Welcome to Miami: Gatecrashing the stars’ playground

IT’S not quite Miami Vice.

No sign of Crockett and Tubbs pounding the streets in white suits and sockless espadrilles, for starters.

But Miami has come a long way since the days of the flashy detective series.

It’s a destination that immediately conjures up images of glitz and glamour, sunny skies and beautiful beaches, not to mention a bustling nightlife.

So I’m amazed to discover low-cost airline WOW flies there from Edinburgh for as little as £200.

After leaving dreich weather behind, I’m ready for Miami’s blistering heat. And at 30 degrees, it’s perfect for sunbathing.

With a host of four and five-star hotels, great accommodation isn’t difficult to find – from the Art Deco style of the famous Raleigh and Colony to contemporary builds. We plump for Grand Beach Hotel Miami – and I’m instantly blown away.

Our suite’s spacious, modern and equipped with the ultimate Miami staple – a huge balcony.

Overlooking two pools as well as a gorgeous 200ft beach, the stunning view is the perfect cure for jet lag.

Ready for a day’s exploring, I head to one of Miami’s coolest neighbourhoods to check out Wynwood Walls, filled with edgy street art. Who knew graffiti could be so gorgeous?

Touring the area on bikes proves ideal, as we cover a lot of ground in double-quick time.

South Beach is renowned for its golden beaches and shimmering water, as well as the impressive Art Deco architecture which we explore in a two-hour tour.

Learning more about the history of the colourful buildings and intricate décor makes for an interesting afternoon.

Shopping is next on the agenda, and we head for the high-end stores of the Design District. Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Dior … the big names pull in the world’s biggest stars.

Beyoncé is just one of many A-listers who regularly visits to splash some cash.

As well as being a melting pot of culture, Miami serves up exotic food from all over the world. Latin cuisine is, of course, particularly popular.

It’s my first experience of empanadas (basically a stuffed pastry), but I return to Scotland feeling like a connoisseur. Naked Taco is my favourite dining destination. But if exquisite evening dining is more your scene, A Fish Called Avalon offers amazing seafood (I’ve been dreaming of that juicy bang bang shrimp ever since!).

After a few days in the city, I wonder if this is really “how the other half live”.

On a quest to find out, I set off on the Thriller speedboat tour.

It leaves from Bayside Market, where you can spend the day sipping on cocktails overlooking a stunning marina.

Dolphins are just a few feet away as we cruise past the homes of the rich and famous – exquisite waterside properties owned by celebs such as Will Smith, Gloria Estefan and Madonna.

So, how much would one of these luxury pads set me back? Well, Jennifer Lopez’s mansion is for sale for a mere $85m. Just a little saving to do then!

Miami has always been a home to the stars, but anyone in search of a beach holiday sprinkled with plenty of glamour won’t be disappointed.