The Setai, Miami, United States

The Setai experience begins beyond the bounds of their front entrance if you are arriving by air into Miami. One of their concierges is there to greet you at Miami International and the hotel’s Land Rover whisks you away while providing hot towels and snacks to refresh you during the short hop into town. That concern for enveloping the guest in a serene and unparalleled level of service continues throughout your stay at the Setai.

A new and dramatic addition to the Miami Beach lineup of world-class hotels, the Setai’s main guest structure is a meticulously replicated eight-story deco landmark originally built in the late Thirties as the famed Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel. But it is not just about renovation here; rather about innovation, as this property brings together the pasts of both eastern and western hospitality in a harmonious and imaginative fusion of design and atmosphere.

That fusion becomes immediately evident as you enter the vast structure of the lobby, where you are greeted by surfaces and furnishings that rely on a rich mix of brick, bronze plating, tropical lumber and leather. In fact, the Setai is distinguished throughout all its public and private spaces by a strong attention to authentic and varied materials, many with a long life history behind them; particularly striking is the Burmese teak lattice motif inspired by the Belgian art deco era. The Setai’s unique contribution to South Beach deco diversity is also displayed in its very original use of elements such as the grey antique bricks in the lobby that came from Shanghai, China, which at one time had the largest array of art deco buildings in the world. Restored to a new setting, they now form a bridge of sorts between the art deco hubs of Shanghai and Miami.

The rooms
Guest rooms are also an intriguing expression of Asian customs, materials, textures and colors. Spatially, your room unfolds seamlessly from living area to sleeping area and bath area. Teak covers the walls - punctuated over the sitting area by authentic jade pieces from the antique markets of China - and again the floors, bordered by black granite. Long inset paneled lighting suffuses the room with a muted glow controlled by graded switch panels. Everything lends to the effect of soothing and reviving the weary traveler.

The sumptuous baths are clad in absolute black granite and - in Asian fashion - sit in the open of the space also holding his and hers washstand areas rather than in a separate bathroom. This allows for personal spa treatments, rainfall showers with Acqua di Parma bath accessories. Artworks on the walls, as elsewhere in the public areas, are originals by contemporary artists from around the Pacific rim. CD/DVD players, flat screen LCD and plasma television, Lavazza espresso coffee makers, an honour bar and high-speed internet access are standard in every room.