US holiday | Miami & The Keys

From the skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country roads of New England, The United States of America is a place of beauty and of unprecedented diversity. Visit the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Empire State Building, the Iconic Statue of Liberty and catch a glimpse of the lights of Las Vegas! Not to mention the country's natural treasures: the many national parks with beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The beaches on both the east and west coasts are also well worth a visit. The United States is a country of such vast dimensions that a lifetime in the United States can still feel like you have barely seen any of the country.

Mention Miami and most people conjure up mental images of sprawling sunny beaches teeming with models, celebrities and some absurdly attractive locals. While this big city certainly offers plenty of surf, sun and fun, it has so much more to offer than endless beach parties and glittering strips of chic hotels. Miami is a complex and fascinating melting pot of cultures from Latin America, the Caribbean and the Yankee. From the spirited Cuban community of Little Havana to the glass, steel and concrete jungle of downtown Miami, home to big houses, luxury hotels and glamorous locals of Miami Beach; this city offers an unparalleled multicultural experience. These cultural contrasts create a veritable mix of international culinary delights, a wide range of cultural attractions and remarkably diverse arts and nightlife, all combined with a glistening turquoise ocean and golden sandy beaches.

Florida, also known as 'The Sunshine State', offers year-round sunshine, some of America's best beaches and a wonderfully relaxing endless summer atmosphere. With the colonial charm of St Augustine, the thriving party scene and colourful Latino enclaves of Miami, the magic of Disney World, the glamorous hedonism of Palm Beach, and the tranquil expanse of the Everglades, you are sure to find something to love in Florida. Away from the crowded resorts lies an unexpected abundance of natural beauty, including forests and rivers, desolate regions teeming with wildlife, and vibrant cities within reach of primal swamps full of alligators. Add in some diverse culture and excellent food and it is not hard to imagine why millions of visitors flock to Florida to enjoy the many accessible and varied pleasures this sunny state has to offer.

Miami Beach, known as ‘America’s Riviera’, is a coastal resort town situated on a small barrier island and connected to the Miami mainland by bridges. The city is both a vibrant urban metropolis with all the amenities you would expect from a world-class city, and a natural wonderland complete with breathtaking beaches surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.
Whether you’re looking for the child-friendly beaches and inviting oceanfront shops and restaurants of North Miami Beach; the galleries, museums and theatres of Greater Miami; or the high-end boutiques, ultra-modern fusion restaurants, exclusive nightclubs and Art Deco architectural masterpieces of star-studded South Beach, you’re sure to find everything you could possibly wish for in this beautifully sunny coastal city.

Key West is America's southernmost destination, located at the furthest end of the chain of holiday islands known as the Florida Keys. It is famous for its idyllic beaches, sparkling nightlife, charming Old Town and various water sports, such as diving, sailing, kiteboarding and jet skiing. The island was the former residence of famous author Ernest Hemingway, who indicated that Key West brought together his three greatest passions - 'catching big fish, eating good food and drinking hard'. Today, you can still do as Hemingway did, or you can spend your time more leisurely - enjoying the beauty of the island's tropical enclaves, palm-fringed white shores and beautiful sunsets. History buffs will enjoy the Hemingway House, which offers tours of the writer's former 19th-century home, as well as the Museum of Art and History at the Custom House. Key West's vibrant nightlife is mainly concentrated around Duval Street and the carnival-like Mallory Square.