The Setai — Miami Beach, Florida
Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the vibrant pulse of South Beach, The Setai — Miami Beach stands as an oasis of serene luxury, Asian-inspired hospitality, and timeless elegance. Located in the heart of Miami’s historic Art Deco District on Collins Avenue, this oceanfront luxury hotel seamlessly blends the architectural heritage of 1930s South Beach with a tranquil, Far Eastern design aesthetic. Offering a quiet retreat from the bustling energy of South Beach, The Setai delivers an extraordinary experience defined by discreet service, award-winning culinary offerings, and world-class amenities.
Introduction
Originally constructed in 1936 as the historic Dempsey-Vanderbilt Hotel, the property was masterfully restored and expanded in 2004 with the addition of a soaring 40-story oceanfront glass tower. Renowned interior designer Jean-Michel Gathy crafted the hotel's distinctive atmosphere, weaving together Asian minimalism, dark teak wood, bronze accents, and authentic antique bricks imported from Shanghai's Old Quarter.
Since its opening, The Setai has earned international acclaim, including continuous Forbes Five-Star ratings, for its commitment to intuitive, personalized service. The hotel offers guests a unique duality: the excitement and culture of South Beach just steps away, paired with an intimate, Zen-like sanctuary within its lushly landscaped courtyard and oceanfront grounds.
The Setai — Miami Beach, Florida
1. Architectural Splendor & Luxurious Accommodations
The Setai offers two distinct styles of luxury accommodations, housed within the historic Art Deco Building and the modern Ocean Tower:
Art Deco Suites: Located in the restored 1936 building, these 85 studio suites feature rich teak finishes, authentic Asian artwork, black granite baths, and king-size beds crafted with Swedish Duxiana linens.
Ocean Tower Suites: Ranging from one to four bedrooms, these 40 tower suites offer expansive layouts, private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and breathtaking, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline.
The Penthouse: Occupying the entire top floor of the Ocean Tower, this sprawling 10,000-square-foot suite features a private rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, and 360-degree views of South Beach.
2. Oceanfront Pools & Beachside Recreation
At the center of The Setai's outdoor sanctuary are three parallel, temperature-controlled swimming pools, lined with dark tiles and surrounded by plush daybeds and tropical palm trees:
The Three Pools: Each pool is kept at a unique temperature—75°F for lap swimming, 85°F for general leisure, and 95°F for warm relaxation—allowing guests to choose their ideal aquatic environment.
Setai Beach Club: Located directly on the sands of South Beach, the private beach club provides dedicated daybeds, umbrella service, water sports, and food and beverage service delivered directly to guests' loungers.
3. World-Class Gastronomy & Culinary Artistry
Dining at The Setai is a celebrated journey featuring flavors from across the globe:
Jaya: The resort's flagship restaurant, led by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena, celebrates Asian cuisine with dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea. Dining takes place in the open-air courtyard surrounded by serene water pods.
Ocean Grill: Positioned right along the boardwalk with ocean views, this relaxed venue serves Mediterranean-inspired seafood, prime meats, and fresh salads prepared on a wood-fired grill.
Sunday Jazz Brunch: Renowned as one of South Beach's best culinary events, this weekly brunch features live jazz music, unlimited Louis Roederer Champagne, and extensive stations offering Asian specialties, seafood, and pastries.
4. Holistic Wellness & Valmont Spa
For complete mind-and-body restoration, The Spa at The Setai by Valmont offers a tranquil environment focused on holistic wellness:
Customized Treatments: Utilizing luxurious skincare products from the Swiss brand Valmont, the spa provides restorative facials, body wraps, and massages tailored to individual guest needs.
Private Treatment Suites: Each spa suite features private steam showers, baths, and ocean views.
Mindfulness & Fitness: Guests can participate in complimentary morning yoga classes held on the beach, or utilize the state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with Technogym equipment.
Conclusion
The Setai — Miami Beach remains an unparalleled icon of luxury in South Florida. By harmonizing the bold spirit of Miami’s Art Deco heritage with the peaceful elegance of Asian design, the resort offers an extraordinary escape that is both sophisticated and deeply relaxing. Whether lounging alongside the triple-temperature pools, savoring Asian-inspired cuisine under the stars at Jaya, or watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, a stay at The Setai delivers an unforgettable experience that sets the benchmark for South Beach hospitality.