By Courtney Scott, on June 22, 2016

Best luxury hotels in Miami

When it comes to finding luxury hotel accommodation in Miami, there is no shortage of options. But luxury comes in many forms. From high drama decadence to understated sophistication, here are three of my favorite luxury hotels in Miami Beach that are certain to sweep you off your feet.

Nature is the new luxury at 1 Hotel South Beach

The 1 Hotel brand is redefining luxury by weaving nature and the outside environment in to every aspect of the property. The result is exceptional. The minute you walk through the front door of this Collins Ave retreat your senses will be delighted by what you encounter. Beautiful plants, natural light, and a scent that envelops you. Situated on 600 feet of South Beach’s white sand, 1 Hotel’s beach club and main deck pool are stunners. One of the best pools in South Beach, though, is 1 Hotel’s rooftop pool. It’s the only one of its kind, with oceanfront views and adults-only vibes. Catch the sunset from a cabana before grabbing snacks and drinks at 1 Hotel’s earthy lobby bar, Tom on Collins. Scrumptious snacks by Tom Colicchio pair perfectly with curated cocktails.

Intimate sophistication at Miami Beach EDITION

Ian Schrager’s latest partnership with Marriott, The Miami Beach EDITION is the “it” hotel of the moment. It’s a sanctuary for celebrities and luxury-seekers who want a sophisticated, minimal and intimate experience. The lobby is white-washed and adorned with palms, furs, and a gorgeous bar with nods to 1950s Miami. As you meander through the EDITION’s outdoor spaces, you will quickly sense that privacy was top of mind for designers. There are two pools, both low-key and overwhelmingly relaxing. A grassy lawn adjacent to the pool is the perfect spot for a game of cornhole or an al fresco lunch from Tropicale—definitely try the lobster grilled cheese and the tuna tartar. My favorite outdoor space, though, is the sandbox. A tropical hideaway with hammocks, pillowy lounge areas, and ping pong. It’s supremely zen!

By night, you’ll get to now a more lively side of EDITION when you head to its subterranean playground, Basement Miami. It’s a club, a bowling alley, a bar, and an ice-skating rink in one.

Viewfinder Tip: The Miami Beach EDITION’s custom scent by Le Labo is completely entrancing and can only be found at the hotel.

Drama and decadence at Faena

Only a few blocks north of the Miami Beach EDITION, the Faena Hotel delivers a different kind of luxury with an emphasis on glamour and a flare for the unexpected. Your room—complete with butler service—is more striking than serene, with vivid red curtains, gold tassels, and decadent details. This touch of eccentricity continues throughout the entire property. Red pinwheel umbrellas complete with fringe add a bit of magic to the pool and beach club. Live-fire cooking dazzles at Faena’s Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann where Argentine asado is center stage. Over at the Faena Theater, you can expect to be mesmerized by cabaret performers. And at Tierra Santa, Miami’s first South American inspired spa, the palo santo and sound bowl healing and shaman purification ritual will take away to another universe, if only for an hour.

What’s your favorite luxury hotel in Miami?