Art Basel in Miami Beach (Dec 7–10) is an exciting week for art lovers. When traveling for it and its satellite fairs, you’ll need a place to stay. For our recent edition of Whitewaller, we’ve created a selective list with both quintessential and boutique hotels.
EAST, Miami
EAST, Miami is Swire Hotels’ first North American venture following the openings of EAST in Hong Kong and Beijing. The hotel is an integral part of Brickell City Centre, which launched in November 2016 and is a 5.4-million-square-foot mixed-use development. The project also includes a luxury shopping center, two residential towers, and two office buildings. Celebrated Miami-based architects Arquitectonica designed the hotel, with interiors created by New York’s Clodagh Design. Los Angeles–based Studio Collective designed the signature restaurant, Quinto La Huella, and rooftop bar, Sugar. Guests can also experience local and international street life, art installations, and urban culture showcased throughout the property.
Courtesy of 1 Hotel South Beach.
Whitewaller recommends: A drink at Sugar, the rooftop bar designed by Studio Collective.
The Sagamore Hotel Miami Beach
Serving the community as a South Beach cultural centerpiece, The Sagamore, with its structure dating back to the late 1940s, is a luxury all-suite hotel including 93 rooms and an oceanfront penthouse. The hotel shines with Art Deco architecture, a drive-up entrance, and a sleek white exterior complemented with an iconic neon sign. Just a quick drive from the airport, the hotel is also a short walk away from many Miami destinations. With extensive programming and contemporary cuisine at Canvas, the in-house restaurant, guests are sure to get a taste of something culturally fresh and exciting.
Courtesy of The Confidante.
Whitewaller recommends: Being sure to check out their events calendar—it’s full of not-to-be-missed festivities!
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
With its four luxurious towers (Trésor, Sorrento, Chateau, and Versailles), Fontainebleau Miami Beach welcomes visitors to an oasis of luxury and relaxation. The destination on Collins Avenue hosts 1,504 guest rooms and suites, 12 restaurants and lounges, a 40,000-square-foot spa, and an oceanfront poolscape.
Courtesy of The Standard Miami Beach.
Whitewaller recommends: Celebrating at the high-energy LIV nightclub.
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach on Belle Isle follows the boutique hotel group’s high standards in quality, comfort, artistic expression, and unique design. In addition to its 100 guest rooms, the location also offers a fitness center, an expansive spa, a fire pit, a clothing boutique, a modern Danish bar and lounge, a juice café, and its regarded restaurant—The Lido Bayside Grill.
Photo by Kim Sargent.
Courtesy of Eden Roc Miami Beach.
Whitewaller recommends: Taking advantage of the spa’s Roman waterfall hot tub.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, Miami
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami is an impressive site now included in The Ritz-Carlton Miami ring alongside hotels in South Beach, Coconut Grove, and Key Biscayne. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami’s 18 stories are next to the property’s al fresco restaurant, and Exhale Bal Harbour—a 10,000-square-foot spa with 10 treatment rooms and a boutique fitness studio.
Courtesy of The Delano.
Whitewaller recommends: A walk through the Bal Harbour Village for art and luxury shopping.
1 Hotel South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach is customarily known as “the wellness hotel” for a variety of reasons. In addition to the Bamford Haybarn Spa’s 4,500-square-foot space, Spartan Gym’s limitless offering of gym equipment, and plnthouse’s plant-based cuisine by Chef Matthew Kenney, the hotel also welcomes guests to SoulCycle, yoga, Vinyasa, Pilates, and meditation classes.
Courtesy of EAST, Miami.
Whitewaller recommends: Joining The Members Club for exclusive experiences.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
With its recent restoration and design transformation, the 1947 Roy F. France–designed Saxony Hotel was the most opulent of its time. Reimagined by Alan Faena, and styled in collaboration with Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, Faena Hotel Miami Beach eloquently revisits 1950s Miami Beach glamour.
Courtesy of Faena Hotel Miami Beach.
Whitewaller recommends: An afternoon at the Tierra Santa Healing House.
Casa Faena
Originally built in 1928 as El Paraiso Apartments with Spanish architectural roots, Casa Faena is now a guesthouse steps away from the beach with luxurious flair. With 50 rooms and suites welcoming guests to a true Miami Beach experience, the hotel combines art and leisure for an intimate and unforgettable atmosphere.
Whitewaller recommends: Checking out the surrounding Faena District’s art activities.
The Confidante
Through pops of colors and 1950s Art Deco flair, The Confidante offers a playful setting akin to a friend’s beach house with two heated outdoor pools, specially curated spa suites, a serene garden, a fitness center, and two restaurants—the newly opened Bird & Bone and TALDE Miami Beach.
Whitewaller recommends: The weekend’s Late Night Noodles event at TALDE Miami Beach.
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
Seventy-two tower rooms and five cabana studios make up Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club—a gorgeous escape on the beach that opened earlier this year in March. The nine-acre property also features various treatment rooms within its relaxing spa, delectable Italian dishes from Le Sirenuse Miami’s Chef Antonio Mermolia, and unique cocktails at Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar.
Whitewaller recommends: Visiting Les Ateliers Courbet for luxury design pieces.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour
Awarded the AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star, and US News & World Report’s #2 Best Hotel in Florida awards this year, the St. Regis Bal Harbor provides an unparalleled stay. Enjoy the Remède Spa, the St. Regis Athletic Club, and the diverse in-house restaurants.
Whitewaller recommends: Having a bite at Atlantikós.
The Miami Beach EDITION
In addition to a luxurious pool area, movie theater, gym, and spa, the mega all-in-one EDITION, conceived by Ian Schrager, along with architects George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, also features a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Whitewaller recommends: Bowling, ice skating, and dancing downstairs at BASEMENT.
Eden Roc Miami Beach
This beachfront retreat encompasses the largest Nobu Restaurant and Bar Lounge in the world. With 415 rooms, Nobu’s restaurants and bar, and over 20,000 square feet of spa and fitness centers, Eden Roc re-energizes in a stylish, luxurious way.
Whitewaller recommends: Scheduling an acupuncture appointment at the spa.
Soho Beach House
Soho Beach House has been the place for Art Basel Miami Beach’s chicest events, and it will no doubt live up to its reputation this year. The warm, fresh interior is designed by Soho House & Co’s in-house design team—Soho House Design & Build.
Whitewaller recommends: Saturday brunch (available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Cecconi’s.
The Setai
With ocean and Art Deco suites, The Setai is deserving of its Forbes Travel Guide Star Award this year. Adopting the traditions of the Pacific Rim, the spa is heralded for its luxuriousness, and guests can enjoy extensive inclusive amenities.
Whitewaller recommends: A Balinese massage and a passion fruit martini.
W South Beach
Escape to W South Beach, a beachfront oasis just a five-minute walk from Lincoln Road, offering large and beautifully appointed rooms in South Beach. Each guest room boasts its own private balcony with panoramic ocean views. Striking design and swaying palms set the scene for the ultimate in exclusivity.
Whitewaller recommends: Stopping by and checking out works by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, among others.
