Floating on an island in Biscayne Bay, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is home to one of the hippest pool scenes in town and a must-experience spa. Get lost in the property’s labyrinthine gardens, which lead to the sublime dockside pool and restaurant.
Location 8/10
Located on Belle Isle on the Venetian Causeway, which connects Miami to Miami Beach, The Standard is a five-minute walk to the trendy local neighborhood of Sunset Harbour, full of restaurants, boutiques and fitness studios. It’s also easy an easy 15-minute drive to neighborhoods like Wynwood, Downtown and the Design District. The unique bayside island location boasts some of the prettiest views in the city for the feeling of a true escape.
“Each of us is an island.”
Tennessee Williams, 1959
Design 8/10
Set inside a historic mid-century hotel, originally designed by MiMo master architect Morris Lapidus, who’s most famous for the Fontainebleau resort, the property was transformed into The Standard in 2005. The interiors reflect a minimalist Scandinavian, yet kitschy aesthetic with sharp angles, low-slung wooden furniture and walls covered in funky wool tapestries.
But it’s more about what’s outside here. The lobby opens up to a labyrinthine Zen garden with hanging chairs and fire pits hidden amidst the hedges leading to the zero entry pool, where music is piped in underwater, surrounded by sunshine yellow lounge chairs overlooking the bay. A trendy dockside restaurant and bar is also found here, outfitted in pastel wire furniture and umbrellas.
Amenities & Hospitality 9/10
In many ways, the entire property revolves around the third floor destination spa, which was recently renovated. Here, you’ll find an arena-like Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room and experience showers, while outside there’s a cold plunge, hot tub and deluge shower along with a variety of indoor and outdoor bathing rituals. There’s also a full schedule of yoga classes and other wellness programming. With a local membership and adults-only policy, the whole property has a hip, scenester vibe.
Hoteligence tip: If you’re not a hotel guest, book a treatment or buy a day pass to gain access to the property’s pool. It’s our top choice for a spa day in Miami, hands down.
Hospitality is friendly and low-key, if a bit inconsistent.
Rooms 8/10
Owing to the property’s original mid-century footprint, guestrooms are accessed through outdoor catwalks. They’re outfitted with white-washed walls, hardwood floors, sandblasted plywood accents, macramé rugs and low-slung daybeds for lounging. Bathrooms feature inviting rainfall showers and sumptuous hooded robes. Ground floor rooms have private verandas, some with gardens and outdoor soaking tubs.
Food & Beverage 7/10
The Lido Bayside Grill is an ideal spot for lunch, sunset happy hour or dinner overlooking Biscayne Bay. The views and the vibe can’t be beat, although service is notoriously hit or miss. The bright and fresh menu includes everything from lobster rolls to chips and gauc, and frosé—essentially, exactly what you crave while lounging poolside. An a la carte breakfast is also served here.
Monterrey Bar is a newer offering at the hotel for cocktails and bites in a lounge setting off the lobby in the evenings.
Value 9/10
Rates from about $250 in low season and $395 in high; Book
The Bottom Line
For a spa and pool day that can’t be beat or frosé happy hour at sunset, do as Miami locals do and head to The Standard.
Contact
40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, 33139; 305-673-1717; Standardhotels.com
You Might Also Enjoy:
