Contributor/ Emily Venugopal
Best Known For
Being the lux-iest hotel in South Beach and the go-to address for A-listers and international royalty alike when they are in town. Great for those wanting to dip their toe in the South Beach party scene, but retreat to complete zen and tranquility after hours.
The Good Stuff
The Setai is the kind of hotel where you could well find yourself seated next to a Kardashian at the pool and then beside Madonna at breakfast and to be honest, no-one blinks an eyelid. This is Miami after all. The service and serenity at The Setai are the things that set it apart from other hotels. This is Bali meets South Beach at its best. No detail is left unattended from the chilled washcloths and Setai branded mineral water bottles poolside to the perfectly aligned oysters and Champagne at the legendary jazz brunch every Sunday. Service is beyond what you’ll experience at other properties along the enviable ocean-front ‘strip’ that The Setai occupies. The property has an enviable art collection which impresses, as well as a seemingly large floral budget, with roses at every turn in the lobby and public areas. Hurricane lamps on each of the low tables in its courtyard offer an orange (hello Florida) during the day, replaced by a flickering candle by night. In room bathroom amenities are Neroli by Roja Parfums (Roja Dove) bottled exclusively for The Setai which also wafts throughout the hotel making it smell delicious day and night.
The Vibe
If you are looking for a thumping party atmosphere, this isn’t the place for you. While the mother-of-pearl cocktail bar is fabulous and the clientele dripping in Rolexes, its more of what you don’t see that is the appeal here – this is under the radar luxury as opposed to its flashier hotel counterparts in the vicinity – which you may be surprised to find in South Beach. The centerpiece of the hotel itself has to be its Zen reflecting pools and courtyard, which opens up onto the jewel in the crown in the form of its three temperature controlled outdoor pools, which are picture postcard perfect and make for a stunning swim. The Setai is perfectly manicured in all aspects and if the exorbitant price tag doesn’t put you off, is worth every penny. This is Miami luxe at its best.
Inside the hotel – 10/10
A prime beachside location in the heart of South Beach for the discerning crowd seeking refuge from those pesky paps. Strong Asian décor and design bring instant calm…as does its pool facing elevated spa.
Outside the hotel – 10/10
Should you choose to leave (though you can understand why many wouldn’t as you are at THE best address that Miami has to offer) you’ll realize you are staying at the quieter end of Collins Avenue, just footsteps away from Lincoln Road Mall with countless, fabulous open air boutiques and cafes. Will it be Shake Shack or Meat Market for dinner? Choices choices…
Image courtesy of The Setai Hotel
