Iconic South Beach property maintains its stronghold as the pinnacle of luxury in Miami
Nestled right by the Atlantic Ocean sits the world renowned W South Beach, a 5-star resort that embodies the essence of Miami’s vibrant culture. After undergoing a $30 million renovation in 2020—which included the redesign of 408 guest suites; refreshed leisure spaces; the addition of its state-of-the-art “Away Spa;” and the revitalization of its multi-million dollar art collection—this property has become a favorite among celebrities, influencers and discerning travelers from around the globe. Known for capturing Miami’s energy and evolving spirit, the W South Beach Resort continues to set new standards in luxury hospitality.
This elevated standard seems to start with the property’s commitment to exemplary service. “At W South Beach, everything is taken care of for you,” said Rick Ueno, General Manager of W South Beach. “Each guest receives a dedicated W Insider, available 24/7, who will take care of whatever, whenever—from picking up groceries to chartering a yacht to finding the best Omakase in town. No matter how busy Miami gets, W Insiders are connected to everyone and anything and can make reservations happen at any of Miami’s most desired places, many of which require reservations weeks in advance. And, W South Beach has six W Insiders—most hotels in the portfolio only offer one.”
With the largest guest rooms in South Beach that feature balconies and breathtaking ocean views along with a wide range of amenities, this property offers a truly magnificent escape in the Magic City. Its residences, suites and guest rooms are available in sizes ranging from 574 to over 3,000 square feet.
Each of the accommodations options are thoughtfully designed as urban seaside retreats. You’ll find beach house style millwork, natural oak finishes, a soothing palette of textures and charming seaside inspired accents highlighted by corals and tranquil teals. The resort incorporates these and other thoughtful elements to create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for its guests. This includes selected music playlists and beach-inspired artwork. The hotel also implemented new technical features to its guest rooms following its $30 million renovation. Guests can now take advantage of circadian lighting with three preset mood modes, and sand gradient blackouts if they want to block out the Miami sun.
For those seeking enhanced comfort and privacy there are five poolside bungalows with private entrances. These come with three floors and two bedrooms each, while also offering amenities like rooftop BBQs and private plunge pools.
The premium Penthouses, called E WOW and E WOW Ocean Escape, cover around 3,000 square feet and feature nine foot ceilings and expansive glass balconies providing spectacular views of South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Providing a decidedly sophisticated living experience, the Penthouses exude a soothing ambiance with colors and textures that endear even the most discerning traveler.
When it comes to art, W South Beach is a haven for enthusiasts renowned for its collection displayed throughout its common areas. Curated by Aby Rosen, its collection notably includes works by Andy Warhol and Jean Michel Basquiat.
For foodies, W South Beach offers an array of dining options. You can indulge in cuisine at RWSB (Restaurant W South Beach), savor Beijing delicacies at MR CHOW, and unwind at the Living Room Bar or WET Bar & Grille. Guests should also be sure to sip and savor at Irma’s—a whimsical outdoor garden area created using salvaged wood and debris from Hurricane Irma—as it stands as a testament to Miami’s resilience.
No visit to the W South Beach is complete without a visit to its Away Spa—an oasis of relaxation offering a variety of organic rituals and wellness treatments like detoxifying massages, body healing treatments, skincare therapies and other sensory spa experiences. The spa, which spans a whopping 9,540 feet, exudes tranquility with its neutral color palette, delicate white fabrics and exquisite brass finishes. It offers seven treatment rooms along with a couple’s suite for those seeking privacy. Additionally, there are spaces for manicures/pedicures well as an inviting spa lounge area. Don’t miss out on the terrace where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the warm breezes. Do also endeavor to enjoy a eucalyptus-infused limestone steam shower in the powder room area.
“A must is a custom spa treatment at the stunning, minimalistic Away Spa,” Ueno urges. “We put a lot of intention behind the entire guest experience at this refuge, from the moment guests walk into the length of each treatment. Even the design of the spa was very intentional with only six treatment rooms to give it more of an intimate feel. My favorite treatment is the popular 90-minute detox massage, where the therapist exfoliates your entire body then applies a rich blend of oils, finishing with a mud mask. Post spa treatment, guests can relax by the pool in one of W South Beach’s furnished plush cabanas.”
The resort also boasts a fully equipped FIT gym spanning 2,500 square feet. It includes Pelotons, a hydro electric rower, a Fitness Mirror, Soul Cycle bike, techno fit equipment and more. On the same floor is the SWISH & SWING rooftop tennis and basketball court, boasting a regulation size basketball court and a Har Tru tennis court. Additionally, W South Beach guests can enhance their game with its Slinger Bag Ball machine that allows for practicing shots at different speeds, frequencies and elevations. Private tennis lessons with the resort’s expert instructor are also available upon request.
For those seeking relaxation under the South Florida sun, W South Beach offers two swimming pools. At WET pool area, with its daybeds and stylish cabanas (some even equipped with TVs), patrons can indulge while receiving top-notch service. The property’s SAND beach area, located steps away from the hotel, provisions guests with beach equipment as well as food, beverage and other attentive services to ensure an immersive beach experience.
Speaking of being in close proximity to the best Miami has to offer, the property is decidedly well positioned. “For over a decade, W South Beach has drawn the world’s most sophisticated travelers and has been the social center of Miami’s major cultural events, including Art Basel, South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Miami Swim Week,” notes Ueno. “This year, the property will be hosting one of the most exclusive Miami F1 events, ‘Once Upon A Kitchen,’ in partnership with VIP concierge GR8 Experience. Hosted by world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura and his team from Osteria Francescana, this multi-layered sensorial dinner offers guests an intimate evening with award-winning culinary masters in W South Beach’s immersive new ballroom.”
The property is also amping up its game for group events. As a part of its $6 million meeting space renovation, W South Beach became the first hotel in North America to implement 360-degree immersive videomapping technology—changing the game for weddings, meetings, and activations in Miami. “The new ballroom uses an innovative, built-in projection system to transform the 4,300-square-foot blank canvas into any setting—from an underwater oceanic moment to the backdrop of any city in the world,” said Ueno. “The set-up is simple and the projections can be easily controlled from the touch of a button. High-tech meetings are the future and if companies want to impress and engage with their audience, our state-of-the-art ballroom is an incredible option.”
In all, W South Beach Resort is a luxurious beach retreat that exceeds expectations. What is perhaps most impressive at this property is its commitment to guest experience excellence. Its staff is renowned for consistently go the extra mile to provide personalized service. It’s no wonder the W South Beach has also become a social hub attracting sophisticated travelers, celebrities and influencers, alike.
And, this property boasts quite the celebrity pedigree. “As the leader in the market, W South Beach has become known for celebrity guests like Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Tyler, Bono, Lizzo, Pharrell, Mark Walhberg and Tom Cruise,” notes Ueno. “It’s where LeBron James celebrated after announcing that he was taking his ‘talents to South Beach,’ and where Drake has played on New Year’s Eve. It’s where Sports Illustrated forever changed the rules of the catwalk when model Mara Martin strutted on the runway while breastfeeding during Swim Week.”
From A-list stars to vacationers, staycationers and locals, discerning travelers are consistently drawn to this property to indulge in its sophisticated design, outstanding service and lively atmosphere. As a result, W South Beach Resort has solidified itself as an iconic destination in South Miami’s dynamic landscape.
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Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks; as well as the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV. Merilee also hosts the Savvy Ventures Podcast & Radio show available globally on W4CY Radio—the #1 ranked live streaming radio station—among others as well as all major podcast platforms, including Pandora, Audible, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Streamyard, iHeart Radio and dozens more. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
Author: Merilee Kern
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
