Art Basel Miami Beach is the one of the most important art shows in the US, and takes place this year from December 3 to December 6, 2009.

An exclusive selection of more than 250 leading art galleries from across the world will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world’s most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers.

If you’re planning on attending this fabulous event, you will definitely want to stay in one of Miami’s best hotels, just as gorgeous and artistic as some of the pieces you’ll see at the exhibits:

Mandarin Oriental Miami

A fun design hotel in Miami, the Mandarin Oriental Miami is a great spot for guests who want an excellent view of the city skyline and Biscayne Bay. This hotel was designed by interior designers Hirsch Bedner and Associates and will definitely appeal to artistically minded people and lovers of fine, modern design – perfect for people coming to Miami for Art Basel 2009.

The Setai

Another modern hotel in Miami, The Setai is a much more intimate environment than most and boasts an excellent oceanfront location in the heart of South Beach. Stay here if you want to explore some of the rich architectural Art Deco history of the neighborhood. You will certainly want to spend lots of time investigating this hotel, constructed between 1936 and 1938.

Hotel Victor

Smaller still is Hotel Victor which is right in the heart of the Art Deco district of South Beach (and perfect base camp for Art Basel). Hotel Victor is right next to “Versace Mansion” – Ocean Drive’s most famous building lovingly restored by Gianni Versace and current private member’s club for the rich and famous.

ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa

If a gorgeous beachfront location is what you are looking for in a hotel in Miami, you should consider One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa Bordered by Baker’s Haulover Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean you will get stunning views of the water here.

The Betsy Hotel

Historical, colonial and intimate, The Betsy Hotel in Miami is one of the city’s most elegant hotels. The Betsy has an aura that is passionately low-key. All 61 rooms boast a tropical, colonial design, leaving guests feeling fresh and pampered. Be sure to check out the hotel’s spa if you really want to relax after a long day of enjoying Art Basel 2009.

Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe. The journey below is meant to provide and idea of what is possible based on our experience and does not represent an endorsement of the particular properties chosen. All the properties in the Kiwi Collection have been chosen based on their ability to provide an outstanding guest experience and are recommended by Kiwi Collection.

Fly to Miami, hire car

Stay for 5 nights in Miami at the Ritz Carlton South Beach, a hotel with great facilities for kids, located by the beaches and nightlife of Miami, and with the Everglades easily accessible

Stay for 3 nights at the Boca Raton Resort Club, positioned on a white sand beach and with great sporting facilities

Stay for 6 nights in Orlando at the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, close to all the theme parks in the area

Miami is a great destination for the adventure seeker and relaxation aficionado alike. Whether you’re into sunshine, surf, shopping, salsa or sensational spa experiences, Miami is a magical year-round destination, complete with world-class hotels and restaurants, great beaches and a nightlife that never sleeps.

I had an opportunity to tour some Kiwi Collection properties during my recent trip to Miami, and I was blown away by the service and amenities, and pampered myself with some remarkable spa treatments. Hey, when in Rome…err, Miami.

My first stop was at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort, which has undergone extensive renovations recently – a really impressive end product! With two of the best golf courses in the area and huge 25 treatment room state-of-the-art spa, it really is a “getaway” destination. Almost making one forget they’re actually in Miami, it feels more like a remote tropical resort. The property is over 300 acres and very secluded, however it is right across the street from Aventura Mall for great shopping if you want to indulge in some retail therapy. The resort caters to both families and quiet getaways with two separate pools catering to each group. I had the opportunity to experience the Salon within the spa for a pedicure, manicure and hair cut, the 3 hours flew by and I felt like family by the time I left.

Speaking of spas, two spas that I absolutely need to experience are at the Regent Bal Harbour and the Aqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach. I had a tour through each and both were very alluring; that “spa fragrance” the minute you walk in the door and easy listening music instantly puts you into “spa mode”.

Hotel Victor has such an appeal to the guest looking for trendy but still very classic accommodations. The dark theme throughout the hotel truly feels “VIP” but the jellyfish theme gives it that South Beach spark. The hotel recently hosted the Christian Audigier, Ed Hardy swim wear launch at the chique pool deck – what a perfect venue!

During the trip, I also visited the Ritz-Carlton South Beach – true luxury on one of Miami’s hottest beaches. The guest experience was truly outstanding; nothing was overlooked! The location of this hotel was perfect – one side hugging the beach and the other facing Lincoln Avenue for shopping and dining. I also discovered my new favorite cocktail; the frozen blueberry mojito – a definite must try! The crab cake burger at Bistro One is absolutely delightful as well. The famous Di Lido restaurant is very popular for its gorgeous views of the beach promenade and the ocean.

If you are looking for a true VIP experience, you definitely need to check out the rooftop scene at Gansevoort South (minimum age is 21). Similar to Gansevoort in NYC with the private pool area for guests only, the other half of the rooftop is an extremely trendy popular local night spot. Hardy Hill with the Opium Group headline Thursday night festivities – you don’t want to miss them; the vibe and the crowd are very sexy – truly Miami. One thing that is extremely unique are the outdoor restrooms…..might sound odd, but it’s really cool.

Another stop in my Miami trip was at the Four Seasons Hotel, located in the downtown area of the city. Rumored to be one of the tallest buildings south of New York City at 70 stories high, this property feels like a resort with its enormous pool deck. You can choose a very private area or have the option to share some family time with the kids, the area is definitely large enough for both. The property’s fitness center, Sports Club/LA is absolutely enormous with 50,000 square feet of anything you need, its definitely catering to the fitness conscious travelers. The beds at the Four Seasons are incredible, I can actually sleep all the way through the night here, which can be a difficult feat whilst on the road.

I visited the Fisher Island Hotel & Resort and words simply cannot describe it. Its completely exclusive and accessible only by ferry, their security is absolutely incredible and the resort is beautiful. Most of the island consists of private residences and I mean “private”, that is the whole point of this island. The hotel currently has 48 rooms but will likely grow to 65 rooms and be capped at that once the rest of the development is completed. If you want a very secluded VIP vacation – this is the spot!

The last visit during my Miami stay was the stunning Setai – I was completely blown away by the Asian design influence. Not a detail has been ignored in this luxury design property. Every area in the hotel is gorgeous, its no wonder so many people have chosen to make this their permanent residence. The property stands on its own in Miami and is an absolute masterpiece…a walk through the lobby into the outdoor lounge area alone is enough to entice you to stay.