Miami Beach EDITION

The hip Miami Beach EDITION offers luxury accommodations, dining options by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and a fun atmosphere both day and night (albeit somewhat lackluster service).

• The expansive garden area with two pools and one of the largest beaches in Miami
• The minimalist décor, which is beach casual while still being sophisticated (especially in the Bungalow Wing)
• The Matador restaurant and bar, with its iconic pineapple cup drinks
• The basement bowling alley, ice skating rink and bar, which is family-friendly by day and adults-only after dark.

Working with the king of minimalism, designer John Pawson, and the comfort-focused Yabu Peshelberg Studio, Miami Beach EDITION is a chic retreat in Mid Beach, about a 15-minute walk from the bustle of South Beach. The property is inside the former Seville Hotel, an icon of Miami Beach modernism, now meticulously restored and refreshed to exude 1950s Mad Men glamour.

The hotel entrance sets the stage with an expanse of white marble, a jungle of tropical plants and gold mosaic columns. The 294 accommodations are minimal and decorated in a neutral palette of creams and grays, but boast unique features like the minibar/shop, which includes Illesteva sunglasses and other beach-appropriate goodies. The premier accommodations are undoubtedly the 28 bungalow suites, which are housed in a new low-rise, horseshoe-shaped building and include dining rooms, sitting areas, luxurious bathrooms and terraces. The upper level suites even boast private roof decks and plunge pools with ocean views.

The food and beverage options are stellar, thanks to celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who oversees all the venues. The Matador Room has a swanky 1950’s vibe and serves South American fusion cuisine. The adjacent Matador Bar, which features a striking floor-to-ceiling installation of bull fighting scenes from French photographer Lucien Clergues, is a good spot to grab a drink pre- or post-dinner. More casual all-day dining can be found at Market Edition, where diners can pick up baked goods, wood-fired pizzas, a wide selection of cured meats and freshly-squeezed juices and smoothies.

The excellent spa boasts a hammam, dry sauna, detox room, steam showers and a Moroccan-inspired relaxation room, along with a lengthy offering of treatments and well-equipped fitness center. The power nap treatment, which is just 20 minutes, is a great way to start your stay. The Beauty Lounge provides hair, nail and make-up services.

The original 1950s pool, a protected landmark complete with a purely decorative diving platform, has been joined by a second, which is geared more towards lap swimmers. Several acres of Madison Cox–designed gardens unite the pool areas with an outdoor cocktail lounge and private cabanas fitted out with daybeds, stocked refrigerators, televisions and sound systems. The Beach Club offers a large swathe of sand, with chaises, sun umbrellas and towel service.

Since this is an Ian Schrager conception, nightlife abounds in the form of Basement Miami, an indoor club with ice-skating and bowling. The design incorporates a separate street entrance so hotel guests aren’t bothered by the scene.

Indagare Note: While the service is quite friendly it can be a little slow and erratic as is the case with many hotels on Miami Beach.

Sophisticates and families with older children looking for a hip hotel in Mid-Beach (the Faena hotel is located a few doors down).