The Raleigh
The Raleigh’s Art Deco swimming pool is one of the most iconic on Miami Beach. In fact, Life magazine called it “the most beautiful pool in America” in 1947. Designed by architect L. Murray Dixon, it takes on the outline of a baroque beveled mirror and was made famous in the 1950s by movie star and synchronized swimmer Esther Williams. Today, The Raleigh retains its mid-century charm with the beautifully landscaped pool and a lovely al fresco restaurant shaded by seagrape trees.
Delano
The Delano opened in 1995, ushering in South Beach’s renaissance as a playground for celebrities, models and the international jetset. Designed by Philippe Starck in collaboration with hotelier Ian Schrager, the hotel’s infinity pool is surrounded by an Alice in Wonderland-like poolscape with trees trimmed in the shape of gumdrops and an oversized chess set. At the far end, you’ll find a café table in ankle deep water and the rest of the pool is a level four-feet so you can traverse one side to the other and socialize without compromising a cocktail in hand.