Miami’s South Beach is notable for two reasons. First (and perhaps most importantly), it was the setting for cult series Miami Vice, and second it boasts some outlandish art deco architecture. Gansevoort South, the second hotel in the Gansevoort chain, was, in fact, built in the 1960s in ‘art deco style’ and is part of a mixed-use development including a spa and private residences – all very glamorous. Crockett and Tubbs would have approved.
The rooftop is the main attraction with its 110ft (35m)-long pool, surrounded with coconut palms and cabanas. Served by the Plunge bar and lounge, this area is a child-free zone, but the Bisazza-tiled infinity-edge pool on ground level is open to all, offering ocean views, an oversized whirlpool and outdoor dining.
Designer Andi Pepper’s interiors are heavily influenced by the area’s famously exuberant nightlife, celebrity visitors and the landscape, using vibrant colours and oversized furniture to convey a relaxed, homely but appropriately luxurious atmosphere. The 334 guest rooms are all super-sized with a beach bright vibe. Most of the suites have either bay, ocean or city views via balconies and feature textures from wood to suede.
The 3,500sq ft (325sq m) Sony Cierge penthouse suite is just like home – if your home features two master bedrooms, two living rooms, an entertainment room, Swarovski chandelier, jade marble and mosaic glass tiled bathroom and outdoor decking. Oh, and butler service.
Pepper has taken what is essentially a muted natural palette and thrown in splashes of ocean colour at intervals. For example, the lobby is mostly chocolate and cream enlivened by luminous yellow tables and a loud and proud bespoke carpet featuring magenta palm fronds. An aquarium filled with fish (including sharks) completes the tropical picture.
The hotel has two dining options. In the two-storey Chinese restaurant, black floors, conical red lampshades and ultra-white walls make for a sleek modern interior. Alternatively, the steakhouse, STK, is a little more atmospheric, illuminated with globular pendants and spotlights above circular booths with ribbed white leather upholstery.
To work off the luxury cuisine, guests are invited to make use of the David Barton Gym and Spa, whether using the treatment rooms (more ocean views) and exercise studios or the extensive weight-training. Those after something less strenuous can enjoy the nightlife at Louis, the comfortable lounge behind the shark tank.
<!– /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; mso-fareast-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>
This article was first published in X2 Magazine
