My Miami

My parents emigrated to the US in 1967. I travel there every year to spend time with family, do some business development meet with legal counsels at large multinationals and law firms headquartered there.

Miami is a key hub for the cruise line industry, real estate, a variety of diverse industries. It is a gateway for trade and a great tourist destination.

Favourites
The Loews and the Delano on South Beach are my favourite hotels: Centre points for the Miami South Beach area, terrific pools, beaches and spas, spectacular views, great food, décor and ambience and excellent service.

Ishq, on South Beach, owned and managed by my parents, is my favourite restaurant, not only because of its familial connection. The food is contemporary Indian with a hint of French. Another favourite is Il Gabbiano’s, beautifully situated on Biscayne Bay, with some of the best Italian food I have ever had.

Tips
Miami is one of the USA’s largest cities, geographically spread out, many areas connected only by highways, little public transportation. A car is a must. For those looking for an exciting nightlife, South Beach is the place to stay. For a more quiet stay, with high-end shopping outlets, choose Bal Harbour.

Miami boasts of some of the best clubs, restaurants, sporting events and casinos. The music is a blend of myriad cultures, ranging from Calypso to Bachata to Latino. It is one of the fashion capitals of the US and a major shopping hub.

The main streets at South Beach — Ocean, Collins and Washington — are the designer district, with big names such as Armani and Diesel within a few blocks of each other. Going  north, the stores at Bal Harbour are lined with premier stores like Bvlgari, Emanuel Ungaro, Fendi, Hermes.

One of Miami’s best features is the proximity of commercial centres to the plethora of beaches, marinas, tennis courts and golf courses. One can hop from business to leisure within minutes.
The city has a spirit and a kind of energy that is unlike any other I have known and it remains one of my most favourite places in the world.

(Coordinated by Angshumitra Chakraborty)