Recently Forbes Travel Guide released its list of accolades for 2019, and Miami found itself with five 5-star properties. In this issue we take a look at the top suites at those properties, which include two at least 10,000 square feet, one with its own 3,000 roof deck and swimming pool. I’ve also added links to more suites in case you don’t need something as expansive.
1. Acqualina Resort & Spa
2. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
3. Mandarin Oriental, Miami
4. The Setai Miami Beach
5. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
1. Acqualina Resort & Spa
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Service is top-notch at the hotel, and you’ll always be addressed by name and with a smile. We were amazed at just how quickly everyone — from our waiter at breakfast to the staffer who set up our pool chairs — remembered us by name after our first day.” It adds, “The secluded Acqualina Resort & Spa makes an excellent getaway for honeymooners and those seeking a bit of quiet and romance. It’s also great for families, thanks to a separate swimming pool where the kids can cannonball to their hearts’ content or take part in a marine biology-focused kids’ club.”
Grand Deluxe Three Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
The 2,031 sq. ft. 32nd-floor Grand Deluxe Three-Bedroom Oceanfront Suite offers floor to ceiling windows for Atlantic Ocean views. The entry foyer with chic marble flooring has three round-mirrored sconces, linear polished nickel light fixture, and hand-painted wallpaper. The suite’s living room features modern end tables with a geometric design pattern, a 65-inch 4K TV and a flush mount chandelier. The sitting area has a queen sofa sleeper with quilted back cushions and accented pillows, antique brass coffee table and an area rug.
There are three bedroom options including an oceanfront master bedroom with a king-size bed, a large bedroom with two twin beds with a wall-to-wall panel and a bedroom with a queen bed. The oceanfront master bedroom with terrace access is furnished with a midnight blue rug, a king bed, walk-in closet, side table with nightstand, high definition TV and a sparkling chandelier reminiscent of a jewel box with its exquisite ring pattern. The master bathroom features imported marble flooring, beautiful chandelier, double sinks, custom vanity area, bathtub, and glass-enclosed shower.
2. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Forbes Travel Guide says, “When it opened in December 2015, Faena Hotel Miami Beach made a splashy debut. Not only did the Miami hotel unveil decadent décor courtesy of big-name Hollywood players, but it christened a newly formed arts and culture hub in the city.”
It continues, “Faena’s reimagining of the hotel brings back that Old Hollywood glamour with a modern take in an attempt to catalyze a cultural renaissance in Miami. The experience starts as you walk into The Cathedral, an expansive great hall lined with…original columns (now gold-leafed), vivid floor-to-ceiling murals by famed Argentine painter Gatti and an intricately patterned mosaic floor made from 632,000 tiles. At the far end…back doors open out into the terrace, where the hotel’s signature art piece — a 10-foot-high woolly mammoth skeleton encased in 24-karat gold by artist Damien Hirst — will take your breath away.”
Penthouse Suite
At 14,507 sq. ft and four bedrooms, including two Masters, you get Oceanfront, Southeast, Northeast and Northwest view with floor to ceiling windows and furnished wraparound balconies. The suite features two levels of spacious gathering areas and dining rooms making it ideal for entertaining or business meetings. The suite’s elegant design and custom furnishings by Frank Pollaro offers light colors of ivory and beige with gold and black accents that highlight the vibrant colors of the Atlantic. If you don’t need quite as much space, there are a number of very nice Signature Suites.
3. Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Located on Brickell Key steps from the Brickell District and five minutes from Downtown Miami, Mandarin Oriental provides an ideal venue for business travelers as well as those of you that don’t want to be caught in the traffic of Miami Beach. It’s also about 10 minutes from American Airlines Arena, convenient to the major museums and performing arts center. Forbes Travel Guide says, “Rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the water and Miami skyline; the lobby and public areas are flooded with natural light and offer plenty of space to move around; the luxurious spa goes beyond to pamper you; and the location offers easy access to all the city has to offer,” adding, “The Miami hotel’s private beach, the Oasis Beach Club, includes a 20,000-square-foot stretch of white sand overlooking Biscayne Bay complete with comfortable day beds, lounge chairs, an infinity-edge swimming pool and a pool bar.”
Oriental Penthouse Suite
The 2,368 sq. ft. one-bedroom suite offers a suite length balcony, kitchen, dining room for eight, media room, living room with piano and large bedroom with walk-in shower.
4. The Setai Miami Beach
Forbes Travel Guide says, “With its Asian-inspired, streamlined decor, The Setai, Miami Beach is a…luxury oasis in a sea of crowded, overdesigned South Beach hotels. Instead of bright colors or bustling public spaces, The Setai, Miami Beach sticks to soothing, understated neutrals in the rooms and lobby, giving the space a residential feel.” It says, “That concept extends to the guest suites; spread over a historic 1930s building and newer tower, they’re stocked with everything you need to feel at home, from rainshowers to Bose surround sound stereos. The hotel’s three Art Deco pools are maintained at different temperatures to give sun worshippers a variety of places to take a dip, while the beach and Atlantic beckon just beyond the property.” About the accommodations, Forbes reports, “The floor-to-ceiling windows in the newer Tower suites offer sweeping views of the Atlantic and what seems like a mile long stretch of South Beach.”
The Penthouse Suite
At 10,000 sq. ft with its own private terrace and swimming pool The Penthouse is situated beautifully atop The Setai’s ocean front tower spanning the entire 40th floor. There is a gourmet kitchen, dining room for 10 guests, four bedrooms, including two master suites with king-sized beds, one bedroom with a queen and a kids media room with two twin trundle beds. You get double living rooms both with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, as well as a music foyer outfitted with a Steinway piano. The private rooftop terrace spans 3,000 sq. ft. Of course, there are other choices worth reviewing as well.
5. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in northern Miami, furnished in a contemporary residential style with spacious terraces and oversized lounge chairs. All rooms allow you to enjoy great ocean views, thanks to the hotel’s zigzag configuration.”
Presidential Suite
Located on the 24th floor, you arrive at the 2,800 sq. ft. Presidential Suite by private elevator. An elegant entryway features an accent wall with exclusive wallpaper depicting an aquatic scene, as marble floors open into the expansive living area with a galley-style chef’s kitchen. Supplemented by the butler’s pantry with a sub-zero refrigerator and a separate service entrance, it features a wine refrigerator, a four-burner stove, and a sink.
Floor-to-ceiling windows from a dining area seating up to eight. To the left, a curved couch frames an entertainment area with a 70-inch Sharp LCD HDTV, a Blu-ray player, and a surround-sound system. In the center of the room, a sitting area—furnished with a plush couch and chairs. Sliding glass doors open onto a 1,200 sq. ft. wraparound balcony featuring views of Miami—from the harbor to the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. Rattan couches, oversized recliners, and lounge chairs invite guests to enjoy the panorama. Presidential Suite guests also enjoy a complimentary poolside Presidential Cabana.
