than Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport | which lies 30 miles north of the city. SuperShuttle minivans (+1 305 871 2000; www.supershuttle.com) and taxis can take you into town from MIA for upwards of $20.

• Trains

  Amtrak (www.amtrak.com) connects Miami to other US cities. Within the Downtown area, the efficient Metromover is a free, driverless, mass-transit system. The Tri-Rail commuter line that runs along the coast to Palm Beach is also a good way to get around.

• Automobiles

  In the land where the car is king | there really is no substitute unless you plan to spend most of your time in one part of the city.

• Taxis

  Taxis are relatively cheap and readily available. There are fixed rates for journeys to the airport. If you really want to travel in style, hire a chauffeur-driven vintage Rolls Royce, from $90 an hour at Vintage Limousines of Coral Gables (+1 305 444 7657; www.vintagelimosonline.com).