At a Glance
South Beach's chicest hotel option is the Asian-cool Setai, which seamlessly offers both direct beach access, discreet luxury and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Indagare Loves
- Setai’s refreshing signature scent, with a base of neroli and notes of bergamot
- Poolside service that could put a Michelin-starred restaurant to shame
- Duxiana beds and incredible linens promise excellent nights of sleep
Review
The supremely stylish and private option in South Beach is the 135-room oceanfront Setai, with its Art Deco building on Collins Avenue and high-rise tower on the beach (the tallest building on the beach). The décor beautifully mixes Asian and Art Deco styles using dark stone, bronze, lacquer and teak, imbuing the specific era in Shanghai when Asian aesthetics melded with French Deco.
Guest rooms have Indonesian-chic décor (setai means "south beach" in Balinese) that further adds to the serene guest experience. 130 teak-floored studios range in size but maintain soft lighting, Duxiana beds, spacious and comfortable sitting areas and chic lacquer furniture and design elements. Located in the newly built tower, the four-bedroom Penthouse suite is surely Miami’s most extraordinary and sought after; included in the 10,000 square feet is a spacious outdoor space that includes multiple seating areas, a pool, Jacuzzi and outside bar. Throughout the gallery-like property are 4,000 fresh roses and 137 large-scale paintings of the backs of women’s necks by a Shanghai-based artist, Christian de Laubadere—a supremely private part of a woman, representing one of Setai's principle values: privacy.
While the gym and spa are luxurious, the prizes of the property are its outdoor spaces and three pools, which have varying temperatures (75º, 80º and 95º F). Cabana service is complimentary for guests, as is access to the private beach area. This is where the property really sets itself apart from others on the Collins Avenue strip. Waiters seamlessly assist with every request—including some you didn’t know you had. (Why, yes, thank you, I’d love the Setai's signature Miami citrus-scented misting spray!)
For light meals, there’s the Ocean Grill. More formal is Jaya, the Setai’s multi-ethnic eatery, which has a traditional Asian menu. Jaya's alfresco courtyard sets the stage for the Setai's nightly dinner performance featuring aerial artists, fire dancers and contortionists. Breakfast is a delicious array of fresh, baked, sautéed and grilled items. A Japanese culinary experience, Japón, is coming in 2024.
Who Should Stay
The Setai's location couldn’t be better, and considering the hotel’s proximity to Miami’s most popular nightclubs and bars, it is surprisingly peaceful. It is thus an excellent option for those looking for a mix of fun and leisure.
Written by Amelia Osborne Scott