Floating.
As I opened my eyes, the endless turquoise waters of the Atlantic stretched out in front of me. But, I wasn’t in the middle of the ocean. I was safe and sound, snuggled in my bed at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.
During a visit to this Surfside, Florida spot, I had the pleasure of staying in a premier oceanfront room where the stunning view made it challenging to ever leave. I did manage to make it out of my room to explore but the beauty of this resort is that it’s a luxurious warm weather getaway where you never even have to leave the property.
Here are some suggestions for a visit to Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club that will leave you rested, renewed, and ready to take on the (what we hope to be!) the last month of winter in Western Montana.
Arrive. “Convenient” is the word I’d use to describe Surfside’s location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, as both Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport are about a 30-minute drive from the property. The Surf Club opened its doors on New Year’s Eve in 1930, serving as a beach club frequented by faces ranging from Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor. A few years ago, Four Seasons opened the re-envisioned Surf Club blending new luxury accommodations with the historic architecture of the original club. The hotel itself is located along a nine-acre stretch of beachfront and a running/biking/walking path that hugs the beach for miles. Also, if you feel the need to set foot beyond The Surf Club, the luxury shopping district of Bar Harbour is blocks away, and you can be in South Beach within minutes.
Sleep. Now, back to that phenomenal room I mentioned. Imagine a corner room where you’re surrounded with floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around balcony overlooking the ocean. The breezy white and gray decor is fresh and calming, especially with all of the natural light streaming in. And I always appreciate the luxurious room touches that Four Seasons is known for like an in-room tablet for ordering room service; wireless video streaming capability from smart devices; twice-daily housekeeping; a customizable Four Seasons Bed (with your choice of plush, signature, or firm mattress topper); and my personal favorite—a tea kettle.
Relax. Curling up in a fluffy robe, sipping on a cup of tea, overlooking the water from The Surf Club spa’s relaxation room was one of my favorite experiences of the visit. If the spa were a Miss America contestant, it would win “most photogenic” by a landslide. From the natural light to the clean, crisp design of the space, the spa is another area that you won’t want to leave. During my visit, I indulged in a 60-minute massage that made my muscles feel like butter, as well as a visit to the eucalyptus steam room and Hammam (Turkish bath).
Swim. Beach or pool? This may be the most challenging decision of your day when you’re a guest at this property. Opt for the beach, and attendants will set up a lounge chair and umbrella for you and cater to your food and drink needs. Choose the pool, and there are a few options, including a “quiet pool” for adults only. But, my recommendation is that you splurge on one of the day-use cabanas, which provide access to a private pool nestled within the oceanfront gardens of The Surf Club. I loved having my own little hideaway outfitted with a full bathroom, air conditioning, and access to on-demand food and beverage service. As I sipped on my fruity rum served up in a fresh coconut while sitting on a lounge just beyond my cabana doors, I could understand why this spot has been a go-to for the glamorous for nearly a century.
Eat and drink. A taste of Italy without ever having to hop the pond. Welcome to my favorite dining spot at The Surf Club, Le Sirenuse Miami Restaurant, which is the American outpost of the restaurant based in Positano, Italy. The evening I enjoyed dinner at Le Sirenuse, I arrived a bit early to have a cocktail in the chic Champagne Bar. Then the food. Fresh oysters. Raviolone Cacio e Pepe. A whole fish deboned table-side. The meal was exquisite and is why I decided to return for brunch on the last day of my stay. If you’re looking for more classic American dishes, I’d also recommend The Surf Club Restaurant where you’ll find tastes including avocado Louie and NY strip steak. And I have to give a nod to the breakfast and dinner I enjoyed, courtesy of room service. The food and white tablecloth service was on par with what I experienced downstairs. But, you get to appreciate it in your PJs—while savoring that amazing ocean view.
Experience it for yourself
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
305.381.3333
