Our trip to {THE FLORIDA KEYS & MIAMI}:

A little over two hours after leaving Miami airport, we arrived at Islamorada, a quaint village nestled about a third of the way down the Keys. Known for its laid-back charm and stunning sunsets it was the ideal first stop on our journey.

We checked into Casa Morada, a boutique, oceanfront hotel that felt like a hidden oasis. Its whitewashed, wooden buildings were complemented by lush tropical gardens, making it feel intimate and tranquil. The airy, minimalist rooms opened up to private terraces, where we sipped coffee while gazing at the water. A highlight of our stay was the complimentary yoga sessions by the ocean.

Our first evening in Islamorada was spent at the Lorelei Cabana Bar & Restaurant, an easy-going waterfront spot for sundowners. With live music playing and the chatter of locals filling the air, it was the perfect first chilled out Florida Keys experience.

For dinner, we headed to Lazy Days, a relaxed seaside restaurant with a large terrace. The casual, beachy vibe made it easy to linger over dinner, soaking in the sound of the waves.

Driving down the Keys was an experience in itself, with music playing and windows down. The narrow Overseas Highway stretches over a series of bridges and causeways, with the vast Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.

Finally, we reached Key West, a lively town at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. Known for its eclectic atmosphere, Ernest Hemingway’s legendary home and a buzzing nightlife scene, It’s a blend of bohemian energy and coastal charm.

We took a short boat ride from Key West to reach Sunset Key Cottages, a private island resort offering the ultimate in luxury and seclusion. We stayed in one of the charming white-washed cottages, surrounded by swaying palm trees and lush gardens. We spent lazy afternoons soaking in the ocean views from the porch or swinging in a hammock. There is also a decent sized pool to have a change of relaxation spot from the beach.

We picked this place to have a peaceful retreat. If you want to be closer to the action, an alternative is to stay in Key West itself.

A visit to Key West wouldn’t be complete without exploring its lively and colourful streets. We spent a day wandering through Duval Street, where boutiques, quirky galleries and bustling cafés line the sidewalks. For a taste of Key West’s party spirit, there are plenty of lively bars including Sloppy Joe’s and The Green Parrot.

Lattitudes is an open-air restaurant sits right on the water, offering panoramic views of Key West across the bay. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner with sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore and the soft glow of lanterns created a magical atmosphere.

Café Marquesa nestled in the historic district with an intimate, upscale setting. The restaurant serves what they call “gourmet coastal cuisine” and is often rated the top spot in Key West.

After the serenity of the Keys, we drove back up to Miami, and oceanside city buzzing with energy, art deco glamour and cutting-edge design. We chose to stay in South Beach, an area known for its iconic pastel-coloured buildings and proximity to the ocean.

1 Hotel South Beach is a modern, eco-luxury haven with a cool, beachy vibe. The hotel’s design embraces natural materials: think pale wood, sleek stone and vertical gardens draping the wall. Neighbors in the lobby is a grab-and-go spot offering everything from cold-pressed juices to healthy snacks.

The hotel offers three great spots to bask in the Miami sunshine: a private beach, a bustling main pool and a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views.

Miami’s Art Deco District is a feast for the eyes, with pastel-coloured buildings and vintage neon signs lining the streets from 5th to 15th Street. We took a self-guided tour, though the Art Deco Welcome Center offers guided tours if you want more insight into the history and architecture of this unique area.

For a more modern take on Miami’s art scene, we headed to Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum showcasing some of the best street art and graffiti in the world. This open-air park was alive with colour and creativity, featuring bold, thought-provoking murals by artists from across the globe.

The surrounding area is just as vibrant, with trendy eateries, bars and boutiques. Two places we’d read up about, visited and enjoyed were Zak the Baker and The Salty Donut.

Zak the Baker is known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and vibrant atmosphere. The bakery’s stunning, colourful exterior instantly grabs your attention, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the area.

The Salty Donut is an artisan doughnut shop known for hand-crafted doughnuts with innovative flavours, such as the Lavender Fizz version on display when we visited. The space itself matches the creative vibe of Wynwood.

This area is home to cutting-edge galleries, chic design stores and a thriving contemporary art scene, with everything from avant-garde installations to modern sculptures. There are also plenty of boutiques offering unique fashion and home décor pieces, popular with our three daughters!

To experience Miami’s Cuban heritage, we spent an afternoon in Little Havana. The streets are filled with the scent of Cuban coffee and the sounds of Latin music, with vibrant murals celebrating the community’s culture. We stopped by Domino Park, where locals gathered to play dominoes, and enjoyed authentic Cuban dishes at a local café.

For dinner, we headed to Los Fuegos at the Faena Hotel. Striking red décor and open-fire cooking are the setting for Mallmann’s signature technique of cooking meats and fish over an open flame. Our dinner or charred ribeye and wood-fired prawns was both rustic and refined.

Up on the roof of 1 Hotel South Beach, Water Rooftop was a breezy, light-filled dining space with stunning views of the ocean. We enjoyed a meal inspired by Japanese flavours paired with inventive cocktails. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning setting made it an ideal spot to relax after a day of exploring the city.

A trip to the Florida Keys and Miami offers a brilliant balance of laid-back luxury and vibrant city life. From the serene beauty of the Keys to the buzzing energy of Miami, a week’s journey delivered a memorable, multi-sensory experience delivered a lot of emotion in a short space of time.