Located in small-town Surfside, in the northern beaches of Miami, The Surf Club is an iconic property initially developed in 1930. It started as a private club with exceptional views of the ocean that attracted famous guests such as Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra.
The Surf Club property reopened in 2017, after Nadim Ashi of Fort Partners acquired the storied social club. Having built strong relationships with some of today’s greatest creative minds, Ashi commissioned them to write the next chapter of The Surf Club’s story.
The property now consists of a Four Seasons Hotel with 77 guest rooms, 31 hotel residences, 119 private residences, a spa and two restaurants. All of this is nestled in three buildings designed by renowned architect Richard Meier. Created in collaboration with Miami-based architect Kobi Karp, this project reflects a classic modernist aesthetic.
Acclaimed for his pure and elegant style, Parisian interior architect Joseph Dirand designed the public areas, the spa and the hotel rooms. Many of the original installations and key features of The Surf Club were preserved, including Peacock Alley (the entrance corridor) and 40 beach cabanas. The old ballrooms have been transformed into Le Sirenuse Restaurant & Champagne Bar, where guests enjoy Mediterranean and genuine southern Italian cuisine in the care of chef Antonio Mermolia.
Under the pergola-shaded terrace, a refreshed outdoor space now hosts MARE, an oceanfront dining location designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. “MARE was created as a place where guests can relax and unwind in a more casual setting,” says Brudnizki. “Optimizing the unbroken views out to the ocean, MARE incorporates lush planting with upholstered outdoor seating in calming tones of sea green. A clever and spacious layout, mixing corner banquettes with round family-style tables, helps to create cozy spaces that are perfect for intimate drinking and dining.”
Extended in over nine acres, the property is also home to The Surf Club Restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, a 15,000-square-foot spa, four pools, three fitness centers and two shops (Les Ateliers Courbet for luxury design pieces and Haremlique for Turkish bed linens). Through the landscape design, Fernando Wong created a tropical ambience, which helps to blend the old structure with the new.
For those who want to stay longer and return frequently, it is possible to purchase one of the private or hotel residences, also designed by Joseph Dirand with finishes chosen by Lee Mindel in collaboration with Meier. These luxury residences occupy 1,400 to 7,750 square feet and range from $3.75 million to $35 million. Experiencing the glamour of Miami certainly has its price.
PHOTOGRAPHS: BY CHRISTIAN HORAN