Florida Tourism and Travel

Miami, FL - The luxurious Mandarin Oriental in Miami is proud to announce the availability of two travel packages in which visitors can explore the world-famous South Beach Miami nightlife. Miami certainly offers fun in the sun, but as the “glitterati” know, the real fun happens when the sun goes down. With this in mind, Mandarin Oriental, Miami introduces Miami Nights and the ultra extravagant Ultimate Miami Nights, two exciting travel packages for guests to enjoy Miami’s legendary nightlife scene with the possibility to mingle with celebrities and alluring locals alike.

“Miami’s hottest nightspots are always changing and improving to stay on top of the scene. You just need to know where to go, and that’s where I come in,” said Pedro Campos, Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s VIP Nightlife guide. “These travel packages are the perfect opportunity to experience the best of what Miami has to offer all in one night, along with a host of sexy extras.”

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For the first time in the Big Game Room’s brief, but successful history, CABO Yachts, a leading world-class sportfishing yacht company, is joining renowned publications, Marlin and Sport Fishing Magazine, in sponsorship of the event. “The Big Game Room at the Miami International Boat Show has become one of the best big game fishing exhibits in the world,” states Jim Renfrow, v.p. sales and marketing of CABO Yachts. “With our shared passion for big game fishing, it is only natural for CABO Yachts to be part of this event. And, standing side-by-side with Marlin and Sport Fishing magazines, we could not be in better company.”

The Big Game Room will serve as an information and registration area for the new CABO CUP, which is an award presented by MarineMax and CABO Yachts, to the CABO owner who scores the most points by participating in designated fishing tournaments in Florida. Additionally, there will be a large assortment of CABO Cargo for sale; the official gear of CABO Yachts. CABO Yachts will also have representatives on-hand to answer questions and to distribute product literature highlighting their expansive collection of both express and flybridge models. CABO Yachts will have it­s entire line of sportsfishers from 32-52 feet at its in-water display located on pier 5 of the Sea Isle Marina, at 1635 N. Bayshore Drive.

And More Boat Shows

The 20th annual Yacht & Brokerage Show, February 14-18, 2008, along the Indian Creek Waterway and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, announces a host of new features designed to enhance attendees overall boat show experience.

“Our main priority is to address the needs and desires of boat buyers in the best possible way, even before they set foot at the show.” said Andrew Doole, Vice President of Show Management, producers of the event. “The changes and improvements we are incorporating range from the show’s online presence to the in-water displays.”

Jennifer Hudson sparkles on the red carpet and gives stunning performance to ring-in the New Year;
Acclaimed actor and host Dylan McDermott introduces an evening of Hollywood entertainment

Miami Beach, FL – The SETAI, the luxurious Asian-inspired resort in the heart of South Beach, went beyond all expectations for its “Beyond Paradise” New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday night.

Award-winning actor and singer Jennifer Hudson made a grand entrance on to the red carpet with her family and entourage, as the featured performer for the night, in a form-fitting, two-piece, winter white skirt suit by Donna Karan. Jennifer dazzled in front of the world’s media, wearing more than $150,000 in jewels. The brandishing beauty of bling gave photographers an extra special treat when she showed off a $55,000 7.5-carat, platinum-and-diamond watch provided for the night by Armaan Swiss Diamond Watches. Hudson also wore a 36-carat, 3.5-inch-wide diamond cuff bracelet in a floral design; a 10-carat butterfly-shaped diamond ring and beautiful eight-carat diamond drop earrings — all by Rosalina (designed by Rosalina Lydster). Acclaimed Hollywood actor Dylan McDermott (The Pratice, Steel Magnolias) also arrived on to a packed red carpet shortly after in a navy blue Marc Jacobs suit, as the host for the evening of celeb-studded entertainment.

“I’m so thrilled to be performing at The SETAI for such a prestigious New Year’s Eve celebration,” said Hudson. “My New Year’s resolution is to focus more and always be happy, even though I work all the time,” added the Dreamgirls star when asked what her wishes were for 2008.

For the Lagoon Dinner Dance, McDermott took to the stage to introduce Hudson at 11:30 p.m. in front of a capacity crowd who enjoyed an extravagant five-course meal, prepared by The SETAI’s acclaimed Executive Chef Jonathan Wright, that included Crispy Peking Duck Salad, Ostera Caviar and Scrambled Eggs, Miso Caramelized Black Cod, Steamed Langoustine Har Gau, and Roasted Wagyu Tenderloin with Maine Lobster Ravioli and Baby Turnips — finishing with a delightful array of desserts that included Croustillant of Dark Chocolate, Mango and Ginger Pâté de Fruit and Rosewater Turkish Delight. For the highly anticipated live show, Hudson changed her attire into a snug, fire-engine red, below-the-knee sleeveless dress with plunging décolleté, by Donna Karan. Hudson humored the audience as she performed four tracks from her upcoming album, including the number-one track “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” from the hit movie Dreamgirls. A champagne toast at midnight shortly followed to the sound of exploding fireworks over the Oceanside beachfront located behind the hotel.

Guests then moved on to the Beyond Paradise late night soirée with renowned international DJ Sky Nellor. Esteemed event producer Michael Stern and his team transformed the hotel courtyard into a seductive, scarlet-washed nightclub filling three areas of the property: The Halle, Courtyard and Z-Zone Lounge. This ultra-VIP party, set in a jungle-themed setting, featured live performances by caged “bird” dancers and a Zen-like DJ. For The Beyond Paradise Party Countdown, diva dance queen and musical artist Wunmi rang-in the New Year with an Afro–fusion musical and dance performance complete with a four-piece orchestra. Shortly after, McDermott introduced the beats of club queen DJ Sky Nellor who filled the air with love, lust and high-energy until 3:00 a.m.

The SETAI’s Beyond Paradise New Year’s Eve celebration was sponsored by Haute Living magazine, DKNY and Knights Head beer, with jewelry provided to Jennifer Hudson by Rosalina and Armaan Swiss Diamond Watches.