The Setai, Miami Beach is an upscale hotel that brings together more than Tropical and Asian vibes, it is a fusion of intimate, boutique personalised hospitality with the flair and style of one of the best Miami Beach resorts.
Staying at The Setai is to experience something truly unique in Miami Beach. This is undeniably a landmark breach resort, yet the landmark architecture and ingenious design creates a welcoming boutique feel that reflects the hotel’s commitment to exclusive, personalised hospitality.
Overview
The Setai, Miami Beach, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, features 87 Art Deco rooms in the original building, 50 Ocean Suites in the tower, and one exception Penthouse with pool. Facilities include the Valmont Spa and a Clefs d’Or Chief Concierge. The gardens, punctuated with water pods, sculptures and tropical plants, are where guests will find three temperature-controlled pools, and then the private full-service beach.
From the elegant, vintage art deco façade one enters a sophisticated and welcoming lobby with striking bar, gallery boutiques and a lounge area that leads to the signature Jaya restaurant, set around pools and palms. One is immediately embraced with warmth and calm.
The interior aesthetic is undeniably Asian, a striking fusion with the Miami beach location and architecture, blended with curated art, as well as design elements from China and beyond, including the floor of ancient grey bricks, originally from Chinese art deco buildings in Shanghai, and a timber lattice, handmade from Burmese teak by Chinese craftsman.
Check-In style
Check-in is a discreet, and tranquil experience, a welcome contrast to the bustle of Miami Beach and the city’s traffic. Room keys are offered in a handcrafted leather wallet, a subtle, sophisticated gesture that sets the tone for The Setai’s approach to exclusive, personalised hospitality.
Suite style
I stayed in the Art Deco building where guests can choose from 87 Studio Suites, One-Bedroom Suites, Junior Suites and Bi-Level Suites. The design and details really communicate the wow factor – with dark hardwoods and Asian textures, and all the attention to detail that makes for a truly personalised stay.
Each element is carefully curated, from the Asian carved tray that sits at the foot of the bed, the writing desk with thoughtful touches, the carefully presented bathrooms, and the dressing area with beach bag, flip-flops and more. Expect all the in-room luxuries of a 5-star hotel, like a Nespresso machine, a smart TV, as well as chic Acqua di Parma bath amenities. The welcome amenity, including fresh fruit, champagne truffles and French champagne was standout. This is what The Setai is all about, the thoughtful touches that make even the shortest stay so memorable.
Welcoming style
Of course, in the world of hospitality, design and sophisticated details mean less without the caring, thoughtful human element. Here, General Manager Mr Alex Furrer and his superb team, complete the guest experience. From the warm, person welcome, to generous gestures, like helping me pick up my hire car, arranging valet parking and making my stay feel comfortable, welcoming, and special.
Dining Style
The signature Jaya restaurant offers a menu of west meets east, set in a spectacular venue of palms – with a vibrant soundtrack of live DJ sets and the spectacle of live performers. The Ocean Grill is an al fresco homage to ocean delicacies prepared on embers – with views of the Atlantic.
Spa style
Although this was only a short stay, I had time to visit The Spa at The Setai, Miami Beach, located in the beachside tower. The property has partnered with Valmont, the Swiss skincare company renowned for its scientifically proven anti-aging treatments and products. I experienced a men’s facial, in one of the four spa suites, all with room for up to two guests, ocean and pool views, a private bath and steam room. My therapist was a delight, so friendly, professional, who really listened to my concerns and wishes.
Culture style
On this occasion my stay in Miami was a precursor to heading to the Gulf Coast. The city remains one of my favourite destinations in the States. It’s a culturally rich and diverse destination, with a captivating flavour of all the Americas.
Art and creativity is part of the Miami’s DNA. Art Basel has been a regular fixture in the annual arts scene here since 2002, reinforcing Miami Beach as a hub for contemporary art. Each December the galleries, beaches, public spaces, and hotels of Miami Beach embrace the latest creativity of performers and artists from across the Americas and beyond. Despite being a small community Miami Beach also boasts world-class institutions such as The Wolfsonian-FIU art gallery and research centre; the Bass Museum of Art, and the New World Center, a Frank Gehry designed venue for music, including classical performances by the renowned New World Symphony.
The Setai’s Chief Concierge Maite Foriasky and his team are on hand to give you the insights to truly immerse yourself in all that Miami Beach and the city beyond has to offer.
