Hotel Review
The Setai
Step out of the hustle and bustle and into The Setai for some much deserved relaxation—luxury-style.
words by > Bethan Ryder
The Setai
Miami Beach, Florida
2001 Collins Ave 305-520-6000
www.setai.com
Miami’s South Beach is all about art deco architecture, terrazzo floors and sunny, pastel shades—which is why Aman Resorts’ all-suite Setai appears a little incongruous, with its dark and moody, Asian-influenced interiors. But this is the place to stay if you yearn to escape the bright and breezy buzz of the hotel strip and retreat to a tranquil haven where you can luxuriate in five-star service.
You can still dip into the action if you so desire though, since The Setai is within strolling distance of several landmark Miami hotels. And, in case you didn’t know, virtually everything in South Beach happens in hotels—it’s the apogee of “lobby living.” Next door is renowned Nobu, and minutes away are other cool hangouts The Delano, The Shore Club and The Raleigh, plus the current place to see and be seen—Jeffrey Chodrow’s Social restaurant at The Sagamore.
But don’t check-in only to flit off to these joints. There’s plenty to keep you occupied at The Setai, as you’d expect for one of the priciest hotels in South Beach. Suites start at $900, and you may wonder what you get for that. For starters, you get a heck of a lot of space. Vast rooms offer a spacious lobby area devoted to bathroom and vanity facilities, including twin sinks, a screened-off rainfall shower and luxurious Acqua di Palma products. Discreet screen doors slide open to reveal the main suite, which is large enough to host a soiree, or sleep a family of four.
Bathtubs in the bedroom are a total indulgence, and there’s ample desk space with complimentary Wifiaccess. Fresh water and fruit are delivered daily, plus cookies and treats at evening turn down. The mini-bar is astronomically priced, but in its defense, it’s premium brands all the way, from Bombay Sapphire to Patron Silver. A terrific addition is the foolproof Lavazza coffee machine, saving you the hassle of room service.
And service is another area where The Setai excels. You really do float about the place in a mollycoddled bubble, with doors opened and taxis summoned like magic. A trip to the pools—the three of them each have a slightly different temperature—will leave you feeling utterly spoiled, with staff members organizing your lounger and delivering Evian face spray, water and a fresh orange. There’s also a spa offering aromatherapies, shiatsu and massage treatments, and the Asian-Fusion restaurant on site is one of the best gourmet options in town.
Although The Setai isn’t particularly typical of the Miami scene, if you like the serene calm of Aman Resorts, then you’ll love this place. And while other hotels on the Collins Avenue strip feel more thrilling and closer to the hub of the action, it’s worth noting that it’s at The Setai that Lenny Kravitz has chosen to build his recording studio—on the roof. Now that’s rock ‘n’ roll.