I was in Miami recently shooting a Marks and Spencer commercial with Twiggy, Lisa Snowdon, VV Brown and Ana Beatriz Barros. Summer girly heaven – but we get to call it work! Kris and I managed to sneak in some fun tourist time and R&R in the 'Magic City'. If you're looking for an action-packed break with beaches, shopping and loads to explore, I'd highly recommend it.
My Miami: Dannii Minogue
One of my top five favourite travel experiences of all time - an airboat tour of the Everglades!!! If you can, hire a private boat and sit at the front. You'll feel as if you're flying across the water past the 'gators and beautiful wildlife. The sunset tour we did is breathtaking and I've heard that if you go when there's a full moon it's even more out of this world because the alligators are nocturnal hunters and you can see their eyes gleaming in the dark. If you're a target for mosquitoes like I am, it's a good idea to avoid mozzie-breeding season but that wasn't a problem in February when I was there.
Created by Ian Schrager (Studio 54, Mondrian) The Delano (1685 Collins Ave) is a stunning 'urban resort' right on Miami Beach. Like all Schrager hotels it is super chic. The swimming pool looks almost too perfect to swim in, the rooftop agua spa is the perfect place to recuperate after a night shaking it in one of the city's Salsa clubs, and Blue Door Fish seafood restaurant is a great option for a night in.
I love Tapas - it's the ultimate grazing menu - it's fun to try lots of little dishy delectables. Maya restaurant (809 Lincoln Road) was my favourite restaurant from my most recent trip. With the beautiful Floridian weather I didn't want to be stuck indoors at a restaurant and they had outdoor tables in the perfect spot for people-watching in the street mall. After an afternoon shopping it was the perfect place for a glass of wine and some nibbles.
I didn't have a lot of time for shopping when I was in Miami so the stylist on the M&S shoot recommended J.Crew (726-728 Lincoln Rd) to me. It was a top tip! Their sizing is great and they do a wide range of basic separates that are easy to mix and match. J.Crew presents its collections really well in store, showing you how to put it all together. I even found shoes there that fit me, no easy feat if you'll pardon the pun! For children's clothing check out Envy Kids (303 Lincoln Rd) and for souvenirs pick up your favourite team's baseball cap at Lids (521 Lincoln Rd) and get them to embroider it with your name. Little Ethan has his first personalised cap now :-)
Over the years I have done a lot of filming and photo shoots on South Beach as every direction you point your camera is picture perfect. It is a fantastic area to take a stroll, rollerblade or bike ride. On one side of Ocean Drive are the beautiful buildings of the Art Deco District, on the other, a wide expanse of golden sand and the Atlantic Ocean. The late Gianni Versace used to live there and, if you keep your eyes peeled, you will definitely spot a celebrity or two catching some rays.