You’ve heard of South Beach and Brickell – the two main stays in Miami – but did you know one of the BEST luxury hotels sits 15 minutes north in Surfside, FL? That’s right, there’s a way you can have the best of both worlds: low-key exclusive beach days and trendy restaurants and club evenings. The answer lies at the Four Seasons at the Surf Club, one of the most widely spoken about Four Seasons properties worldwide.
I had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Surf Club after having sent several clients there who raved about their experience and insisted I go myself. I knew the hotel had been renovated recently, but I didn’t expect to be so wowed by the design and service. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this gorgeous property!
Table of Contents
Location
The Four Seasons at the Surf Club is situated in the charming town of Surfside, Florida, nestled along the pristine shores of North Miami Beach. This exclusive resort enjoys a prime oceanfront location, offering guests breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and easy access to the soft sands and azure waters of the beach. The hotel is located about a 30-minute drive from the Miami Airport similar to if you were staying in South Beach.
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Surfside itself is a tranquil and upscale community known for its laid-back atmosphere and luxurious amenities. It’s conveniently located about a 30-minute drive from the nightlife of Miami Beach, and a 5-minute drive from world class shopping at Bal Harbour. Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls along Surfside’s beachfront promenade, explore nearby boutiques and art galleries, or simply relax and soak in the sun on the pristine beaches.
Luxury travelers who don’t want to bother with the buzzy Miami scene but still want to be nearby the action will find the location of this property a perfect respite.
Flights
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First Impression
My driver had dropped me off at the entrance for the Residences, so unfortunately I didn’t get the initial ‘wow’ factor one might get from entering through the front. Instead, the kind porter took my bag and escorted me as we weaved through various hallways towards the main lobby. This is when I encountered the ‘wow’ factor. The lobby, reminiscent of the former social club, was adorned with marble floors, soaring ceilings, and gorgeous arches.
I was warmly received by the front desk attendant who offered me a glass of champagne while she checked me in. Due to my relationship with the brand as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, I was upgraded to an Oceanfront Room and offered complimentary breakfast. With my key card in hand, I was given a quick tour of the property before being whisked away to my room, which I was beyond excited to see.
Style
It’s no surprise the hotel exudes timeless elegance and understated luxury as a Four Seasons property. The resort’s design pays homage to its storied past while incorporating contemporary touches that appeal to discerning travelers. It makes sense why the hotel made headlines in 2017 for completing an extensive renovation with famed architect, Richard Meier (designed the Getty Center in LA), at the helm!
The architecture of the Surf Club reflects the glamor of its heyday in the 1930s, with sleek lines, graceful curves, and Art Deco-inspired details. The exterior facade features clean, white stucco walls, expansive windows, and terracotta tile roofs, evoking a sense of old-world charm and Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Rooms are designed in a similar manner with bright white sophisticated minimalism being the standard.
Rooms
It’s important to mention that there are three sections of the Four Seasons Surf Club: the main hotel, the bungalows, and the residences. The main hotel consists of 77 rooms ranging in category from City View rooms to Ocean View Studios. Any One-Bedroom Suites or higher will be located in the residences – the two skyscrapers at either side of the main building. There are also a small number of Ocean Bungalows in front of the main building by the pool. I love the Ocean Bungalows because the foundations are original and feel as if you’re tucked in a hideaway by the ocean.
During my visit, the Oceanfront Room in the main building was nothing short of showstopping. The quality, finishes, and design were all top notch and it felt as if I was staying in a pristine Art Deco palace. The room was incredibly spacious at around 700 sq ft. and upon entering I was enamored by the gorgeous floor to ceiling windows ahead of me with 180 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean never ending.
As mentioned above, the design of the room focused on a sophisticated minimalism with Art Deco influence. The color palette is composed of neutral beiges and whites making the stark blue ocean and cotton candy sunset stand out. I loved the variety of textures and patterns in the room from the ridged wall accents to the diamond coffered ceiling which paired well with the suede and boucle furniture pieces. The bathroom was decked out in white marble with ambient inlaid lighting. Even the door to the toilet room was a heavy slab of marble!
Amenities
I would argue that the Four Seasons at the Surf Club has some of the best amenities of any Miami-area hotel. This is because guests who stay here tend to want to stay put and enjoy the property and surrounding area. On the other hand, South Beach luxury properties have guests who constantly come and go for events, beach clubs, and restaurants so the demand for amenities is not as great. As a result, here are the amenities you can find at the Four Seasons Surf Club:
- Complimentary bikes
- House car
- Full service spa with hammam and holistic wellness
- Kids Club
- Two pools (one adults-only)
- Beach Club
- Fitness Center (and complimentary outdoor classes)
In terms of amenities in the rooms, you’re completely covered. For the tech-lovers out there, the rooms come equipped with an iPad you can use to chat directly with someone at the front desk or simply look at the room service menus, spa menus, and more . The lights are all dimmable and there are buttons you can press to bring the window shades down. Coming from a 2017 renovation, the hotel and rooms are still in incredible shape.
Beach
The beach at the Four Seasons at the Surf Club is one of the best features of the property. Their beach is a pristine stretch of soft sand that gently slopes into the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With direct access for guests, this exclusive beachfront oasis offers guests a tranquil and idyllic setting to unwind and soak up the sun in style.
For those seeking a more active beach experience, the Surf Club offers a variety of water sports and recreational activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Guests can also arrange for private beach cabanas ($$$) or enjoy a leisurely beachside massage to enhance their relaxation and enjoyment.
Restaurants
There are three restaurants and a beautiful bar on property. The Four Seasons at the Surf Club is home to the famous Michelin-starred Surf Club Restaurant, the dreamy Italian Lido, and the fun al fresco Winston’s at the Beach. You’ll also find the iconic Champagne Bar just steps from the lobby where the flow of traffic is likely heading.
I had the pleasure of dining at Lido on one of the nights of my stay and absolutely loved it. You need to walk through the Champagne Bar to get to the restaurant and not get distracted by the beautiful high arched ceilings and emerald bar. At Lido, I was able to score a seat on the outside patio (which is dog-friendly!) at a candlelit table for one. The menu at this restaurant is Italian-inspired and I indulged in a Romana salad and handmade pasta dish with artichokes, both delicious. I finished my evening with a nightcap at the Champagne Bar admiring the architecture of the old gathering place of the social club – a picture perfect night.
I have to mention that the Surf Club Restaurant is so in-demand that it was near impossible to get a reservation even as a hotel guest. The concierge team was able to pull through one evening, calling my room to advise they could get me a 9:00 PM reservation for one. Unfortunately, I had to leave early the next morning so I passed up the opportunity, but I’ve sent clients there who absolutely raved about the food. The restaurant is headed by famed French Laundry chef with his take on Continental Cuisine of the 50’s and 60’s.
Four Seasons Miami vs. Four Seasons at the Surf Club
You’re probably wondering at this point, “why stay at a Four Seasons all the way in Surfside when there’s a perfectly good Four Seasons in Miami?”. It’s a great question, and the answer is: the two properties couldn’t be any more different. Aside from the major fact that the Four Seasons at the Surf Club is an oceanfront beach resort and Four Seasons Miami is an urban Art Deco hotel located in the tallest building in Florida. Here’s the breakdown of the differences between the two:
| FS at the Surf Club | FS Miami at Brickell |
|---|---|
| 77 Rooms + 4 Bungalows | 221 Rooms |
| Located in Surfside, Northern Miami | Located in downtown Brickell, Miami |
| Exclusive beach access | No beach, only pools |
| Restaurants: Italian and Michelin Star Contenintal | Restaurants: Mediterranean, Sushi, and Brasserie |
| Kid’s Club on property | No kids club |
| Rooms start at 435 sq ft. | Rooms start at 500 sq ft. |
| Rooms start at $1,100 (low season) | Rooms start at $560 (low season) |
| 15,000 sq ft. on-site spa with hammam | Equinox fitness center and spa on 4th floor |
| Located near Bal Harbour Shops | Located near trendy dining in Brickell |
| Ocean,Bay, and City View Rooms available | Bay View and City View Rooms only |
Activities
There is plenty to do in Miami aside from day drinking and tanning at the beach. I love to use Viator for inspiration and gauge some of the more popular activities to do in the city. Take a look below!
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Recommended Travelers
The Four Seasons at the Surf Club is one of those luxury properties that I love to recommend to clients heading to Miami. Client needs a last minute spring break escape? Can’t decide where to spend New Years? Wants to spend a long weekend somewhere fun? This hotel is one that I always recommend because it’s all around high quality, excellent service, and offers relaxing beach plus access to the city and shopping.
That being said, the hotel is priced for a certain clientele looking for a particular experience. If I had a client who is budget conscious or has a busy schedule in the city, I would recommend a city hotel like the Miami Beach EDITION or Faena Hotel instead. Here are the travelers I would recommend for this Four Seasons:
- Nightly budget of $1,100+
- Families with young kids
- Couples who want a quieter Miami experience
- Travelers who prefer a low-key stay with easy access to the city
- Beach focused vacation instead of city focused
- Wants to be close to Bal Harbour shopping
- Paired with a trip to West Palm Beach
I am currently ACCEPTING new trip requests.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had an amazing time at Four Seasons at the Surf Club and the experience gave me a new perspective of how Miami can be enjoyed. Instead of weaving through crowds on the Beachwalk to get to a spot on South Beach, the Surf Club has direct beach access from the hotel and the beach was surprisingly quiet. I had visited other Art Deco hotels in Miami but none compare to the style and design of this Four Seasons. You can feel the love and care put into this property from the staff all the way to the guests who appreciate its history. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back there!
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