By: Angela Caraway-Carlton
Come for the stunning turquoise waters — stay for our amazing accommodations. Miami Beach knows how to do glamour and over-the-top, especially when it comes to hotels and resorts. For location, style, service and all-encompassing entertainment — here are seven hotels that are magnificent in every way.
Fontainebleau Miami
A longtime symbol of Miami Beach’s glamorous golden era, where the crooners known as the “Rat Pack” used to hang out, this tony hotel is once again the grand dame of Collins Avenue after a billion-dollar renovation in 2008. The sprawling resort, which spans 22-acres, was built by renowned architect Morris Lapidus and is famous for its curved angles and glitzy design. It has it all — guests can relax in one of the 1,504 lavishly appointed guestrooms and suites, then sashay across the lobby’s signature bow-tie floors to reach the expansive poolscape where parties and concerts take place; retreat to two-story Lapis Spa known for its soothing water features; or dine at numerous top restaurants like Stripsteak, Scarpetta, or Hakkasan.
1 Hotel South Beach
From the moment that you walk into this soothing eco-chic retreat situated in the middle of party-centric South Beach, you’ll exhale. (Actually, you’ll inhale their signature woodsy scent that was created for the hotel and even made into a candle.) Inspired by the beauty of nature, the oceanfront hotel’s reclaimed wood, greenery and earthy tones evokes total relaxation — and when it comes to the rooms and decadent suites, you’ll sink into comfy beds fitted with 100-percent organic cotton sheets. Make a spa appointment at Bamford Haybarn Spa, the only U.S. location of the celebrated British wellness brand; choose from four pools; or press 18 on your elevator ride to sip cocktails and nosh on Peruvian-inspired seafood dishes at sky-high WATR restaurant, which floats above the sea. There are a total of seven stand-out dining outlets including the newest signature restaurant, Habitat by homegrown Miami chef, Jose Mendin.
Loews Miami Beach
With a prized oceanfront location just steps from Lincoln Road, the iconic Loews offers a luxurious vacation in the middle of South Beach that’s perfect for families and even animal lovers, thanks to a Loews Loves Pets program. Fresh off a massive renovation, the hotel features a modern-beachy feel with exceptional art from the check-in desk to the guestrooms. Float in the epic pool while a DJ pumps out music or rent one of the extravagant SOAK cabanas fitted with rooftop sundecks. Take a barre class followed by an indulgent massage at Exhale Spa, slurp down dressed-up oysters at seafood-focused Lure Fishbar, or have casual bites and creative cocktails at the heart of the hotel, Bar Collins, where guests and locals love to congregate.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
It doesn’t get more-over-the-top than Faena, the brainchild of Argentine developer and hotelier Alan Faena who is turning the surrounding blocks of 32nd to 36th Streets into the cultural-focused Faena District. From a dramatic red-carpet entrance to jaw-dropping art pieces like a 24-karat-gold mammoth by Damien Hirst and rooms and suites draped in bright red, this hotel offers a glam stay. Mingle with locals and guests at Living Room, which gives off the glam vibes of an old Hollywood movie, or reserve a table at Faena Theater, where shows range from a seductive cabaret to a jazz series. Book a spa day at colorful Tierra Santa Healing House for shaman-inspired treatments and body-healing rituals. Dining is elevated thanks to Asian-fusion Pao by Paul Qui, live-fire cooking at Los Fuegos by Argentine super-star chef Francis Mallmann, and Tree of Life, an outdoor tropical retreat with hand-painted mosaic seating and columns made of seashells.
The Setai, Miami Beach
With its stunning design and Zen-like atmosphere, this hotel has earned numerous five-star ratings for good reason. Housed in a restored 1936 landmark building, the hotel easily weaves the aesthetics of the Far East into its original Art Deco facade. The showstopper of the hotel is the courtyard, filled with towering pergolas and a serenity pond flanked by palm trees and dining tables where locals and guests mingle under the stars at night. Dive into the hotel’s three temperature-controlled pools or spend a day at The Spa by THÉMAÉ where treatments are inspired by tea. Indulge at modern-Asian restaurant Jaya, known for its long-running Sunday jazz brunch, or snag a seat at The Ocean Grill where you’ll sip from a fresh coconut flown in from Thailand every day, as you take in the tranquil ocean views.
W South Beach
This modern-day stunner is always a hub of activity (and celebrity sightings), yet it easily offers the perfect mix of revelry and relaxation. Upon entry, find a spot in the sprawling living room dotted with contemporary couches and long communal tables, or there’s plenty of serene nooks to hide out and read a book. With 20 floors of jaw-dropping ocean-facing guestrooms with oversized balconies, you won’t want to leave your room. Rooms are tricked out with dazzling chandeliers, bold artwork and plush couches. Suites and penthouses are fitted with a kitchen, living room with bookshelves and even a piano, rivaling the homes of the rich and famous. Get lost in the lush landscape, party at WET pool, or work up a sweat at the basketball and tennis courts. Dining means making a reservation at hot spots like Mr. Chow for upscale Beijing cuisine and the famous noodle show.
Soho Beach House
Boasting the global Soho House name, this intimate hotel and private club for members offers an exclusive stay in a beach house setting. While membership has its privileges, hotel guests have access to all the bars and restaurants, screening room and two pools — all while mingling with a chic group of local trend-setters and international jetsetters. With only 49 rooms that span over 15 floors, guests will bask in the luxury of spacious rooms dotted with antiques, oversized soaking tubs, and some rooms come with terraces overlooking the ocean. Wind down at Cowshed Spa for a spa treatment, make a reservation for an Italian meal at Cecconi’s located in the beautiful courtyard, or check the calendar for a screening or party to attend while in town.