nightlife

Any discussion of Miami nightlife inevitably makes South Beach its focus. This strip of high-rent real estate, distinguished by streamlined Art Deco structures, issues a siren's call to celebs and glitterati. Their eager response is invariably a nocturnal pilgrimage to see-and-be-seen, following hours spent on the beach, in the gym and at the salon. In SoBe's chic ether, already-unique Miami bars and dance clubs constantly seek to out-do each other with designer interiors, top-of-the-game DJs and mystiques fashioned around wealthy, beautiful or famous patrons (even better if they're all three). Outward show —indicated by exclusivity and visual splash — often marks these venues, although the velvet rope isn't necessarily stretched as tightly as it may seem at first glance (a well-placed call from your concierge can work wonders). As Mynt and Skybar ably prove, lounges are, by far, Miami's hottest nightlife scene. These high-style haunts promote courtship and intimate conversation, an emotional contradiction to the rush of motion, light and rhythm at posh Miami dance clubs like The Wall and Cameo. And should you care to cultivate an air of affected ennui, strike out for B.E.D. — where fun doesn't even insist that you be upright.