Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
Personal notes by Lauren Clarke
Scene
Once the seaside getaway for Hollywood legends from Elizabeth Taylor to Frank Sinatra, the glory days of The Surf Club have been revived. Located on Collins Avenue, on a white stretch of sandy beach, among landscaped seaside gardens, the hotel’s original 1930s clubhouse has been revived, while the addition of a Richard Meier-designed glass tower and slick interiors by Joseph Dirand brings back a whole new level of “Old Florida” glamour to this legendary establishment.
Rooms
There are 72 rooms in the new tower with views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the city. Fluted walls, rattan panels, travertine and brass accents add a sense of minimal modernism to the subtle light green, blue and white coastal hues. For a full dose of old school glamour, plump for one of the five Studio Cabanas, which have beach or pool views and capture the soul of the original Surf Club.
Service
As part of the Four Seasons portfolio, service is as expected: attentive and professional but with an extra layer of indulgence that comes with being one of the hottest hotels in Miami.
Standouts
Don’t miss out on an indulgent poolside day, sipping cocktails from one of the legendary Cabanas, before heading to the champagne bar at La Sirenuse for a preprandial tipple. End your evening at The Surf Club Restaurant, where Thomas Keller sends out classic dishes like the NY Stip Steak against lavish interiors by Martin Brudnizki.
Summing Up
Old Florida meets modern luxe that culminates in the best of what South Beach is about. The Surfside area is charming, with its beautiful, uncrowded beaches, while the glitz of Bal Harbour is a quick five-minute drive away.
Date visited: November 2018
