IT COULD almost be described as Las Vegas-on-sea, with all the essentials a group of guys in search of some fun could want: endless sun, fabulous beaches, glamorous women and plenty of nightlife. It didn't take much persuasion to get three friends along for a Miami "mancation".

On arrival, we went straight to South Beach where pretty much anything goes. The area is renowned for its art deco architecture and for being the playground of beautiful people driving flashy cars. It did not disappoint.

Click here now for amazing offers to Miami!

Splitting our stay across two hotels we started at the Shore Club, an achingly minimalist shrine to design with white verandahs and floaty curtains, poolside cabanas, DJs and bars, before relocating to the Mondrian South Beach with its decadent sunset lounge complete with Oriental rugs and Louis XVI chairs.

On Saturday night we started our evening at the Delano hotel, an art deco gem with a long, inviting pool lined by palm trees, before heading off to the city's premier club, LIV, in the recently refurbished Fountainebleau Miami Beach, which is set on 22 acres of prime beachfront.

We punctuated the late nights with plenty of day-time excitement. This included a big-game fishing excursion led by leading exponent of the sport, Mark Quartiano.

We met Mark at Biscayne Bay marina and coasted a mile or so out to sea in an attempt to land the big one.

Charged by the excitement of reeling in a fish making its way along the Gulf Stream, we chatted excitedly as we rode the waves. Sadly, we were unlucky and didn't land a thing.

Spending four hours relaxing on deck was a great way to wind down, though, and we had Mark for company. Aside from a leading fisherman, he is also a natural raconteur and he thrilled us with his fishing stories from around the world.

Want incredible offers to Miami? Click here now...

A guys' break isn't complete without a bit of sport. Having got lucky with the fixture list we had the chance to catch the Miami Dolphins in their NFL (National Football League) season opener against the New England Patriots and what an experience it was.

At Sun Life Stadium, home to the Dolphins, we watched the game from another branch of the LIV nightclub, with a dance floor and bar on one side and live action through the windows on the other.

At $200 a ticket the club doesn't come cheap so it's hardly surprising we spotted actor Will Smith and basketball star Dennis Rodman among those soaking up the atmosphere.

It is almost impossible to escape the fixation with celebrity in Miami. When we visited Red The Steakhouse on Washington Avenue for dinner, stories of Tom Cruise and Russell Brand dining there were quick to emerge.

Steakhouse on Washington Avenue for dinner, stories of Tom Cruise and Russell Brand dining there were quick to emerge.

Mind you, having enjoyed possibly the best steak I have ever tasted I could understand why the A-listers choose to eat there.
understand why the A-listers choose to eat there.

As with most American cities, there are fantastic shopping opportunities and despite Miami's monied lifestyle there are still excellent bargains to be had.

Washington and Collins avenues are littered with brand names and boutiques, but for the real deal we headed a couple of blocks out to Lincoln Avenue. We actually made an afternoon and evening out of our retail experience, having discovered some great restaurants and bars lining the pedestrianised precinct. Al fresco dining was the perfect antidote to hitting the sales; with names like Guess, Apple, Banana Republic and Macy's, it didn't take long to accumulate a number of bags.

To explore the city we hired Vespa scooters from Roam which allow you the freedom to enjoy sightseeing at your own pace. Roam is a relatively new company which not only rents out bikes but offers guided tours too.

We opted for the Wynwood Street-Art Tour. The area has its own bustling art community and this urban form is a refreshing alternative to some of the more accepted genres.

From political messages to fantasy pictures, the quality and scale of the murals comes through loud and clear. A particular favourite was a huge parody of Al Pacino's iconic Scarface character from the 1983 film set in Miami.

The Vespas also offered us the chance to explore the other side of Miami such as Little Havana, the Cuban quarter where you can see locals involved in animated games of dominoes, shop for your Panama hat or pick up a freshly rolled cigar from one of the many shops on Tobacco Road.

Whether you are into art, sport, beaches, architecture or just fancy unwinding by a sun-kissed pool, this city really has it all. Forget Vegas - take a gamble on Miami.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Delta Air Lines (0871 221 1222/ www.delta.com) offers return flights from Heathrow to Miami from £379. Business Elite fares from £1,867. Mondrian South Beach (dialling from the UK: 001 305 514 1500/www.mondrian-miami.com) offers doubles from £305 per night (two sharing), room only. Best At Florida Holidays (0207 849 4120/ www.bestatfloridaholidays.co.uk) offers four nights at the Shore Club, Miami, from £916pp (two sharing), room only. Includes return flights from Heathrow to Miami with BA or Virgin Atlantic. Departures between January and March, 2012. Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Association: 0207 978 5233/ www.miamiandbeaches.com