The Setai Hotel

Who says luxury hotels can’t be eco-friendly?  The growing trend of going green has infiltrated even the most luxe of hotels, making strides toward a decidedly green future and preservation of our planet.

Savvy travelers in growing numbers are supporting conservation by selecting which establishments they visit, and that also extends to luxury hotels around the world. 

Yes, sustainable hospitality practices are becoming increasingly prevalent among the luxury hotels of today.  Many luxury hotels are becoming LEED Certified, which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”.

This Saturday, February 13th, will mark the 47th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival.  The event will take place in beautiful Coconut Grove, Florida, from February 13th-15th.   Hours for the festival are 10am-6pm all three days.

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I am a regular reader of your luxury blog, and of course an exotic car buff.  I am writing to you because I am planning to surprise my wife and two young children with a trip to Miami. 
I have to come down on business anyway, so I thought it would be a nice surprise to yank them out of the New York snow for a week.  My question is, which luxury hotel is best for my situation?
I have stayed at the W Hotel South Beach before, but am wondering if you have any other suggestions for those traveling with small children?  Your help will be appreciated!

Thanks guys,
Charles, New York, NY

Luxury restaurants are concepts that never go out of style in fashionable South Beach.  The great international flavors of the world meet here, hook-up, and produce infusions so stellar, the area has become famous for it.  Yet inventive and upscale cuisine does not come without a price tag. 

If you are planning to head south for Super Bowl 44 next month, and intend to stay at one of South Beach’s luxury hotels, the prime picks are reaching capacity.  In fact, the new W Hotel South Beach is officially booked solid for Super Bowl week.  After calling around town this morning, here are some remaining options (subject to change, of course):

It is nearly time for the annual Art Deco Weekend, sponsored by the Miami Design Preservation League.  Art Deco Weekend is one of South Florida’s most well-known and highly attended festivals, and this will mark its 32nd year.

The Setai Hotel in sunny South Beach is a lavish and exclusive escape from all that ails you; one step into the intricate lobby and you will understand their concept completely-understated elegance and relaxation.  Top five reasons why the Setai sizzles:

Going out in South Beach can be an art-whether it is to a nice dinner with friends or the latest chic nightclub; it is never ok to step-it down a notch.  Your wardrobe, your accessories, your choice of exotic rental car and even the amount you tip for service are all open for judgment in this seductive city.  There is definately a weath of possibilities to occupy your time and your wallet in South Beach.

South Florida’s real estate market, notably the condominium sector, has been on a roller-coaster ride throughout recent months, much like the rest of the United States. 

1. THE SETAI
2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Setai is a quaint oceanfront hotel at the crux of South Beach. This is a  fabulous hotel because the rooms are infused with natural materials, space and light, offering a truly  Zen appeal. The Spa is pretty standard as far as 5 Star hotels go- over the top and gratefully, overly attentive. Each spa suite has an oceanfront view, a private bath and steam room so two people can enjoy "special" treatments in tandem, very sensual.

While it is still about six months away from blitzing us, Super Bowl XLIV is already making waves in Miami.  I called some of our favorite upscale "south of Fifth" area hotels, and was amazed to discover that two of them are already sold out for the Super Bowl!  Yes, the Ritz-Carlton South Beach and The W Hotel are already fully booked for game week next February.

South Beach is an oceanside playground for celebrities, and an invigorating mix of international locals and travelers.  Chic and sophisticated, the city by the sea is also home to some of the world’s best hotels.  South Beach truly has it all-the best beaches, shopping, fashion, upscale dining, lavish entertainment options, exotic rental cars, nightclubs, and of course, luxury hotels with the best in amenities and concierge service.

We at Imagine Lifestyles are a source of all that is South Florida luxury, most especially South Beach, and for that reason we often compile helpful lists of our top favorite things.  Following are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in South Beach:

•    The W Hotel
•    Setai
•    The Ritz-Carlton
•    Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach
•    Shore Club

The W Hotel-Residences, Hotel and Lounge.  The W Hotel encompasses all that is South Beach, and then gives you a little more.  The W Hotel is a beachfront Oasis, complete with a private beach area, residences, impeccable cuisine, a spa, refreshing pool and a posh nightclub called The Wall.  The W Hotel features 312 rooms and bungalows with striking views of the marbled Atlantic with its signature W beds.  Located amid the heart of Miami’s hottest nightlife spots, it is also a convenient place to position yourself for your South Beach stay.

The Setai.  The perfect oceanfront setting, The Setai is a private, posh and signature hotel, condominium and resort featuring tropical gardens, glittering pools and amazing rooms.  The soft Asian traditional appeal throughout is relaxing and elegant. This luxury South Beach hotel truly sets the tone for all that is Miami’s seaside excellence, in proximity to the upscale dining, nightclubs and of course shopping!  The Setai features a world-class spa and health club, high-end restaurant and bar.  It makes our list because it is a 5-star jewel of a hotel destination.

The Ritz-Carlton.  The Ritz-Carlton’s reputation often precedes it, yet in South Beach they truly continue their tradition of pulling out all stops.  An unforgettable escape, this decadent luxury hotel offers all amenities that one expects, with an extraordinary 16,000 foot spa, 375 guest rooms including two poolside lanai wings, delectable restaurant, elegant bar and a 20,000 square foot compilation of meeting and conference space.  Steps from Lincoln Road, a 10-block stretch of the best nightlife, shopping and dining, The Ritz-Carlton is in the center of South Beach hotspots.

Hilton-Bentley Miami/South Beach.  In the world of luxury hotels, Hilton is on top.  One of the finest South Beach upscale hotels is Hilton’s Bentley Beach.  This amazing hotel features a prime seaside location and a luxurious array of amenities including elegantly furnished suites, European kitchens, views of the ocean and city skyline, terraces, plasma TVs, lavish and large marble bathrooms, upscale dining, fitness areas, pool, and complete concierge service of course.  The Hilton makes our list of top 5 luxury hotels in South Beach for its attention to detail, and impeccable service standards, all in proximity to all of the city’s hotspots.

Shore Club.  Last but certainly not least on our top five list is Shore Club.  This elegant South Beach hotel was designed by famed British architect David Chipperfield, complete with a landmarked Art Deco lobby and labyrinth of gardens.  Radiant with charisma, this hotel is also home to Sky bar and popular upscale restaurant Nobu.  You will find all luxury amenities at Shore Club, as well as an eclectic and provocative mix of international marketplaces in its décor.  But don’t take our word for it!  Super Bowl XLIV is fast approaching in terms of reservations, and we have just handed you five of the best ideas for Miami Super Bowl Accomodations.  You are thinking now, so don’t overlook the need for a hot set of wheels to burn up the city streets, a luxury rental car Miami style is a must to match your breathtaking luxury vacation! 
       

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals
 
 

The 2010 Pro Bowl and then, Super Bowl XLIV seem forever away but now is the time to  book you stay! The NFL has once again been awarded the 2010 Super Bowl to Miami, Florida because, honestly, why not?  It will be the record breaking tenth time Miami is hosting the mega-melee. Making Miami the only place to be next January/February. Best book your accommodations and reservations now because the beach is booking fast.

The number one place to stay on Miami Beach will be the W Hotel & Residences because it is the newest construction on the beach; not to mention, has Mr. Chow's restaurant, the Living Room beach club and Bliss Spa. The luxurious Setai Hotel & Residences, next door, will book just as fast. Or opt to stay a few minutes off the beach in a luxury building like the Icon, resort amenities sans the hotel part.  There aren't very many luxury buildings on MIami Beach that can offer it all, here are three and if you want the best then here you go. Bet on the Super Bowl, not your hotel.

The 2010 Pro Bowl and then, Super Bowl XLIV are coming to Miami! Will Smith sang it best, "Party in the city where the heat is on. All night, on the beach 'till the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami, bienvenido a Miami!" The NFL has awarded the 2010 Super Bowl to Miami, Florida. It will be the record breaking tenth time Miami is hosting the mega-melee. Making Miami the only place to be next January/February. Don't like Super Bowl?  Then we don't know where you came from but, regardless, Miami is still the place to be in January and February. The important people retreat to Miami in prime season, Super Bowl or not. 

Hundreds of thousands of people will be invading South Florida so get your game face on.  Book a place on South Beach now because the beach is booking fast.Try the Setai Hotel & Residencies or the brand new, not-even-opened-yet W Hotel & Residencies. Both hotels are on the sand in the center of South Beach and come equipped with pools, spas, gyms, etc. Or opt to stay a few minutes off the beach in a luxury building like the Icon, resort amenities sans the hotel part.  

Next, rent an exotic car or luxury car service because the street game is about as fierce as Super Bowl.  If a car isn't branded Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini or an equivalent, then you're not playing with the big boys. Go home, this is Miami and a prime valet spot is the goal. Take advantage of the Miami heat and rent a convertible; acceptable convertibles in Miami would be: an Aston Martin DB9 convertible, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Porsche 997 convertible, Rolls-Royce 100 EX convertible or a Bentley GTC convertible. Get the picture? All you do is name the exotic dream car, make a call to Imagine Lifestyles and voile, score big next Super Bowl!

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Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

The Setai Hotel is a 40-story extreme-luxury, high rise on prime Miami Beach real estate. The Setai houses 175 residencies with panoramic ocean views, floor-to-ceiling windows and on-site five star hotel amenities. There are studio, one, two, up to five bedroom units, which range in size from 850 to 6,000 square feet. The Penthouse units have private terraces and decks with lap pools. More to look forward to at Setai: 24 hour security and valet, SubZero and Gagenau Appliances, posh beach club and sexy, lounging bars. Right now there are about 47 Setai units for sale, thanks to the economy. Listing prices are way down and buyers should take serious advantage now. A few deals worth looking into would be, unit 2105 which is an 821 square foot, one bedroom unit, listed for $1,350,000 which is 10% lower than its original purchase price. There is 1801, a two bedroom, two bathroom, 1,198 square foot unit listed for $1,575,000 which is 19.2% lower than the original price. Then, there is unit 360 which is a five bedroom, five bathroom that is listed for $5,995,000, down 14.3% from its original purchase price. The moral of the story is take advantage of Setai deals and short sales! The question isn't why but why not? The Setai is the building to be in on Miami Beach, get in while the getting is good.