By Angela Fairhurst
THE SETAI, MIAMI BEACH
On Collins Street, on the former site of the once famed Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel sits The Setai, a 1930’s Art Deco building with 80 studio and 1-bedroom suites. Adjacent to the original structure is a 40-story glass residential tower featuring the Ocean Suites at The Setai. This is Miami’s most expensive real estate at $3,000/square foot.
THE ROOMS
The Art Deco Suites come in Studio, Junior or One Bedroom with a modern mix of Asia meets the 30s. They are spacious and cleverly laid out. One floor plan has dual vanities flanking the room’s horizontal hallway entrance: the shower on one side, the toilet room on the other. The luxurious Duxiana bed is on the backside of the entry wall with a sumptuous black granite tub opposite it under the windows situated built between two chocolate colored banquettes. The tranquil space has louvered windows looking to the sea, with a flat-screened television above the tub. The rainfall shower controls are an intricate European system with the hotel providing instructions for its use. The luxury bath and sweetly scented products are exclusively formulated for the Setai by Roja Dove Parfum of London.
POOLS & THE BEACH
The beachfront property is steps from the white sand beach so guests can choose between the turquoise seawater and the three temperature-controlled pools surrounded by open air cabanas.
DINING
Executive Chef Mathias Gervaiscreated the vision for the hotel restaurants.
The Restaurant features European “Sun Coast” flavors from the Mediterranean regions of Spain, Italy, the South of France and Provence.
The Setai Grill is a modern steakhouse with Asian-inspired specialty dishes and the Bar & Courtyard provides Asian small plate dining and a plethora of creative cocktails.
THE SPA
The Spa at The Setai by THÉMAÉ, a Paris-based cosmetic and spa brand inspired by a Japanese tea ceremony and exclusive skincare products created from extracts of four different kinds of teas. The Spa features four private spa suites, all with room for up to two guests, ocean and pool views, and a private bath and steam room.
Among the many hotels on Miami’s famous South Beach, The Setai is arguably the best. The staff’s high quality service matches the casually elegant surroundings; the 2015 Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Hotel award as proof.
