I personally recommend:
Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne
I've stayed at this Ritz location several times now, and my most recent trip here was the best yet. It's about 20 minutes south of the craziness of SoBe, which allows for daytime relaxing in a luxe setting. Nice beach, attentive beach staff, well maintained grounds and pools. The staff goes above and beyond to cater to your every whim. Spend a bit more to get a Club Level room- you will get free drinks, breakfast, and hors d'oeuvres in a private lounge and in their beachside cabana. You'll save money if you go with Club Level... it more than pays for itself.
Acqualina Resort & Spa, Sunny Isles
I stayed here in late 2009, and this resort is incredible. Impeccable in every possible way. The decor is above and beyond gorgeous, and the grounds are straight out of a movie. Very much a grownup beachside oasis. Only drawback is that it is about 35-40 minutes north of South Beach, although it is close to the shops at Aventura and Bal Harbour. ESPA spa is noteworthy; excellent massages and they give you lots of free samples. =)
Shops at Bal Harbour
The best high end shopping center in the Miami area. Check out Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Agent Provocateur, and Neiman Marcus. The sales associates are really friendly (even if you're just browsing), so don't feel intimidated by the storefronts. 9700 Collins Ave.
Aventura Mall
HUGE mall with a nice mix of medium and high end shops. Nice Bloomingdales, Anthropologie, Henri Bendel, and Gilly Hicks (which carries beautiful bras and loungewear that is almost always on sale). A bit of a drive from SoBe, but worth it. Off of Collins in Aventura.
A Fish Called Avalon
Awesome for SoBe people watching, on the corner of 7th and Ocean. A must: white sangria. 700 Ocean Drive.
News Cafe
Where designer Gianni Versace had his "last supper"- a Miami dining landmark. Casual and cheap. Excellent for people watching, on Ocean by 8th. Awesome Mediterranean food. 800 Ocean Drive.
Hakkasan (at the Fontainebleau)
Absolutely gorgeous decor! Dark and sexy. A must: vegetarian dim sum. The Hakka, their trademark lychee cocktail is AMAZING. 4441 Collins Ave.
Nobu Miami (at the Shore Club)
Best sushi anywhere, hands down. Small but chic. 1901 Collins Ave.
SkyBar (at the Shore Club)
My absolute favorite bar in Miami. Lush gardens, gorgeous grounds, and chaise beds to lounge around on and people watch around the pool. A must: classic margarita. 1901 Collins Ave.
Il Mulino (at Acqualina Resort)
Great Italian food, albeit pricy. Excellent wine list. 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles.
