Sagamore Hotel
The 93 suites in this art-crammed space were recently refreshed, renovating the kitchenettes and adding de rigueur luxuries such as plasma TVs. A video garden by the pool, with cocktail-ready lounging sofas and screens showcasing highlights from the owner’s art collection, is another new addition. This year the hotel will host works by Swiss artist Olaf Breuning, including a 150-ton sand sphinx on its beach, and an absurdist mural inside the hotel.
1671 Collins Ave.
305/535-8088
Rates: $195–700
sagamorehotel.com

The Tides
A thorough, floor-by-floor renovation by designer Kelly Wearstler recently updated Lawrence Murray Dixon’s original 1936 Art Deco hotel. There are 45 suites, and those on the upper floors offer stunning views of the ocean. Don’t miss chef Pietro Rota’s Mediterranean cuisine at one of the terrace tables — a preferred Ocean Drive spot.
1220 Ocean Dr.
305/604-5070
Rates: $395–595
tidessouthbeach.com

Eat: Bin #18
Breakout chef Alfredo Patiño and his brothers run this tapas spot a few blocks north of the Performing Arts Center — great for lunch after hitting Wynwood. Raw concrete floors are offset by vintage wine barrels and an art gallery. Try the blue cheese fig brûlée.
1800 Biscayne Blvd.
786/235-7575

Casa Tua
Secreted behind hedges in a Mediterranean-revival mansion, Miky and Leticia Grendene’s bolt-hole is more exclusive than ever now that the upstairs has become a members-only lounge, serving drinks and a full menu. Civilians can sample the delicious burrata-mozzarella ravioli in the first-floor Venetian restaurant.
1700 James Ave.
305/673-1010

David Bouley Evolution
Bouley and designer Jacques Garcia teamed up for this high-end restaurant in an annex of the Ritz-Carlton. The fantastical interior, heavy on the gold and drapes, is lush, and the food is dreamy. The consensus is that Bouley still deserves his elevated reputation. The $90 tasting menu is a classic of the genre, and the elegant truffled mushroom salad is an unmissable treat.
1669 Collins Ave.
305/604-6090

Devito South Beach
Actor Danny’s place, co-owned by seasoned local restaurateur David Manero, is part chophouse, part rustic Tuscan spot — with chandeliers. It takes style cues from Dorothy Draper and lures high rollers with a $250 “steak flight” (a trio of Wagyus) and a VIP balcony that’s reachable only by private elevator.
150 Ocean Dr.
305/531-0911

Fratelli Lyon
Located inside the Driade design store, Fratelli Lyon is one of the coolest new restaurants in town. At both lunch and dinner it offers a range of antipasti categories (bruschette, verdure, pesce, salumi, formaggi), as well as pastas (ravioli with braised oxtail) and house specialties (filet of sole with pickled onions, pine nuts, and raisins).
4141 NE 2nd Ave.
305/572-2901

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
Afterglo’s Michael Schwartz opened his casual Design District place last year, and it has been packed with black-clad gallery workers and glitzy beach scenesters ever since. The indoor-outdoor space has an industrial aesthetic, while the menu is eclectic modern American (wood-roasted local black grouper). It’s best to eat solo at the bar or snag a coveted table on the plaza under an umbrella.
130 NE 40th St.
305/573-5550

Play: Back Nine Putt-Putt
The nine-hole mini-golf course designed by local artists was such a hit at the 2006 Basel that it now has a permanent home in this garden center on the mainland. No hole is named, so you can also play Spot the Hernan Bas (or Daniel Arsham, or...). The $5 entry fee includes a stiff piña colada.
7244 Biscayne Blvd.
305/984-3231

Marimekko
The design house founded in Helsinki in the 1950s opened a store here just last year. It sells a full range of those distinctive Marimekko prints adorning everything from clothing to housewares. Look especially for quirky items like slippers and disposable coasters.
1671 Meridian Ave.
305/534-0411
marimekkomiami.com

Tomas Maier
Relocated in November to the Design District, Maier’s store is now in a 6,000-square-foot former pineapple plantation homestead. Shop for Maier’s own men’s and women’s wear (think bikinis and lightweight cashmere), plus his pick of gifts and housewares. The second floor gallery will be showing works by French photographer Karine Laval through March 2009.
170 NE 40th St.
305/576-8383
tomasmaier.com