1 Hotel South Beach blends style and substance

For our Design Destination series, we explore 1 Hotel South Beach where a happy balance is found between cool design and environmentally conscious living
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Amira Hashish31 December 2018

Sustainability comes first in this striking Miami Beach hotel...

Where is it? On South Beach’s infamous Collins Avenue. With the sand and sea on your doorstep, the hotel takes up an entire city block and sits directly on 600-feet of pristine beachfront. There are views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami’s ever-expanding skyline.

What’s the story? The original opening in the 1 Hotels portfolio, this impressive property embodies the essence of sustainability in its most modern and design driven form. Look out for Plant the Future’s green “moments” including living walls on the hotel’s façade and main lobby.

Design details: This is a celebration of nature. It is reflected in the twist of driftwood furnishings, ever-present sounds of the ocean and abundance of natural material.

"1 Hotel South Beach was designed to allow humans to reconnect with the most authentic and awe-inspiring experience...nature," said SH group CEO and Chairman Barry Sternlicht. "Nature shapes the way our guests arrive, depart, sleep, eat, relax, interact and ultimately the way they feel.”

With a farmstand in the lobby and carefully placed remixes of recycled and repurposed woods, preserved moss and petrified branches, sustainably and smart design is taken seriously.

Materials for construction and furnishings are regional, reclaimed or repurposed whenever possible. This includes saving Colorado beetle kill pine to create headboards, Ipe wood from the property's original boardwalk to use as planters, an herb garden at Beachcraft used for cocktails and cuisine, reclaimed driftwood for guest room door handles and 7,500 pounds of local Florida coral stone for the 1 monument.

About the rooms... The property feels spacious and airy but believe it or not there are 435 guest rooms. They average around 700 sq ft, making them the largest in South Beach. The Keetsa mattresses are very comfortable and you will find signature 1 touches such as yoga mats, terrariums and hangers made of recyclable paper. There is also an in-room Nexus device to control temperature, communicate with hotel staff or for entertainment purposes.

The most lavish room is most likely the Presidential Suite, known as The Beach House. The seven-room retreat has sweeping panoramic ocean views from its two separate balconies and 3,500 sq ft of indoor and outdoor space. Plus, a cinema space and pool table. To be honest though, the standard king with a balcony will stand you in good stead.

On the menu: There are seven on-property food and drink outlets varying from farm-to-table cuisine to Japanese inspired tropical dishes. Head to Habitat by Chef José Mendín for dinner. The menu fuses Spain’s culinary favourites with Miami Beach vibes. Using fresh, local ingredients and Michelin-star techniques, it is centred on fire, earth, air and water. The delicious plates are served in a serene setting. Shades of soft blues and browns evoke the sea with hand dyed textiles, natural woods, stone and warm lighting.

Pop into the Sand Box, on the Center Pool Deck with cantina-style poolside dining, for tacos and cocktails. Casual cafe Nativ Made is handy for healthy snacking and plnthouse by Chef Matthew Kenney is a must visit for innovative vegetarian options which are full of flavour.

Is there a spa? Health and wellbeing is at the heart of the hotel so it is only fitting that the fitness facilities are top notch. The 14,000 sq ft Spartan Gym is the first of its kind in the US offering education from local certified Spartan trainers. The core areas focus on athleticism, strength, endurance and mind. Each of these rooms are surrounded by a central area which has obstacle-inspired equipment including overhead ropes, nets, and pipes for traditional Spartan course training.

Next door is Bamford Haybarn Spa. Treatments include massages and facials, as well as yoga, Pilates and meditation. Outdoor fitness and wellness classes, complimentary to all guests of 1 Hotel South Beach, are also on the agenda.

Anything else I should know? The 26,000 sq ft adults only 1 Rooftop is the largest pool in South Beach. Check out the "Daylife" classes which take place there, designed to cultivate positive connections with nature, the community and the local environment. There are three additional swimming pools throughout the hotel too.

Best for: A chilled out and stylish take on Miami Beach life.

When to go: Miami gets super hot during the Summer months but September through to May are great times to visit.

How to get there: Fly to Miami International or Fort Lauderdale and arrange at transfer to the hotel.

How do I book? Visit 1hotels.com. Rates start at around $450 (£354) a night including tax but check the website for the latest.

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