Miami MetroZoo is a Must

Considered one of the best zoos America, Miami MetroZoo has a climate that allows it to keep a wide variety of animals from Asia, Australia and Africa. One of the first free-range zoos in the country, the exhibits are entirely cageless. Animals are grouped according to their geographic territory and animals that live together peacefully in the wild are placed in exhibits together. Other animals in the area are separated by moats. Looking out across the African plains, for example, you see the animals apparently co-mingling much as you would on a safari. The trees, foliage and even soil mimic as closely as possible the native habitat of the animals.

Among the newest members of the zoo are the critically endangered baby addux "Abacus" and a critically endangered baby black rhino. You can also see white tigers, gibbons, Cuban crocodiles and a komodo dragon, as well as the regular lions, tigers and bears. The coolest animal stunt is the painting elephant - a real elephant, armed with a paintbrush and easel, creating a masterpiece! The new Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station (open daily from 11AM-4PM) allows you to climb up and see a giraffe eye-to-eye. For a $2 fee, you'll have the opportunity to reach out and feed these graceful creatures. They'll take the food right out of your hand!

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Loews Hotel in Miami

Our very own, Sharon, recently stayed in the Loews Hotel, Miami and has filed the following blog.

I was very impressed with the Loews Miami. The location is excellent, Lincoln Road is only 3 blocks away which is great for shopping and eating with plenty of restaurants to chose from. It's also really close to Ocean Drive so I didn't need to get a taxi anywhere the whole time I stayed at the Loews.

The pool area is great with a huge pool, a jacuzzi and plenty of sunbeds and very helpful, friendly staff on hand to help. During the day the staff would come round offering chilled towels and the chance to get spritzed with water and aloe mist, both of which were great for cooling me down when the temperature was in the 90's! It didn't stop there, Iwas also offered samples of fresh fruit, smoothies and ice cream at various times during the day. On my first day I thought perhaps it was for a one off special occassion but I'm pleased to report I got offered this every day and I was at the hotel for a week.

The Nautilus poolside bar and grill was great for lunch or better still you have the option to get the food served to your sunbed so you don't even have to move!

I stayed in a partial ocean view room with a balcony which was great and I thought the room was a really good size and so was the bathroom. I love a good shower and Iwas not disappointed, it was really powerful. You're given lovely bathrobes and lots of toiletries which are replenished every day. The room has a flat screen TVand an iHome for your ipod which is great for playing your favourite music in your room and for charging if you'd forgotten to bring yours like I did! The bed was amazing, it was so comfortable, I certainly didn't have any problem getting a good nights sleep.

All in all I really enjoyed my time at the Loews, it's a big busy hotel but very well organised. If you want somewhere that has friendly staff, good facilites,decent size rooms and a great location then this is the place. I recommend it for families, singles and couples who want to holiday in florida.

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