The Setai

The Scene

The best of sophisticated South Beach centers around the area where The Setai is located. Coincidence? Absolutely not. The Setai is poised between such cultural icons as the Bass Museum of Art and a short distance from the New World Symphony and the Fillmore Miami Beach. Just north, you’ll find the Bayshore Golf Course. Stretch your legs or catch a cab down the lively Collins Avenue to the pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road Mall for top shopping and many of Miami’s most popular eateries. For the most vibrant nightlife within hundreds of miles, simply meander back up or down Collins and pick a club, any club---there’s one for everyone. Personally speaking, we highly recommend eating in and seeking the party outside if you can rouse yourself from the temple of sheer calm offered at The Setai.

The Concept

Given the name is an Indonesian fusion of the words “south” (selatan) and “beach” (pantai), it comes as no surprise The Setai maintains a very urbane presence on the beach; indeed, well over half of its clientele is international. The strong Asian influence in The Setai is evident from the moment you walk in the lobby where bricks from former Art Deco buildings in Shanghai have found a new home. But this is no stage set---this is luxury that is intended to be interactive. You’re meant to lounge as long as you like beside the pool, to savor every bite or sip at the bar or restaurants, to relax in a day-bed on the beach, to do whatever you please in the tranquil atmosphere. Definitely an eye-catcher with its 40- floor glass high rise to accompany the impressive historic Art Deco hotel at its base, The Setai draws attention to itself through not only architecture but also in cuisine. The sheer number of chefs from anywhere but Miami is stunning and each brings their chosen culinary tradition to bear in one of the Setai’s three restaurants (with their own unique atmospheres). The palatial design extends lavishly into the carefully sculpted gardens and three glittering pools (all kept at different temperatures), dropping you at the doorstep of the beach where natural beauty takes over.

The Look

From teak floors to Irish linen to Asian design and sensibilities, The Setai utilizes its myriad of materials to cultivate an atmosphere that can only be described as urbane. A pan-Asian décor works very well here, straddling exclusive beach resort and coveted luxury condominium (the latter immensely assisted by the all-suites nature of the hotel). The constant use of rich brown hues throughout the hotel---in the warm woods and plush fabrics---gives you the impression of stepping into a grand yet extremely intimate space. Lighting is particularly stylish but unobtrusive; expect what art there is to be large and bold yet simple and elegant. Enormous windows afford an impressive view of either the city or the ocean (largely dependent on your building). It’s virtually impossible to feel rushed or anything but utterly tranquil in these settings.

In Short

International luxe so often falls ungraciously short of its intended standard; we’re thrilled to be able to rely on The Setai to uphold itself as the model for what simple yet elegant luxury should be.