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Miami nice! If you are after a hotel offering the ultimate in chic architectural design and luxury combined with first class comfort and service on your honeymoon, then the Delano Hotel in Miami is just the place. With its beachfront location, the Delano is not just a hotel - it's a stunningly stylish self-contained, paradise frequented by celebrities, the latest in-crowd and guests looking for an unbeatable truly-modern, experience. When it first opened in 1995, the hotel, with its understated elegance, became an instant icon and a Mecca for the in-crowd. Situated right at the heart of one of the USA's most vibrant cities, the interior of this 16-storey hotel was conceived and designed by Philippe Starck to be an understated mix of quiet quality and tranquillity, combined with uber-cool, but unpretentious entertainment. It may be modern, but it's also incredibly romantic. Arriving at the Delano, you can't help but be blown away by the sheer physical beauty of the indoor/outdoor hotel lobby, which flows seamlessly from the interior to exterior. The area is a breathtaking series of nine, beautiful, individual areas, entirely different from each other, but which as a whole, create the feel of an interwoven village. And the level of service is second to none. After a long flight, the calm all-white décor is a wonderful contrast to the hot Miami heat. Guest accommodation - again all-white - ranges from twin and double rooms, to lofts, suites and poolside bungalows complete with king-sized beds, the latest home entertainment technology, Connemara marble desktops, hand-selected, Carrera Statuario marble bathroom suites, a mini-bar and 24-hour room service. Many rooms offer an ocean view and the bungalows feature fully-equipped kitchens. As well as an all-white theme, Starck has also assembled a stunning international collection of furniture and objects, including works from renowned artists such as Antonio Gaudi, Man Ray, Charles and Ray Eames, Salvador Dali and Mark Newson, which are on display throughout the hotel. A concierge is on hand day and night to guide and advise you on services and the city. Although as the hotel is situated right on the beach, and with so many facilities on hand, you won't want to leave. As a honeymoon hotel, the Delano is hard to beat. Most social activity takes place in the huge lobby area (a Mecca for late-night minglers) with its hives of activity and also separate areas, perfect for a romantic retreat. One such area is the acclaimed, Blue Door restaurant with its custom, white leather Chesterfield-style curved banquettes and sofas, custom floor lamps with engraved mirror stands, white pearl candelabra and votive holders with hand-blown, frosted crystal votive globes strung with strands of Swarovski pearls which create an ice palace sensation within the elegant dining room. For a more lively eating experience, try Blue Sea (located in an alcove off the main lobby and overlooking the art deco garden), one of the most popular Sushi restaurants in Miami featuring an extensive and innovative selection of fresh seafood, caviar and sushi in the evening. Afterwards, head into the glamorous, sophisticated Rose Bar with its glowing bar, upholstered rose-colored walls, and custom Venetian chandeliers. It's the perfect spot for a romantic drink and quiet conversation, and the ideal perch for lobby people-watching. All in all there are six different indoor and outdoor food and beverage areas, serving excellent cuisine from light snacks to the finest dishes. A cocktail service is offered from the lobby lounge to the outdoor terrace. Although you may never want to leave the lobby, the Delano is situated right on the beach. Guests enjoy complimentary oversize beach chairs and umbrellas and water sports are available at a fee. The beach area also includes a tented children's play area stocked with toys. For real relaxation, the agua spa situated on the hotel roof, is a serenely beautiful and peaceful space that offers state-of-the-art spa treatments aimed at rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit. Housed in a pristine white setting with an enormous private terrace and 360-degree views, agua is the ultimate sanctuary after a hectic wedding. But the real 'take your breath away' feature of this hotel is the pool. You won't have seen anything like it.  More akin to a 'water salon' with its soothing underwater music, waterfall and separate areas devoted to floating and meditating... and eating, it really is out of this world. Steps from the ocean, dining by the pool is the perfect spot for a quick bite or refreshing drink from sunrise to sunset. The casual but stylish poolside bistro serves an imaginative menu of Mediterranean style appetizers and tapas, grilled fresh seafood and meats. But for the ultimate in romance, exclusive cabana dining poolside with your very own butler is available. Nearby, is another unbelievable design experience. Conceived as an indoor room moved outdoors, the Orchard is a lushly landscaped lawn filled with whimsical, Starck-designed 'vignettes' - including an antique daybed and oversized chessboard - that lend it the feeling of a surreally beautiful stage set and make it the Delano the ultimate place for hanging out, daydreaming, and planning the rest of your life together. THINGS TO DO... If you can bear to leave the Delano, the city of Miami and the South Beach area offer a wide range of things to see and do. Here's WJ's Top Five. Party: Miami is one of the best cities in the world for nightlife, and most of the hottest clubs are located in the South Beach area. A must is Nikki Beach. This open-air club transforms from an upscale restaurant during the day to a hot dance club and lounge at night. Located directly on the sand and under the palm-trees at the very tip of Ocean Drive, the rich and beautiful crowd this place on weekend nights, when anything goes. Go shopping: Miami's trendy South Beach area is a real shoppers paradise with everything from top end designers to individual outlets and stalls ensuring you'll return home with something really original. Head back in time: No visit to Miami is complete without a stop at the historical 50-acre Vizcaya estate. This European-style mansion offers a glimpse at life in turn-of-the-century South Florida. It's also an extremely popular venue for galas, weddings and other entertainment events. Try some animal magic: Miami MetroZoo is fast becoming one of the best zoos in the America. One of the first free-range zoos in the country, the exhibits are entirely cageless. See the sights: Guided walking tours of the city's Art Deco Historic District are conducted by architects and historians offered and take place every Wednesday through to Sunday. www.mdpl.org For rates, special offers and further information contact: The Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Tel: 001 305 672 2000. www.delano-hotel.com Getting there… Virgin Atlantic Airlines offer daily flights from London Heathrow to Miami International Airport. The flight takes nine hours approx. A range of flying options are available from economy to upper class. For further information log on to: www.virgin-atlantic.com
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