Returning with its 16th edition, Art Basel Miami Beach has established itself as a leading art fair, effectively combining the Swiss sense of business and Miami’s sense of pleasure. Across the four days, you’re privy to some of the newest and most jaw dropping contemporary artworks in the world, and the event itself launches the winter season for all of the local art museums, galleries and artist studios. If you’re one of the select art enthusiasts flying in to Miami this December to delve into the world of contemporary art, then be sure to bookmark the DWP-Insider guide to make the most of Southeast Florida beach’s party central.
Where to stay: Your ideal choice of accommodation should be one in close proximity to all of the fairs and parties that come with Miami Art Week, while also offering luxury services and a buzzy scene. During this time of the year, many South beach hotels display hand-picked artwork from established and emerging artists while hosting fine dining and parties themed around the art fair. On our radar is The National Hotel that will be lit with moving projections and filled with displays of never-seen-before art pieces by Montreal starlet Elisabetta Fantone. The multi-talented artist has found much acclaim over the years, being tapped by the likes of Muhammad Ali, Celine Dion and the Kardashians. For Art Basel Miami, she designed the luxury Cabana suite.
Guests who book the Elisabetta Fantone Cabana Suite deluxe or luxury package (rates starting at $10,000) not only get to stay in her exclusively-designed suite, but also receive a Corum Bubble Watch designed by Fantone (valued at $6,800), an original signed giclée, her art book and a chance to meet the artist when she hand delivers her designs.
Where to eat: The famous Hotel South Beach, known for its sustainability, is celebrating the launch of their brand new and highly-anticipated restaurant, Habitat. Native Miami chef Jose Mendin and Michelin-starred Spanish chef Angel Palacios both lend their creative vision to the restaurant’s food art by combining traditional cooking techniques with fresh organic ingredients for a menu of raw and farm fresh with Latin and Mediterranean influences. During Miami Art Week, the restaurant’s second-floor lounge will offer midnight ramen for its VIP guests.
Where to relax: Art Basel is known to attract celebrity headliners to keep their guests on their toes throughout the week, but this year’s lineup is reason enough to visit Miami during the Art week. LIV at Fontainebleau is curating a megaclub experience for art lovers, in keeping with its multi-million-dollar renovation and a star studded DJ list including David Guetta, Tiesto and Calvin Harris. If dance techno isn’t what you’re looking for, then ORA at South Beach is the place for all Theophilus London, 2 Chainz and Snoop Dogg fans who will be in attendance on the mic inside the gilded space. When you need a breather from the dance floor, seek the staircase to the second floor where you’ll find the Anti-Social Room, a chilled out cocktail bar specializing in classic martinis.
