Trendy South Beach

South Beach is constantly reinventing itself to keep its clients coming back to check out the hottest things to see and do. It's always upping the ante just a bit more. The hotels are spectacular, each one just a bit more than the previous one. And, a few don't have that all-important address on Ocean Drive.

A fairly recent addition is the Gansevoort South in the northern end of South Beach. It offers a magnificent rooftop swimming pool, (as does its counterpart in NY), 18 floors above the ground. You enter this special teak deck and pool area by walking through a most unusual lobby. Indeed, management refers to it as the "living room." If features a 50-foot shark tank, tall, tall ceilings, multicolored lights and whimsical furniture and accent pieces. The pool is elevated 110 feet and is surrounded by palm trees, cabanas and, most importantly, Plunge. Plunge is the poolside lounge on the roof. Don't like heights? You may prefer to swim in their third floor oceanview pool which offers large circular beds, cabanas and poolside dining and beverages. Stay fit in their 42,000 David Barton Gym and spa where you can sign up for classes, take private training and relax with special spa services. Spend your night clubbing at the Opium Group and enjoy your morning jolt of java at Café Bustelo. The guestrooms average over 700 square feet and have dark gray suede walls with splashes of yellow and magenta accents. You'll appreciate the complimentary high-speed internet, WiFi and HD LCD tv's and iPod docks.

A much smaller hotel just around the corner from the Gansevoort, is the 130-room Setai Hotel. Dark and cool, this hotel keeps the light out on purpose. Imagine brown, as in chocolate brown, all over the hotel. The furnishings are all imported from Asia including some magnificent jade pieces residing in the lobby. A Balinese staff handles the pool area. Three pools, that is - each with the temperature 10 degrees higher than the last - starting at 75F and ending at 95F. They're surrounded by lush plants and relaxing fountains to offer a more "Amanresorts" experience that the usual South Beach experience. The hotel director was the founder of the famed Amanresorts chain. There are also deep, oversize tubs in the pool courtyard and a small spa (to be more exclusive!) on the property. Don't miss dining at their open kitchen dining room, specializing in dishes from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The wine steward is superb at pairing global wines with your chosen entrée. This property is also a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World.

After dark, the club scene goes wild. Visit Cameo, the legendary South Beach night club which is totally revamped. Considered to be a cut above the rest, they feature top-notch international DJs and outstanding live rock concerts. Call for reservations at 305-532-2667.

At the Mynt, you'll party with models, rock stars and actors, that is if you can get in. This futuristic themed lounge is wildly popular and very exclusive. And, the drinks you'll enjoy while lounging on their modular white couches will be very expensive. Contact them at 786-276-6132.