Yes, you read that right. Miami, with its reputation for mega-yachts, miniskirts, and clubbing until the break of dawn, is also the place to kick back, sun, shop, and sip cocktails — all without ever shelling out for bottle service.
Trade the pounding soundtrack and 24/7 party vibes for blissed-out relaxation at The Setai, Miami Beach (from $725/night; www.thesetaihotels.com/miami). Located in a 1936 Art Deco building on Collins Avenue, the Asian-inspired design is sophisticated and stylish (sleek, black and gray-brick lobby, mother-of-pearl bar, abundant red roses), featuring a stunning courtyard with a palm-and-pergola-flanked serenity pool. Rooms are made for pampering and restorative sleep, with black-granite tubs, Acqua di Parma toiletries, plush Duxiana beds, and welcome blackout shades.
At 48 stories, Asian-inspired The Setai, Miami Beach towers over Collins Avenue.
photo courtesy of the setai, miami beach
During waking hours, a luxurious $95 bottomless Roederer Champagne brunch gives way to days spent at The Setai’s stretch of chaise-lined beach (with waiter service, of course) and dipping in and out of its three infinity pools, each heated to a different temp, so you can make like Goldilocks in a string bikini and find the one that’s just right.
Beyond the sun and surf, there’s plenty to explore. The Miami Design District is a murderers’ row of name-drop-worthy designer boutiques, including Balenciaga, Dior, Pucci, Louboutin, and, of course, Versace. Even if you’re not dropping Gs at Gucci, it’s worth visiting for the art galleries and restaurants, like Mandolin Aegean Bistro, where Santorini meets South Beach over meze and grilled catch of the day on the sunny patio. Snap the perfect group shot for the ’gram at Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum of murals by some of the world’s most famous street artists. Then, cap your day with drinks at Sugar on the 40th-floor rooftop of the EAST Miami hotel for the city’s best views. Visiting at sunset highly recommended.
