After feeling some Winter Blues this past week, I decided to write about one of my new favorite hotels in Miami.
For years The Setai was my go-to hotel, until I discovered the SLS. The hotel’s art-deco-meets-contemporary-elegance was the creation of hotelier Sam Nazarian, Philippe Starck, Chef José Andrés and Lenny Kravitz. It is located in the heart of South Beach, also known as the sandbox where the international jet setters come to play. The vibe there is Latin flavor mixed with a European ambiance in a perfect Caribbean climate.
The hotel overall is chic, however the open kitchen in the Lobby was what caught my eye. There is something about open kitchens that I love, especially when Chef Jose Andrés is cooking up a storm.
When I got to my bedroom, I fell in love with it. They are so divine; I attempted to redesign mine back home, which by the way was a failed attempt. When designing their guestrooms, Starck decided to channel Louis XV ‘s famous mistress, Madame Pompadour, with some naughty details such as mirrors on the ceilings above the bed and a box marked “sinners”.
Keep in mind that rooms are tiny, so if you are going to give this hotel a try, stay in either the SLS Signature Suite or the SLS Suite. Both are around 700sqft with plenty of room to play.
Located right in the hotel is Hyde Beach where they have a plethora of cabanas poolside to choose from. Whether you are looking to relax, have drinks with friends or have an al fresco lunch, Hyde Beach is your stop. I liked it so much that I was there every afternoon and into the night. The Jamon Iberico Flautas and Patatas Bravas were my obsession for three days straight.
The Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi created the most decadent menu for the restaurant named after him. It became apparent after dining there that the SLS takes their food and drinks very seriously.
Another favorite nook in the hotel was the white-on-white Privé Salon. I am a lover of white crisp décor, so naturally I wanted to stay there all day.
If you’re looking for a little more culture and a little less nightlife, SLS is a short drive away from Miami’s Botanical Garden, Miami Art Museum, and Miami Heat Stadium if you’re in the mood for some basketball!
*Disclosure: If you are over 28, avoid Spring Break or any other holidays attracting the rowdy crowd.
Photographs courtesy of the property.