The Setai

One step inside and you’ll feel the soothing, stylish, zen-centric vibe at The Setai, all trickling fountains and clean, simple lines. Partly housed in the 1930s building that was once home to the famed Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel, it picks up on the underlying Asian cues so prevalent in Art Deco-era architecture and interior design. Three outdoor infinity pools are open year-round – you’ll find a lap pool, lounge pool and family pool – each heated accordingly (warm, warmer, warmest). Yoga fan? Head for the private beach bright and early Friday through Sunday for a complimentary 60-minute session. Come back later for some oceanfront chill time – loungers await, along with towel and magazine service. Poolside eats are nearby at the solar-powered Setai Beach Kitchen. And when you’re ready for heartier fare, try Jaya, Sanskrit for “Victory,” and a nod to the hotel’s renowned interior designer Jaya Ibrahim. Feast on flavorful fare, from Peking Duck and dim sum to Indian curries and Tandoor-roasted sea bass. Another onsite option, The Setai Grill is an “East meets West” spin on the classic American steakhouse, with cuts sourced from the country’s premier purveyor, Pat LaFrieda & Son out of New York. Or you can go more casual with a table in the courtyard bar, serving Asian small plates, cocktails, beer and wine, with a house DJ spinning until midnight most nights. A visit to the spa by THÉMAÉ is non-negotiable. It’s that good. (Plus a 45-minute treatment is included with your stay.) The tea-inspired Paris-based cosmetics and spa brand is named after the elaborate Japanese tea preparation ceremony. The skincare product line blends extracts from four different kinds of teas, from soothing and antioxidant to regenerating and stimulating, with fancy spring water sourced in France. (Be sure to note that on your Instagram post.)

The adjacent modern 40-story glass tower houses the one-bedroom Ocean Suites, aptly named for their glorious views over the water. Round-trip airport transfers are included with your reservation, and staffers will even help you unpack upon request. (Request away!) Also included is the Daily Ocean Suites Breakfast en suite (fancy-speak for breakfast in bed), or you can choose The Setai Grand Breakfast in the restaurant. That said, you have access to a gourmet Sub-Zero appliance-equipped kitchen, and the water and soft drinks in your suite are replenished throughout the day. There’s no shortage on space or style. You’ll have 847 square feet of exquisitely furnished living area. You’ll find Frette linens on the handmade Swedish Duxiana king-size bed, and absolute black granite in the bath, complete with rainfall shower, jetted tub and Acqua di Parma amenities.

The concierge will meet you in the lobby or in the comfort of your suite to map out the plan for your stay, if you’re thinking you want to do more than just lounge poolside or beachfront. The local performing arts scene is alive and thriving. The New World Symphony opened in its stunning Frank Gehry-designed digs in 2011, and hosts free movie screenings, wall-casts, a mini-concert series and an impressive permanent collection of Antiquities, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Docent-led tours are scheduled each Saturday at 2:00. The Adrienne Arsht Center is comprised of two gorgeous theaters, the Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall. Or borrow the Instagram-worthy custom-designed bikes by Republic, with brushed nickel baskets, soft leather handlebars and seat saddles, coral tires and even a custom-made wooden chain case complete with gold logo (plus matching helmets!). Request a beach picnic prepared by the kitchen run by Executive Chef Mathias Gervais and team, or order a cooler pack of beach essentials (towel, flip-flops and sunscreen), designed to fit perfectly in the basket.