With new additions to the Florida selection—Miami, Orlando, and Tampa—rolling out from the beginning of the year, we wanted to get the inside story on some new or buzzy (or both) spots. Below, one writer explores the wizardry behind one of the Magic City's haute boîtes and hotels, the Surf Club, which is now a Four Seasons. For the official take from our Inspectors, click here, and get ready for a truly transcendent experience.
From a balcony on the twelfth floor of The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, it's easy to lose yourself—in a good way—in the stunning panorama of the rich blue Atlantic. From here, the vast expanse of aquamarine sea, the terracotta-tiled roof of the storied Surf Club below, and the graceful pelicans flying by at sight level (so close you can see movements in their eyes) create an immersive experience that let’s you kind of slide into the pleasure of just being and enjoying. You feel removed from the noise of the world, thrilled by this rarefied vantage of luxury, and bonded, in a way, to a golden legacy. Even if it’s just an ambient sensation, the history of this place is everywhere: The Surf Club opened on New Year’s Eve, 1930, and has welcomed dignitaries, stars, politicians and many more over its nearly 100-year-old history. (The Four Seasons preserved the original building, and has constructed glass-sheathed structures around it.)
For Regional Vice President and General Manager Daniela Trovato, this feeling of timelessness and connection to the past is exactly what she hopes guests will experience during their stay. The hotel's verve effortlessly balances the grandeur of Miami's early-to-mid-century era with the sleekness of modern comforts.
But The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is more than just an elite retreat for its guests. With its residential component, it also serves as a hub for the local community, drawing in Miamian tastemakers for cocktails, brunch, and power-brokering breakfast meetings, alike. (Or, sometimes, all in one day.)
Under Trovato's leadership, the hotel offers an impressive array of dining options. The Michelin-starred The Surf Club Restaurant from Thomas Keller is a must-visit destination for fine dining enthusiasts, and while it operates independently from the hotel, the concierge team is happy to help secure a reservation. Some say the Beef Wellington here is the best they’ve ever had. For a more casual dining experience, Lido, Four Seasons' all-day venue, is an apt choice, and it will soon feature a "restaurant-within-a-restaurant" concept called Amedeo, which specializes in a dedicated raw bar and an exclusive fish-based menu. And with the arrival of a new Executive Chef, Marco Calenzo, in early April, Lido’s existing coastal Italian menu will continue to evolve. No big changes. Think small advancements. Crowd favorites, and a bit of innovation on the side.
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Outdoors, Winston's—a casual dining spot named after Winston Churchill, who was a fan of The Surf Club—offers an easygoing menu for pool and beachside snacking. In the evenings, Winston's transforms into Leila, a pop-up restaurant that features Lebanese cuisine (try the halloumi over orange slices, it’s downright incredible).
But the hotel's most stunning food-and-beverage feature is its crown jewel: The Champagne Bar. With twisting potted palms and oversized lantern chandeliers, this elegant space exudes old-world charm, albeit without the formality of the way back when. Top-shelf martinis, ample champagne, and Italian-style snacks are served with impeccable service in equally as impeccable barware. This room also photographs beautifully.
In addition to the culinary delights, the hotel also boasts a renowned spa, which eschews piped-in music for calming nature sounds, a dedicated pool area, a fully staffed stretch of beach, and chic little boutiques off the lobby. And this summer, the rooms are getting a refresh while retaining their elevated-beach aesthetic. Down by the water, the hotel is also rolling out more of a "Riviera" experience, which promises to deliver the same great Four Seasons service with a fresh, aesthetic update in line with beach clubs you see in Cannes or Capri.
So does The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club live up to its reputation as one of the best hotels in Miami? In my opinion, it not only meets that high bar, but exceeds it. With its myriad of delicious food and drink options, plush environments and rooms, and a sense of peace and timelessness that's hard to come by in Miami's fast-paced landscape, this hotel is a standout among the Magic City’s luxury offerings. It's a fabulous place to disconnect, unwind, and experience a slice of Miami's halcyon past and it’s exciting present.
