Shayne is a destination expert, hotels and travel editor and lifestyle writer. When she's not doing hard-hitting investigative reporting at luxury hotels, she's usually at the beach reading, practicing headstands or pretending she knows how to surf. Follow her on Twitter at @ShayneBenowitz.

Shayne Benowitz

Shayne Benowitz

Articles (10)

The best road trips from Miami

The best road trips from Miami

Perk number 7,345,689 of living in Miami? There are plenty of destinations within a quick-ish drive. Sure, geographically, we may be at the Southern tip of the continental US, but there are plenty of unique beach landscapes, inland treasures and, yes, even further southern destinations to dabble in. As for what to do, where to eat and where to stay (should you want to extend that day trip into a multi-day trip), we’ve got the musts. Here are our tried-and-true picks for the best road trips from Miami to satisfy that wanderlust without wandering too far. RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in Miami: a neighborhood guide
The 14 best all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana

The 14 best all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana

Situated on the eastern shore of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is where the Atlantic Ocean intermingles with the Caribbean Sea along miles of golden sand beaches. The crystal clear aquamarine waters beckon surfers, kayakers, snorkelers, divers and fishermen, while the area’s interior is home to verdant mountains perfect for zip lining, nature hikes and exploring caves and cenote sinkholes. From Uvero Alto along the northern coast to Cap Cana in the south, home to the lush Cotubanamá National Park and Saona Island, there’s 30 miles of coastline and beaches to explore. It’s no wonder then that Punta Cana is home to a wealth of lavish all-inclusive resorts designed for family vacations, romantic retreats and exciting group travel. From the newest luxury couples resort to a whacky Nickelodeon-themed hotel for kids and kids at heart, read on for the very best of Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts. Looking for more inspo? 🏖️ Here are the best things to do Punta Cana This guide was recently updated by Miami-based travel writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines
The 12 best hotels in Key West

The 12 best hotels in Key West

One hundred and fifty miles south of mainland Florida, Key West floats at the end of the road as the southernmost point in the continental United States. An offbeat, come-as-you-are island, it’s long attracted writers, artists, drifters, and outdoorsmen drawn to its freedom and natural beauty. From afternoons fishing or snorkeling near the Gulf Stream to casual day drinking on legendary Duval Street and the nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, Key West has a way of bewitching its visitors. The charming Old Town district, lined with pastel “conch” cottages and Victorian-style mansions is also home to some of the island’s nicest resorts and historic inns that sit close to a whole host of great restaurants, bars, and attractions. But you’ll also find incredible hideaways in more off-the-beaten-path areas, from marina-front resorts on salty Stock Island to private cottages on Sunset Key and modern hotels across New Town. Read on for the best hotels to experience your own slice of Key West’s paradise. RECOMMENDED:🏠See the best Airbnbs in Key West🍲 Dine at the best restaurants in Key WestStay at the best family-friendly hotels in Key West This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to
The 13 best Airbnbs in Key West

The 13 best Airbnbs in Key West

Key West is one of those places that is so idyllic it can be hard to believe it’s actually real. Picture the scene: palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters, basking in year-round sunshine - absolute bliss. If that ain’t the good life, we don’t know what is. And there are few better ways to properly indulge in Key West than by renting an Airbnb. The city’s finest Airbnbs range from abodes that are mere steps away from the area’s biggest attractions to those that are perfect for lounging by the beach. We’ve sifted through all of Key West’s Airbnb rental options to find the ones that are totally unmissable: read on to find out more. Updated September 2024: The best hidden gems are often right under our noses, which is why we're leaving no stone unturned. How else would we know about this secret villa or this Old Town cottage? RECOMMENDED: 🏝Why not stay at one of the best hotels in Key West?Or the best family-friendly hotels in Key West? This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 14 best all-inclusive hotels in Jamaica for the perfect paradise stay

The 14 best all-inclusive hotels in Jamaica for the perfect paradise stay

With a legacy that spans Bob Marley and the birth of reggae music to the island where Ian Fleming drew inspiration in creating James Bond, Jamaica has long been a storied Caribbean destination. Ringed by the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches of the Caribbean Sea, it’s paradise for the modern day vacationer who can indulge in everything from snorkeling to diving, deep sea fishing, sailing or simply lounging in a beach chair. There’s also the dramatic verdant peaks of the Blue Mountains where Jamaican coffee is produced, historic plantation museums and rum estates. And while Jamaican patties and jerk chicken are a must, the island is also home to an impressive global dining culture drawing upon its natural resources and the bounty of the sea. With a wealth of luxurious all-inclusive resorts to satisfy every type of traveler, from romantic couples retreats to activity-filled family vacations, read on to discover the perfect Jamaican getaway for you. Looking for more Jamaica inspiration? 🏖️ The 20 best things to do in Jamaica🍴 Kingston's best restaurants🎸 The 11 best things to do in Kingston This list was curated by destination expert and travel editor, Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This a
The 21 best Airbnbs in Florida for a dreamy Sunshine State stay

The 21 best Airbnbs in Florida for a dreamy Sunshine State stay

Poet Elizabeth Bishop once called Florida the “state with the prettiest name.” And while she lived in Key West for a time during the late 1930s, her poem characterizes much of the natural beauty that still attracts visitors to Florida today. A peninsula ringed by the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s home to mangrove islands, wading birds, pelicans, loggerhead sea turtles, palm trees, Everglades swamps and so much more. From the sugar sand beaches of the panhandle to a Disney vacation in Orlando, the surf in Cocoa Beach and the cosmopolitan city of Miami, you’ll also discover plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations tucked away alongside inland lakes and rivers. There are so many different types of Florida vacations to be had. Use our guide to track down the best Airbnb rentals in Florida for the vacation of your dreams.RECOMMENDED:🏠 The best Airbnbs in Miami🏨 The best hotels in Tampa🏠 The best Airbnbs in Orlando This guide was recently updated by writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 19 best hotels in Miami

The 19 best hotels in Miami

Vacaying in Miami? Of course you are – why wouldn't you? You’ve had a fantastic day filled with exploring, you've gorged at one of the best restaurants in Miami and you chased that excellent dinner with a couple of hours at a luxe cocktail bar; you partied hard at some of the best clubs in Miami, and you may have even had a chance to squeeze in a trip to one of the Miami beaches. You've tackled all the best things to do in Miami and now you're drained from all the good times and looking to lay your weary head... Never fear, traveler: from South Beach mega resorts to boutique inn surprises, we have a slew of Miami hotels perfect for you. Check in, rest up, and get ready to do it all again. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Miami The best beachfront Airbnbs in Miami The best spa hotels in Miami Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 10 best things to do in the Bahamas

The 10 best things to do in the Bahamas

Without cheating via the internet (or further down this introduction), how many islands make up the Bahamas? If you said 700, congratulations! Only around 30 of these inhabited, so dust off the explorer’s hat and get to adventuring. We’ll make an intrepid explorer out of you yet. In all seriousness, the Bahamas is arguably the world’s best ‘choose your own adventure’ destination, a little slice (many slices, technically) of paradise that serves up crystal clear waters and colorful cocktails on a metaphorical conveyer belt. If you close your eyes tight enough and try to conjure up an image of paradise, you’re going to be imagining the Bahamas. The best things to do in the Bahamas are clear to see. Those looking to spend days hopping from island to island will find plenty to keep them occupied, while travelers hoping for something a little more relaxed (as in, lazing on a beach in the sun all day long) will encounter more serenity than they can shake a stick at. Not that you’d shake a stick at serenity, but you get the point. What to do in the Bahamas? These 10 things should comprise the first page of your Bahamas bucket list. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.
The best hotels in the Bahamas

The best hotels in the Bahamas

There are so many things to do in the Bahamas—and what you discover all depends on which island and hotel you check into. From nature preserves with unbelievably crystal clear water and sandbar beaches to megaresorts with every amenity under the sun, there’s a Bahamian experience calling your name. For peaceful tranquility without another soul in sight, look to the Abacos and Eleuthera in the Out Islands where offshore pleasures mean days spent sailing, fishing, snorkeling and island hopping. For lavish resorts, check into the new Baha Mar on Nassau or the classic Atlantis on Paradise Island, where you’ll find everything from a nightclub designed by Lenny Kravitz to a five story waterslide submerged in a shark tank (no joke!). Ancient fishing yarns await in Bimini, swimming pigs and pink sand beaches in the Exumas and a private island with an oversea spa in Andros. No matter what you choose, chances are the gentle sea breeze, big, beautiful sky and pale blue waters swishing this way and that will lull you into a deep state of sublime relaxation… and you won’t want to leave, because it really is better in the Bahamas. Here are the top hotels across every island.
Los mejores hoteles en Miami para sus próximas vacaciones

Los mejores hoteles en Miami para sus próximas vacaciones

Así que está buscando un hotel en Miami. Tras un día fantástico en el que comió hasta la saciedad en uno de los mejores restaurantes de Miami, pasó un par de horas en un lujoso bar de cócteles, fue a una fiesta en uno de los mejores clubs de Miami, y hasta se escapó a una de las playas de la ciudad, está agotado y ahora lo único que quiere es descansar en un sitio cómodo… No tenga miedo, estimado viajero: desde los mega resorts de South Beach hasta hoteles boutique que lo sorprenderán, tenemos una amplia variedad de hoteles perfectos para usted. Haga check-in, descanse, y prepárese para repetir esta rutina una vez más.

Listings and reviews (10)

Excellence Punta Cana

Excellence Punta Cana

4 out of 5 stars
An adults-only all-inclusive resort on the golden sand beaches of Punta Cana, Excellence makes for a breezy, romantic vacation with a barefoot luxury vibe. A lagoon-style swimming pool punctuated by lush gardens meanders along the oceanfront where you’ll find plenty of quiet nooks to soak up the sun and while away the day. Take your pick from a woven hammock, a cushy lounge chair or beneath a palapa on the beach. The all-suite resort is designed in a tropical modern aesthetic, most with spacious balconies, while some boast private plunge pools. Excellence is home to 10 restaurants and 12 bars offering a range of global cuisine. I especially enjoyed the al fresco Lobster House at sunset for fresh seafood and gorgeous views beneath an oceanfront palapa. For a little extra pampering, the Miilé Spa is surrounded by lush gardens facing the mountains with a hydrotherapy circuit, including pools, a Swedish sauna and aromatherapy steam room. In addition to a wealth of water sports, from snorkeling to deep sea fishing, you can play some grass mini golf, table tennis and pickleball.Neighborhood On the northern stretch of Punta Cana’s Uvero Alto, Excellence is an oceanfront destination unto itself set on a lush palm tree grove with multiple swimming pools.Nearby Playa Macao: A stunning beach popular with surfers, you can also arrange for four wheeler tours and horseback riding. Hacienda Tuko: This eco-adventure park combines zip lining with buggy and horseback riding for a true immersi
Secrets Tides Punta Cana

Secrets Tides Punta Cana

4 out of 5 stars
Debuting in January 2024, Secrets Tides is one of Punta Cana’s newest all-inclusive, adults-only luxury resorts. The massive property spans nearly 700 suites laid out in a condo-like footprint with white stucco buildings flanking criss-crossing infinity pools that lead to the expansive beach. Part of the World of Hyatt resort collection, accommodations are modern and sun-kissed in a neutral color palette with pops of seafoam green reminiscent of the views beyond the sliding glass doors. That’s where you’ll find spacious balconies and, in some cases, patios with swim-out pools. The resort is home to over a dozen restaurants and bars, ranging from the beachside Barefoot Grill to the upscale Oceana seafood restaurant and the Market Café buffet. There’s also the requisite swim-up pool bar and the Showtime cocktail lounge with live nightly entertainment. For onsite activities, take your pick from snorekeling to sailing, beach volleyball, yoga and pickleball. There’s also an impressive spa with a full hydrotherapy circuit, including hydro-massage pools, saunas and a relaxation lounge.  Neighborhood Situated in the heart of Punta Cana’s Uvero Alto, Secrets Tides is like its own high-end residential beachfront community with condo-like suites and multiple infinity pools. Nearby Saona Island: Arrange an excursion with the resort to zip along the coast by speedboat to the southern tip of the Dominican Republic and explore the protected biosphere of Saona Island with its pristine beache
Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Punta Cana

Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Punta Cana

4 out of 5 stars
For kids and kids at heart, Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Punta Cana puts a zany spin on the classic all-inclusive Punta Cana beach vacation. From the onsite Aqua Nick waterpark, home to water slides, a lazy river and a slime zone, to Nickelodeon-themed events featuring characters, including Sponge Bob SquarePants, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Paw Patrol, entertainment is at every twist and turn. You can even check into a two-bedroom, three-bath Pineapple accommodation inspired by Sponge Bob’s famed “pineapple under the sea” that sleeps six featuring a private patio and garden with an infinity pool. There’s also a wide variety of suites, including some with swim-up pool access. They’re all tricked out with Nickelodeon orange accents and playful details. With over a dozen onsite restaurants and bars, meals also take on whacky Nickelodeon themes, from Pajama Jam breakfasts featuring Sponge Bob characters to special Turtle Power dinners. For grown-ups, there’s also multiple oceanfront swim-up bars and sophisticated dining options, including Verdello for Italian or the Explorer’s Table for world cuisine. From a Club Nick playhouse for the little ones to white parties thrown on the beach, there’s truly something for everyone here. Neighborhood With its own waterpark, you’ve entered a Nickelodeon alternate dimension where theme park meets resort at this playful destination on Uvero Alta’s southern end. Nearby La Hacienda Park: From zip lining to buggy rides, horseback riding
Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Punta Cana

Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Punta Cana

4 out of 5 stars
For kids and kids at heart, Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Punta Cana puts a zany spin on the classic all-inclusive Punta Cana beach vacation. From the onsite Aqua Nick waterpark, home to water slides, a lazy river and a slime zone, to Nickelodeon-themed events featuring characters, including Sponge Bob SquarePants, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Paw Patrol, entertainment is at every twist and turn. You can even check into a two-bedroom, three-bath Pineapple accommodation inspired by Sponge Bob’s famed “pineapple under the sea” that sleeps six featuring a private patio and garden with an infinity pool. There’s also a wide variety of suites, including some with swim-up pool access. They’re all tricked out with Nickelodeon orange accents and playful details. With over a dozen onsite restaurants and bars, meals also take on whacky Nickelodeon themes, from Pajama Jam breakfasts featuring Sponge Bob characters to special Turtle Power dinners. For grown-ups, there’s also multiple oceanfront swim-up bars and sophisticated dining options, including Verdello for Italian or the Explorer’s Table for world cuisine. From a Club Nick playhouse for the little ones to white parties thrown on the beach, there’s truly something for everyone here. Neighborhood With its own waterpark, you’ve entered a Nickelodeon alternate dimension where theme park meets resort at this playful destination on Uvero Alta’s southern end. Nearby La Hacienda Park: From zip lining to buggy rides, horseback riding
Sandals Dunn’s River

Sandals Dunn’s River

4 out of 5 stars
When Sandals Dunn’s River opened in 2023, it became one of Jamaica’s newest and most luxurious all-inclusive resorts—and one of its most historic. Originally the site of the 1950s era Arawak Hotel, designed by mid-century modern master architect Morris Lapidus of Fontainebleau Miami Beach fame, the 25-acre, adults-only couples resort has been completely reimagined with nods to its stylish predecessor. Take the Lapidus Lounge, for instance, (one of a dozen different bars and restaurants at the resort) whose interiors are inspired by the architect’s signature aesthetic with low-slung, jewel-toned lounges and starburst chandeliers. Other highlights during my stay included beachfront lunches at Isola Pizza and the Jerk Shack and late night parties at the Rum Club. Named for the famed falls nearby, the heart of the resort centers around an impressive oceanfront poolscape. Here, you’ll find a watersports center with Hobie Cats, snorkeling excursions and wakeboarding. With more than a dozen room types, including private villas, many are outfitted with soaking tubs or plunge pools on oceanfront balconies. Rooms are categorically spacious and designed in a clean, modern aesthetic in a color palette reminiscent of the sand and sea outside your window. NeighborhoodSituated just west of Ocho Rios, Sandals Dunn’s River is a 25 acre destination unto itself. NearbyDunn’s River Falls: Immortalized in the 1962 James Bond film, Dr. No, book an excursion to Dunn’s River Falls where you can hike
Excellence Oyster Bay

Excellence Oyster Bay

4 out of 5 stars
Situated on the tip of a private peninsula in Falmouth, roughly midway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Excellence Oyster Bay is an adults-only all-inclusive resort in a modern and luxurious Victorian-style setting. With water views spanning the Caribbean Sea and the Glistening Waters Lagoon, the resort is anchored by a stylish pool and boasts impressive accommodations, from suites with plunge pools to private beach villas directly on the sand and the signature Excellence Club suites, which include butler service, a dedicated concierge desk, private lounges and other perks. The onsite Milé Spa is home to an incredible indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy circuit, including multiple pools of varying temperatures, Swedish saunas and a steam bath, plus luxurious treatments. With nearly a dozen restaurants and bars to choose from, you can sample traditional Jamaican fare at the beachfront Jerk Shack or experience fine dining, ranging from Chez Isabelle for French and Spice for Asian fusion. I particularly enjoyed the oceanfront Lobster House serving fresh seafood and a creative plant-based menu for al fresco dining with gorgeous views—a true gem within this jewel box-like setting. Neighborhood Excellence Oyster Bay is a resort destination unto itself positioned on a private peninsula surrounded by two miles of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and mangrove lagoons. Nearby Glistening Waters Lagoon: A bioluminescent marvel that must be experienced to be believed. Book a night boat tour
Couples Resorts Sans Souci

Couples Resorts Sans Souci

4 out of 5 stars
Set on a lush cove in Ocho Rios, Couples Resorts Sans Souci is a more boutique experience than your typical Jamaican all-inclusive couples resort. At just 150 suites, it makes for an intimate vacation where, at times, you might even feel like you’ve got the whole resort to yourselves. Newly updated suites are white-washed and modern with a touch of old world tropical glamour, featuring natural wood finishes, rattan and basket weave textures, and pleasing pastels and striped accents. Sans Souci is home to every water sport under the sun (from snorkeling to Hobie cats, kayaking and more), plus tennis courts and a jogging track. With six restaurants, from casual to fine dining, Casanova is Sans Souci’s crown jewel. Set in a country club-like setting, it serves a fusion of international and Caribbean cuisine with both indoor and outdoor seating. There are also multiple bars, including the whimsical and lively Balloon Piano Bar, which I loved. A true paradise, take your pick from three swimming pools, including one fed by natural mineral water, as well as a mineral grotto for a hydro-therapy experience that can be paired with an afternoon at the spa. Neighborhood Situated near Ocho Rios, Sans Souci is an all-inclusive resort destination unto itself nestled in a lovely cove with multiple oceanfront swimming pools and mineral springs. Nearby Green Grotto: Discover the bedrock of Jamaica with a visit to the Green Grotto’s system of underground caverns with pristine waters and lush ve
Casa Marina

Casa Marina

3 out of 5 stars
Time Out says One of Key West’s most historic hotels, Casa Marina is fresh off a $79 million renovation with refreshed guestrooms, a new lobby bar, and a range of new dining options. Spanning 6.5 oceanfront acres, this grand dame resort on the National Register of Historic Places makes for an impressive arrival with its Mediterranean revival opulence. Originally conceived by oil tycoon Henry Flagler in 1920, the resort’s stucco arcades, mimic a stretch of the original Overseas Railroad, which he also developed. Inside, the high-ceilinged, high-gloss lobby is decked out with exposed Cypress wood beams, ionic columns, and hardwood floors. This historic opulence extends to the grand poolscape with two pools in perfect symmetry and a private beach dotted with hammocks and lounge chairs, plus two newly restored piers, making for one of the most idyllic beachfront retreats in the Keys. The resort is home to a handful of casual dining destinations with a new “Baja-Med” poolside concept forthcoming. Meanwhile, Flagler’s serves breakfast on an oceanfront patio and there’s also a grab-and-go market. The new lobby bar, The Canary Room, inspired by a short story by local legend Ernest Hemingway, is a great place to tuck into for a nightcap. Neighborhood Casa Marina is a destination unto itself situated on the island’s southern edge in a mostly quiet, residential neighborhood named for the resort. Nearby Louie’s Backyard: Arguably Key West’s most iconic restaurant with its history inte
The Marker

The Marker

4 out of 5 stars
Time Out Says As one of Key West’s rare newly built resorts, The Marker is home to some of the island’s most modern guestrooms lending it a touch of luxury. It’s also ideally located on the historic seaport where you can take a stroll along the docks and find some Key West’s most classic bars and restaurants. Rooms are categorically spacious in bright blues and crisp whites and most are equipped with balconies overlooking either the courtyard swimming pools or the historic seaport with views of ship masts swaying in the breeze and the turquoise sea beyond. Bathrooms are equally spacious, many of which include rainfall showers and soaking tubs. The resort, with its tin roofs and white porticos is designed in a modern Victorian architectural style that’s classic to Key West. It wraps around a courtyard with two swimming pools and the poolside Starboard restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s best enjoyed as a poolside lunch destination where everything from pulled pork nachos to beer-battered mahi bites and fish sandwiches are on offer.NeighborhoodSituated at the foot of Key West’s historic seaport, which is lined with salty bars with live musicians playing day and night, casual and upscale seafood restaurants and a marina dotted with boats, The Marker is also an easy three-block walk to the liveliest section of Duval Street.  Nearby O.’s Fish Wagon: For the ultimate freshly caught fish sandwich (go for the grouper if it’s on the menu) in a delightfully
Sunset Key Cottages

Sunset Key Cottages

4 out of 5 stars
Time Out says For the ultimate in barefoot luxury, hop aboard a private ferry to Sunset Key a mere 500 yards off Key West, and discover the island’s most exclusive destination. The 27-acre manmade private island is home Sunset Key Cottages, a resort of only 40 cottages (ranging from one- to four-bedrooms) alongside an idyllic private beach, a big lagoon-style swimming pool, a relaxing spa, and tennis courts. No detail or luxury is overlooked here and a concierge team is on call to attend to your every whim. Cottages are outfitted with big wraparound porches and balconies, polished limestone floors, substantial wooden bed frames, and full kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Some cottages even boast their own private pools. The level of comfort truly feels like your subtropical home away from home. The island’s Latitudes restaurant is widely considered the epitome of fine dining in Key West. Time your reservation to the sunset and request a table on the outdoor patio for the most sublime views of the sky changing colors as sailboats drift along the horizon. You can’t go wrong with anything the chef dreams up in his preparation of the catch of the day. Neighborhood A private island off the tip of Key West, Sunset Key is home to both private residences and the eponymous cottage resort, aptly named for its prime sunset views.Nearby Mallory Square: Home to the Sunset Celebration where lively street performers and musicians put on a show every night.

News (3)

The perks of these Miami luxury condos will blow you away

The perks of these Miami luxury condos will blow you away

From futuristic car elevators that whoosh you and your ride (preferably, a Porsche) to your condo in the sky to coordinated chopper pickups from a helipad floating on Biscayne Bay, the sky’s not even the limit at these over-the-top Miami residences. Check out the novel amenities driving the latest luxury projects to hit Miami’s real estate market. Porsche Design Tower If you invented the first-ever robotic elevator for automobiles, wouldn’t you name it after yourself? Enter the trademarked “Dezervator,” named for local developer Gil Dezer. The patented lift system inside the Porsche Design Tower, a 60-story high-end condo property, whisks owners and their rides (preferably the swanky European kind) directly up to their homes in the sky. Forgot something in your car? No need to schlep downstairs: Your baby awaits just outside the door.18555 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach. From $6.3 million for a three-bedroom unit. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach The folks behind the Ritz-Carlton Residences have found a way to make air travel more bearable for their future denizens: by skipping the traffic altogether. Opening later this year, the Piero Lissoni–designed waterfront condos will include free rides via the house yacht to a navigable marine helipad nearby. Once there, a Miami Executive Helicopter choppers you to your private jet for a getaway. All this comes without ever braving the TSA or the 836.4701 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach. From $2 million for a one-bedroom unit. Opens
The 54th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival promises to be bigger and wilder

The 54th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival promises to be bigger and wilder

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is really just another excuse to party. For three straight days, the eponymous waterfront neighborhood becomes a wild street parade of artists and art aficionados from around the world—and they’re all chasing a good time. “Early on, Coconut Grove was known as a laid-back, artistic, bohemian community with lots of galleries; but with so many artists, we needed three days to celebrate,” says festival president Monty Trainer. A couple of the area’s recurring participants include KROMA, a communal art space in West Grove, and FrameWorks, the festival’s longtime official framer (and pop-up exhibition space). Spectacle aside, the centerpiece of the weekend is the 360 exhibiting artists’ original work—from paintings to photographs to jewelry to sculpture. This year, 45 Miami artists (up from 41 in 2016) are expected to showcase their talents, including Linda Apriletti, who’s known for her oil paintings of the Florida Everglades, as well as newcomer Yeins Gomez, whose haunting welded-steel sculptures earned him a spot in the Havana Biennial Art Exhibition. Another highlight? Spanish-language celebrity chef Pepín plans to break a Guinness World Record for the largest arroz con pollo by cooking his own 4,000-pound dish. Sounds like a work of art to us! Entrances at McFarlane Rd, Mary St, SW 27th Ave and S Bayshore Dr (305-447-0401). Feb 18–20 10am–6pm. $15; under 12 free.   Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.
Four Miami hotels with incredible luxury residences

Four Miami hotels with incredible luxury residences

Did your last hotel stay rouse your inner Eloise? If so, consider one of Miami’s luxury hotel residences for your next big move. You won’t get plush robes (those are still reserved for actual guests), but perks like valet parking and dog walking are available. The downside of living life on vacation? It’ll cost you—a lot. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in a hotel residence is considerably higher than a comparable unit elsewhere (in Brickell the difference can be as much as $500,000). But if you have the Benjamins, it might be time to check into these lavish digs for good.   EAST, Miami   Hong Kong–based Swire Hotels’ first U.S. property is part of Brickell City Centre’s mixed-use complex. At EAST, Miami, tenants have guest perks without the commitment of ownership: The 352-room hotel boasts an inventory of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences available to lease—ranging from one month to one year. Homes exude Zen-like minimalism with floor-to-ceiling windows, full kitchens and ample living space.  Tenant perk: Complimentary valet and housekeeping services,   plus private elevators to access the residential floors. (788 Brickell Plaza; 305-712-7000, east-miami.com) The Residences at Faena Hotel Miami Beach  Flamboyant hotelier Alan Faena’s namesake hotel is as opulent as they come: Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons sculptures, gourmet restaurants and a Vegas-style show are all found on-site. While the six-block Faena District is home to its own condominium tower, the