(MIAMI) � With a nearly non-stop slate of festivals from May through September, Miami promises to be one of the coolest places on the planet to visit this summer. Among the top events are the Miami-Bahamas Goombay Festival (June 1-2); Zo's Summer Groove XII Introducing D. Wade (July 9-13), the inaugural Miami Spa Month (July), Miami Spice Restaurant Month (August-September) and festivals celebrating everything from mangoes to Miami's rich cultural heritage.

Making the destination even more attractive are the great deals that hotels, resorts, spas, attractions and even restaurants are offering. Here are some of the ways to live it up in Miami this summer at a fraction of the cost:

ATTRACTIONS

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County has a thrilling 2008 summer season in store, including four spectacular main stage productions. Summer at the center begins with the beloved larger-than-life characters of "Go, Diego, Go Live!" and culminates with the Miami debut of the visual stage spectacular "Slava�s Snowshow. " The center will honor the legend of global music icon Celia Cruz and commemorate the five-year anniversary of her death with "CELIA: The Life & Music of Celia Cruz," set to launch its first international tour in Miami. The Adrienne Arsht Center will also present the world premiere of its original production "Miami Libre," a tale of Cuban passion and American dreams narrated through the music of the two-time Grammynominated Cuban music group Tiempo Libre and Miami�s most talented dancers. The summer programming continues in the Carnival Studio Theater with the return of City Theatre�s Summer Shorts Festival and the XXIII International Hispanic Theatre Festival. For more information, visit www.ArshtCenter.org.

In celebration of the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Miami Children's Museum is sending its loveable mascot, Michimu, on an unforgettable Olympic journey. The 2,500-square-foot interactive exhibit, MiChiMu�s Summer Games, runs June 7 through September 7, 2008. Fun for all ages, the exhibition is all about teamwork and fitness. For more information, visit www.MiamiChildrensMuseum.org.

Miami Seaquarium will be offering fun and cool alternatives to beat the heat with its Splashtacular Summer celebration. From June 7 to August 17, 2008, the park will feature daily performances by the All American High Dive Team. This acrobatic and dive show features professional divers from around the country who show off their Olympic diving ability along with hilarious comedic antics. The park will also offer a Kids Water Play Area during the summer where children will be able to enjoy inflatable water slides and wet slip-n-slides. In addition, Salty�s Pirate Playground and the park�s Spray and Play misting stations will provide refreshing ways to stay cool. For more information, visit www.MiamiSeaquarium.com.

Sunny Isles Beach, Miami was named the #1 travel destination in the United States by Trip Advisor when it unveiled its list of emerging hotspots for 2008. The beach community will host the inaugural Powerboat Race presented by the Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association on June 20-22, 2008. In addition, the first-ever Sunny Isles Beach 2008 Jazz Fest will be held on October 17-19, 2008. For more information, visit www.SunnyIslesBeachMiami.com.

HOTELS

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach: For families traveling May 27 through September 28, 2008, Acqualina Resort & Spa is offering a special �Escape to Family Offer� with discounted room rates beginning at $375 for stays of two nights, $350 for stays of three to four nights, and $325 for stays over five nights in an Intracoastal Room, inclusive of continental breakfast for two adults at Il Mulino New York. The resort also offers a variety of activities and amenities perfectly suited for children, including:

� �Benvenuto Kids!� Children under 12 eat like kings at Il Mulino New York, with the restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner for the cost of each meal equivalent to the child's age. For example, a 4-year-old child would pay $4 per meal.

� The hotel's innovative AcquaMarine program is designed for children ages five to 12 years old to teach the basics of marine biology through fun and educational activities.

� Complimentary cribs and children�s robes � A special amenity just for kids�their own backpack with coloring book, crayons, and sunscreen � Nanny service available 24 hours, 7 days a week to provide a much-needed break for Mom and Dad � Dinner and a movie (complete with popcorn) in the privacy of the guest's room or suite.

� Hourly arts and crafts � Zero-entry pool perfect for toddlers and young swimmers.

For more information, call 305-918-6777 or visit www.Acqualina.com.

Courtyard by Marriott Miami Beach Oceanfront: Whether it�s a couple's getaway, singles retreat or family vacation, this hotel knows how to ensure fun and sun with a variety of special packages:

� The �Escape ! Romance� package beckons newlyweds and longtime lovers to get away with a king bed, bottle of champagne on arrival, and breakfast for two in the Courtyard Cafe starting at $169 per night. For a more decadent encounter, � The �Escape ! His 'N Her� package is a sweetheart deal for $350 per night with a king bed, one hour couples massage in an oceanfront cabana, and breakfast for two in the Courtyard Cafe.

� The �Just the Girls� package offers two queen beds, champagne upon arrival, breakfast for four, and a 25% discount off in-room spa services for $175 per night.

� For the fashionista, the �Escape ! Shopping� package starts at $159 per night with a king bed guestroom, breakfast for two, and shopping discount coupons for nearby Aventura Mall and Macy's.

� �Fun Under The Sun� starts at $180 per night and includes a king bed, two beach chairs and umbrella on the Atlantic Ocean, and two signature drinks at the Surfside Tiki Bar.

For information, call 800-503-1432 or visit www.CourtyardMiamiBeach.com.

Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club is offering an "All the Best" package from May 28 through September 30, 2008. With rates starting at $144.50 per person, the package includes luxurious oversized accommodations; overnight valet parking; breakfast buffet daily in the new Cascata Grille restaurant; $50 resort credit per room, per night, to be used on property at choice of restaurants, lounges, golf courses, pro shops and spa services; unlimited admission to the Willow Stream spa including fitness center and classes (excluding extra services;) and complimentary shuttle service to the Ocean Club and Aventura Mall. Room tax and resort fee included. For more information, call 305-932-6200 or visit www.Fairmont.com/TurnberryIsle/.

Fisher Island Hotel & Resort: This exclusive resort offers a "Fun in the Sun Package" with nightly rates starting at $1,220 for a Junior Gardenview Suite in the Vanderbilt Guesthouse. The daily rates, coupled with the daily Fisher Island Club membership fee of $60 per person per room, gives guests a daily $500 spending allowance on incidental club charges; full access to dining and recreation amenities; champagne or mimosa greeting at check-in; housekeeping services; daily newspaper delivery; one golf cart for island transportation; and concierge services. For more information, call 305-535-6000 or visit www.FisherIslandClub.com.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami: Visitors can take advantage of exceptional "Miami Getaway" rates to enjoy a weekend in Miami for relaxation, shopping or to simply reconnect with a loved one. A two-night stay starts at $250 per night and a getaway of three or more nights starts at $225 per night. The package is available April 29 through September 30, 2008. For more information, call 305- 358-3535 or visit www.FourSeasons.com/Miami.

Grove Isle Hotel & Spa: The hotel's "Fun in the Sun" promotion offers Florida residents 25% off hotel rates, services at SpaTerre and its restaurant, Balenee, from May 1 to September 29, 2008. For more information, call 305-858-8300 or visit www.GroveIsle.com.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel: This South Beach hotel is offering "SummerFest" � the perfect getaway for the entire family. Guest can enroll their youngsters in the hotel's Sobe Kids Camp, take part in activities like beach yoga, scavenger hunts and face painting, treat themselves to a spa service at Elemis Spa and Fitness Center, visit the new Kids Concierge, or just enjoy some poolside pampering with Evian misting, frozen grapes and chilled towels. Book a three-night minimum stay for travel dates of June 1 through September 30, 2008 at Loews Best Rate and receive a $75 hotel credit. Credit is valid for hotel spa, restaurants (excluding Emeril�s), bars and/or lounge and must be used during the stay. For more information, call 877-604-1601 or visit www.LoewsHotels.com.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Situated on the waterfront enclave of idyllic Brickell Key, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is offering Florida residents the �Fantastic Florida Escape� package, which includes luxury accommodations; daily breakfast for up to two persons; 10% off select spa treatments (80-minutes minimum, Monday through Friday only) and 20% off select spa treatments (110- minutes minimum, Monday through Friday only); and complimentary valet parking. Rates are from $299 per room per night from Sunday through Thursday and $319 on Friday and Saturday. Package is valid from May 26 through September 30, 2008. Rates apply to Florida residents only. Spa offer is available from June 2, 2008 and is not valid during holidays (4th of July and Labor Day).

For more information, call 305-913-8288 or visit www.MandarinOriental.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Miami: From a wonderful city experience to sizzling beach adventures in a tropical paradise, three Ritz-Carltons in Greater Miami are offering a special "Reconnect Package" this summer that provides ideal settings for guests to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy a luxury experience:

� The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami: The area�s only AAA Five Diamond hotel, this 115-room Italian Renaissance-style boutique property is within minutes of the Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and area attractions. The Summer Reconnect Package is available until September 2008 starting at $309 per night weekdays and includes deluxe room, breakfast for two, valet parking and a $25 daily resort credit to be used towards food and beverage, The Spa or Spa Boutique.

� The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne: An award-winning oceanfront resort and spa and the only AAA Five Diamond resort in Miami, The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is on a secluded island just minutes from the city�s cosmopolitan center, yet feels like a secluded destination with its lush tropical gardens, pristine beach and infinity views. The Reconnect Package is available until December 2008 starting at $589 per night weekdays and includes deluxe room, breakfast for two, valet parking and an Island Treasure Chest with an array of amenities and gifts.

Close encounters with dolphins walking on water and Lolita the killer whale jumping though hoops are part of the seafaring adventure brought to life this summer with a second package offered by The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne. Now through October 31, the hotel's Discover Miami Seaquarium package starts at $229 per night and includes deluxe resort view room accommodations, a gift upon arrival and two admission tickets to the popular 38-acre Miami Seaquarium (1 adult and 1 child), where guests can enjoy a fun-filled day of education and eight different marine animal shows.

� The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach: This luxury oceanfront hotel in the heart of South Beach�s famed Art Deco district is a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark hotel. The Reconnect Package is available until December 2008 starting at $449 per night weekdays and includes deluxe room, breakfast for two at Bistro One LR, valet parking and The Sobe Cool Pack with an array of tanning amenities and gifts.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Miami, call (800) 241-3333 or visit www.RitzCarlton.com.

Sagamore � The Art Hotel: An upscale and intimate collection of 93 boutique accommodations, the Sagamore is offering a number of creative packages this summer, including:

� Patron�s Art Package � Even if travelers don�t have a gallery of their own, they can act as if they do, while on a private tour of the Sagamore Collection and Miami Beach�s finest Museums (The Bass and MOCA). The package includes a two-night stay in a deluxe suite; breakfast for two daily; valet parking; private art tour of the Sagamore collection; exclusive tours at Bass Museum and MOCA; and Miami Contemporary Artists Book by Paul Clemence and Julie Davidow. Rates begin at $730 and are based on double occupancy.

� International Jetsetter �This package has everything needed for the international playboy, including a seven-night stay in a private bungalow or penthouse suite; airport limousine pick up and return service; bottle of chilled champagne; one post-flight massage; VIP passes to selected South Beach clubs; exotic car rental (Lamborghini for a day); daily breakfast for two; and one pre-flight massage. Rates for the seven-night package start at $5,990 for a private bungalow and $26,820 for the penthouse suite.

For information call 877-242-6673 or visit www.SagamoreHotel.com.

Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove: The hotel is offering guests 10% off the best available rate when they stay for two nights this summer and 20% of the best available rate when they stay for three nights. The hotel is also offering groups a special summer meeting package of $69 per person per day, plus the guestroom rate. This package includes Continental breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon breaks and lunch; wireless Internet in the meeting room; screen and flipchart.

For more information, call 305-529-2828 or visit www.Sonesta.com/CoconutGrove.

The Tides South Beach: Newly re-launched with a glamour that reclaims the iconic hotel�s legendary status, The Tides South Beach invites guests to bask in its high-design amenities with a new �Summer Serenity� package. Recline along the exquisite art deco-inspired pool terrace, share cocktails in the chic new bars of the magnificent lobby, enjoy breakfast amid the stunning interiors of La Marea restaurant and relax before serene ocean views in a spacious Kelly Wearstlerdesigned Studio Suite. The package includes: one night accommodation in an Oceanfront Studio Suite, refreshing rum summer cocktail for two upon arrival and full American breakfast for two. The $390 package is available for stays from June 1 to September 30, 2008, Sunday through Thursday night stays only. Blackout dates are May 22 to 27 and June 23 to 27, 2008. For more information, call 866-891-0950 or visit www.TidesSouthBeach.com.

For more special offers at Miami hotels, visit: www.miamiandbeaches.com/special_offers/index_cat.asp?cat=A

SPAS

Miami Spa Month: Renowned for its luxury spas that are consistently ranked among the "Best Spas in America," Miami is launching its first-ever Miami Spa Month this July 2008. Nearly 20 of Miami's premier spas will offer $99 treatments � normally valued at $199 and above � during the inaugural event. Organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor�s Bureau along with Presenting Sponsor American Express, Miami Spa Month is believed to be one of the only events of its kind where a destination offers a month-long special price incentive for visitors and locals alike. Treatments offered by each participating spa from July 1 to July 31, 2008 are detailed on a special website: www.MiamiSpaMonth.com.

RESTAURANTS

Coral Gables Restaurant Week: Downtown Coral Gables is launching its first ever Coral Gables Restaurant Week where participating chefs will offer three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus from June 2 through June 8, 2008. The week will serve to celebrate the great international chefs and venues which make Downtown Coral Gables one of the finest culinary destinations in the heart of Miami, with 23 Zagat-rated restaurants. Participating restaurants include:

Cacao, Caff� Abracci, California Pizza Kitchen, Fleming�s Prime Steakhouse and Wine, La Cofradia, La Dorada, Ortanique on the Mile, Caramelo, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, Sushi Maki, Benihana, Artfish on the Mile, Two Sisters, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Hoja Nueva Restaurant, JohnMartin's and newly-opened Por Fin Restaurant. For a complete list of participating restaurants and menus, visit www.CoralGablesRestaurantWeek.com.

More than 80 of Miami's top restaurants will offer $22 lunch and $35 dinner prix fixe menus during Miami Spice Restaurant Month this August and September.

Presented by American Express and organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), the highly popular summer restaurant promotion has more than doubled in size and scope since it launched in 2001. Each of the restaurants participating in Miami Spice will include an appetizer, entr�e and dessert as part of the fixed price, which offers an average discount of 30-60 percent off the regular value. For more information on participating restaurants, sponsors, pricing and special menus, visit www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.

Prezzo Restaurant & Martini Bar: This Aventura eatery is offering two recessionproof choices. The $12 �Lunch Express� includes a choice of hamburger or cheeseburger, sandwich, entr�e salad or entr�e of the day, including a side salad or fries and non-alcoholic beverage. �Prix Fixe Tuesdays� offers a complete dinner for $30, including appetizer, entr�e, dessert and a glass of champagne or wine. For more information, call 305-931-5775 or visit www.Prezzofl.com.

SHOPPING

Bal Harbour Shops is offering a new "Little Black Book" full of privileged, one-of-akind offers exclusively for guests of The Regent Bal Harbour and the Sea View Hotel Bal Harbour. Within walking distance of both hotels, the upscale shopping "hall of fame" boasts 100 of the world�s most desirable names in fashion, from Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent. A sampling of the luxury brands featured in the new Little Black Book includes: anchors Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, Celine, Chlo�, Emilio Pucci, Ermengildo Zegna, Intermix, Judith Ripka, Luca Luca, Max Mara, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch and Tourneau. Bal Harbour Shops� bistros and outdoor caf�s � including Carpaccio, La Goulue, Lea�s Tea Room and Bal Harbour Bistro � spice up the Little Black Book with tempting dining offers. Resort cuisine at The Regent Bal Harbour and the Sea View Hotel, plus spa treatment upgrades at The Regent�s Guerlain Spa round out the Little Black Book experience. For more information, visit www.BalHarbourShops.com.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an independent notfor- profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com.

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Media Contact:
Michelle Revuelta
michelle@gmcvb.com
(305) 539 3111