This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Tried & Tested: Reviews


The Thompson, Miami, Florida, US For a brand as synonymous with


author: Emily Wright


When the Thompson Miami Beach opened last November, it kick- started a renaissance; located a good 15-minute walk north from the traditional South Beach action, this hotel has seen mid-beach – a former no man’s land – transform into a new, up-and- coming party district.


designer chic as the Thompson, falling short in a location like Miami was just not an option. So relief all round that this 380-room property delivers, and then some, especially at the hands of in-demand interior designer Martin Brudnizki. Set in a classic 1950s beachfront building, a relaxed, understated lobby means that rooms (31 of which are suites) pack something of a design punch by contrast. Striking, handpicked artwork, black and white photographs and sculptural wall lamps will make guests feel as though they have


arrived somewhere quite special, while bright colour schemes and beach views instantly anchor this property with an unmistakable Miami vibe.


This theme carries seamlessly


into the hotel’s Seagrape restaurant – through the food at least. Because while the interior design itself is a little uninspiring, the Floridan cuisine by chef Michelle Bernstein is bold, brave and beautiful – both in taste and looks. The flavours are sensational and guests should not leave without trying the heritage tomatoes with truffle


burata or the guava and cream cheese stuffed doughnuts. Two symmetrical pools


surrounded by blue and white cabanas and immaculately dressed poolside staff create the perfect day-time sunbathing spot and the ultimate pool party venue by night. The cool factor spreads all the way down to the hotel’s section of private beach, where fun-coloured bright umbrellas and lounger service carve out a slice of sandy heaven for guests. All eyes were on the Thompson when it opened and it would be safe to say the pressure was on


to make a real splash. But judging by the packed poolside and buzzing


restaurant, it seems guests have no qualms about heading further north when a cool, trendy brand and new district are involved. Tel: 001 305 786 605 4041, thompsonhotels.com


How to book it Abercrombie & Kent offers seven nights in a deluxe king room (room only) from £2,750pp, including Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy flights from Heathrow. Tel: 01242 547 760, abercrombiekent.co.uk


The Setai, Miami, Florida, US


author: Emily Wright


In a city as fast-paced as Miami, keeping up is no mean feat. Throw in a coastline as frenetic as South Beach and the pressure is on to be the best, brightest and buzziest on the circuit. A massive 2,500 new hotel


rooms will have opened in Miami by the end of this year. That’s on top of the 3,000 that arrived in 2014. But despite such dizzying competition, no one has been able to steal the crown from The Setai; the most expensive piece of real estate per square foot in Miami, the 80-year- old property is still the place to be. The hotel’s Asian influences,


dark wood panelling and low-lit interiors means it offers something different despite being one of many Art Deco buildings on the Collins Avenue strip. Its departure from


traditional bright, white Miami style is as refreshing as it is opulent. And attention to detail is staggering. More than 400 glass candle holders pepper the property and a whole orange is placed in each one every day. As the sun goes down, the fruit is replaced with a candle, which fills the corridors with citrus fragrance.


The rooms – there are 85 of them


plus 44 suites – are dark and sultry but just throw up the blinds for views over South Beach. The Asian theme continues in the restaurant and courtyard and its dramatic, decorative pool. There are three other pools, cascading down to the beach. Arriving in November is celebrity chef Mathias Gervais, who will


open Jaya, a modern Asian-inspired restaurant. Many people flock here at the


weekend just for the jazz Sunday brunch. At $85 a head it is relatively good value as it is fuelled by bottomless Veuve Clicquot champagne. And the food? It is almost not worth trying to explain. Something this extravagant really has to be seen to be believed. From the dusky design and


sumptuous spa to some of the best food in the city, there’s no doubt The Setai is one of the jewels in Miami's crown. Tel: 001 305 305 520 6000, thesetaihotel.com


How to book it Hayes and Jarvis offers five nights (room-only) from £1,849pp, with Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy flights from Heathrow. Tel: 01293 735 831, hayesandjarvis.co.uk


TRIED & TESTED  WINTER 2015  TTGLUXURY.COM  83


Beachfront chic


Asian influences


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86