The Setai, Miami Beach – Asian glamour in the heart of Florida’s art deco district
- Near the Art Basel Miami Beach venue, it’s popular with collectors and the glitterati of the art world
- Go for the US$100 gold martini or the Sunday jazz brunch with performers on a floating platform in the serenity pond
What is it? Opened as the Dempsey-Vanderbilt Hotel on New Year’s Day 1937 by former world heavyweight champion boxer Jack Dempsey, and designed by influential American architect Henry Hohauser, The Setai is one of Miami Beach’s oldest surviving art deco hotels.
Renovated in 2005 according to the talents of Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy (the man responsible for the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore) and the late Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim, it now sports a striking 117-metre tower, which sits between the original art deco building and the beach.
What makes it so special? Situated at the northern end of Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, it’s a leisurely stroll from the area’s pastel-hued architectural gems as well as Ocean Drive, with its bling-bling party scene, and the beach itself.
It’s also a stone’s throw from the Miami Beach Convention Centre, where Art Basel Miami Beach takes place (this year, the show runs from December 5 to 8), making it a popular base for visiting collectors. But the location is only part of the appeal.
Drawing inspiration from Eastern art and design traditions, The Setai’s lobby is a sumptuous blend of Chinese and Southeast Asian aesthetic motifs and materials, including Burmese teak, Indonesian bronze and bricks salvaged from demolished Shanghai lane houses.
Notable artworks include those by South Korea’s Lee Jung-woong and Shanghai-based Frenchman Christian de Laubadère.
What’s the food like? Predominantly Asian. Taking its cues from the decor, signature restaurant JAYA serves delights from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Korea – a godsend if you’re craving dim sum or nasi goreng.
While the chefs busy themselves at the wok stations and tandoor ovens, diners settle into cosy nooks and casual dining spaces concealed below pergolas that surround the palm-fringed decorative pool in the hotel’s open-air courtyard.
For those seeking more of a classic Miami vibe, The Ocean Grill serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu poolside from 11am to 5pm.
Sounds like a good place to flaunt it if you’ve got it. Definitely. The jazz brunch on Sundays is quite the scene, with performances on a floating platform on the serenity pond and free-flowing Louis Roederer champagne, seafood and Asian specialities.
The Setai is (in)famous for its US$100 gold martini, made with Russian Standard Gold vodka, Rémy Martin Louis XIII cognac, Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire, Riesling ice wine and 24-carat gold flakes, all of which can be taken in the rather magnificent bar.
I’m guessing there’s a baller penthouse, too? You betcha. A 10,000 sq ft, four-bedroom penthouse with wraparound balconies and panoramic ocean views, to be precise.
Occupying the entire 40th floor, this expansive pied-à-terre also has a 3,000 sq ft private terrace with infinity pool, three jacuzzis (two indoor, one outdoor) and a music room complete with a Steinway baby grand piano. Who doesn’t enjoy tinkling the ivories while enjoying killer views?
What’s the bottom line? Rooms start at US$565, depending on season, category and availability. The Sunday jazz brunch is US$95 per person (US$65 for children under 12), plus tax and service charge.
