For the ultimate beach holiday, there is only one place to go - Miami.

Dave Coombs

The world's most stylish beach resort has to be the South Beach area of Miami. The art deco buildings have been beautifully restored in sundrenched pastel shades that give the resort its unique and slightly unreal character.

South Beach attracts models and musicians. It is packed with oceanfront hotels, restaurants, shops and nightclubs.

But despite the glitzy image, it can be affordable, too.

Shopping, eating and partying are superb value in the US and Miami has some of the best places to indulge in all three.

I stayed at the five-star Loews Miami Beach, which is midway between the funky deco hotels on Ocean Drive and the swish designer palaces such as Delano and The Shore Club further up Collins Avenue.

It is also home to the sumptuous Emeril's restaurant and a new Elemis Spa.

If you are holidaying with pals, club together to treat yourselves to a poolside cabana for the day (£100). You get your own butler and an electric massage bed.

Once you've tanned and pampered yourself, hit the shops to buy something new for your nights out.

The best places to shop are on Collins Avenue, between 5th and 10th Streets, and the open-air Lincoln Road Mall, which combines shops with alfresco cafes and bars.

Current exchange rates mean you can save up to 50% on designer goods.

When the sun goes down, the neon signs along Ocean Drive light up and South Beach throbs to an electric energy and a pulsing salsa beat.

Two of the best places to eat (and be seen, of course) are Emeril's at Loews Miami Beach for modern Creole fusion dishes, and Table 8 at the Regent Hotel, for fresh California cuisine and lots of fresh fish.

For a truly exclusive and potentially star-studded dining experience, ask your hotel concierge to reserve a table at Casa Casuarina - the lavish former Versace Mansion.

The opulent property, right on Ocean Drive, is now a private member's club and exclusive hotel, so the only way to experience the glitz and glamour without a hefty price tag is to reserve a table for dinner.

Christina Aguilera was staying the night I dined there, and Matt Damon had been there two days before. So keep your eyes peeled, because you never know who you'll bump into.

If you want to dance and mingle with the jet-set, start your evening off with a cocktail at the swish Delano Hotel. Then
it is a short walk along Collins Avenue to the hip Shore Club, where stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hiton party by the pool.

For dancing, head to the glam Mansion nightclub on Washington Avenue or to any of the city's many Latin bars where music and salsa continue until the early hours.