The Setai Miami Beach: Complete Forbes Five-Star Luxury Guide
Experience Forbes Five-Star Asian-inspired luxury in restored Art Deco splendor. From Jaya's Trans-Ethnic cuisine to three infinity pools and Valmont spa, discover Miami Beach's most serene oceanfront retreat.
By BeachLoco Editorial Team
Where the soul of Asia converges with South Florida's iconic Art Deco heritage, The Setai, Miami Beach emerges as a sanctuary of profound tranquility amid the electric energy of Miami Beach. This Forbes Five-Star masterpiece, housed within a restored 1936 Henry Hohauser landmark and its soaring 40-story oceanfront tower, offers an experience that transcends typical luxury—a place where black granite, polished teak, and antique Shanghai grey bricks create spaces of meditative beauty, and where the warmth of Asian hospitality transforms every interaction into an art form.
- Rooms & Suites: 140 (90 Art Deco rooms + 50 Ocean Suites)
- Architecture: 1936 Art Deco landmark by Henry Hohauser, reimagined by Jean-Michel Gathy & Jaya Ibrahim
- Private Beach: Full-service beach with daybeds and cabanas
- Pools: 3 temperature-controlled infinity pools (75°, 85°, 95°F)
- Rate Category: Ultra-luxury rates
Who Is This Guide For?
- ✔ Travelers seeking Forbes Five-Star serenity away from South Beach's frenetic energy
- ✔ Design enthusiasts drawn to Asian-Art Deco fusion by world-renowned architects
- ✔ Culinary connoisseurs pursuing Trans-Ethnic cuisine at MICHELIN-recognized Jaya
- ✔ Wellness devotees wanting Valmont's Swiss cellular treatments in private spa suites
- ✔ Couples seeking romantic oceanfront luxury with intimate, understated elegance
Jaya
"Trans-Ethnic brilliance where the flavors of India, Thailand, China, and Japan converge beneath a retractable sky."
Jaya represents the culinary soul of The Setai—a restaurant whose "Trans-Ethnic" philosophy mirrors the hotel's own fusion of Asian influences. The kitchen draws from the street markets of Bangkok, the spice routes of Kerala, the dim sum houses of Hong Kong, and the sushi temples of Tokyo, creating dishes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
The setting is equally transcendent: a courtyard featuring stone-filled reflecting pools, intimate seating alcoves, and a retractable roof that opens to Miami's starlit sky. The legendary Sunday Jazz Brunch has become a Miami institution. For more unique dining experiences in the region, check out our guide to Best Restaurants in South Florida.
- Must-try: Peking Duck, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Omakase Sushi Selection
- Best Day to Visit: Sunday for the acclaimed Jazz Brunch experience
- Hours: Breakfast 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Dinner 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM daily
- Price Level: Luxury pricing
The Ocean Grill
"Mediterranean wood-fired artistry where the Atlantic provides both the view and the inspiration."
Positioned directly on The Setai's pristine beachfront, The Ocean Grill celebrates the simplicity of exceptional ingredients transformed by fire. The open wood-burning grill produces Mediterranean-inspired dishes—fresh-caught seafood, perfectly charred vegetables, and flame-kissed meats—all enjoyed with toes in the sand and panoramic Atlantic vistas. Consider pairing your meal with an exploration of other Atlantic Coast dining options.
The casual elegance extends from lunch through sunset, making this the perfect venue for those who want Forbes Five-Star cuisine without formality.
- Must-try: Whole Grilled Branzino, Wood-Fired Octopus, Grilled Lobster
- Best Day to Visit: Saturday afternoon for leisurely beachfront lunch
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (seasonal variations)
- Price Level: Luxury pricing
The Bar & Courtyard
"Intimate alchemy where classic cocktails meet Asian-inspired serenity under the palms."
The Bar & Courtyard distills The Setai's aesthetic into liquid form. Surrounded by the hotel's signature black granite, reflecting pools, and meticulously curated Asian landscaping, this intimate space offers respite from Miami's heat and hustle.
The cocktail program pays homage to both Eastern and Western traditions—classic preparations executed with precision alongside house creations infused with Asian botanicals and spirits.
- Must-try: Setai Signature Cocktails, Japanese Whisky Selection, Fine Wine by the Glass
- Best Day to Visit: Thursday evening for pre-dinner cocktails
- Hours: Daily 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Price Level: Luxury pricing
Valmont for The Spa at The Setai
"Swiss cellular science meets Asian ritual in four private sanctuaries of transformation."
Valmont's exclusive partnership with The Setai has created one of Miami Beach's most coveted spa experiences. Four private spa suites—each featuring individual steam rooms and rain showers—provide the setting for treatments that blend Valmont's legendary Swiss cellular skincare with traditional Asian healing philosophies.
The signature treatments address both the visible signs of aging and the deeper need for restoration, using Valmont's proprietary DNA and RNA cellular complexes alongside ancient massage techniques. For additional wellness retreats, explore options in Naples on Florida's Gulf Coast.
- Must-try: Valmont Prime Renewing Pack, Asian Fusion Massage, Luminosity Facial
- Best Day to Visit: Weekday mornings for the most peaceful atmosphere
- Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Price Level: Luxury pricing
The Three Infinity Pools
"A trilogy of temperature-controlled perfection cascading toward the endless Atlantic."
The Setai's legendary pool experience offers something no other Miami Beach property can match: three distinct infinity-edge pools, each maintained at a different temperature. The 75-degree pool provides refreshing respite from summer heat, the 85-degree pool offers year-round comfort, and the 95-degree pool delivers near-hot-tub warmth for therapeutic relaxation.
Black granite surrounds and Asian landscaping create an atmosphere of Balinese serenity, while white-gloved attendants ensure that every need is anticipated.
- Must-try: All three pools to experience the temperature progression
- Best Day to Visit: Weekday afternoons for prime lounge availability
- Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - Sunset
- Price Level: Luxury pricing
The Suite Experience
The Setai's 140 accommodations divide between the historic Art Deco building and the modern oceanfront tower, each offering distinct experiences:
- Art Deco Studios: 550 sq ft of restored 1936 elegance with 11-foot ceilings, polished teak floors, and Asian antiques—perfect for history-seeking travelers
- Art Deco One-Bedroom Suites: 900 sq ft combining historic character with full living areas and soaking tubs
- Ocean Suites: 800-1,000 sq ft in the tower with floor-to-ceiling Atlantic views, deep soaking tubs, and minimalist Asian design
- Ocean Front Suites: 1,200+ sq ft corner units maximizing ocean exposure with wraparound terraces
- Penthouse Collection: Multi-bedroom residences with private terraces, chef's kitchens, and dedicated butler service
- Grand Penthouse: 10,000 sq ft spanning the entire 40th floor with private rooftop pool, 360-degree views, and museum-quality art collection
Awards & Recognition
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award – Consecutive winner since 2015
- MICHELIN Guide Two Keys – 2024
- AAA Five Diamond Hotel
- Travel + Leisure #1 Greater Miami Beach Resort Hotel – 2024
- Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award
- The Leading Hotels of the World Member
Access & Booking
- Check-in: 4:00 PM
- Check-out: 12:00 PM
- Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) – 20 minutes
Why Book This Property
Unmatched Serenity: The Setai delivers something rare in Miami Beach—genuine tranquility. The Asian-inspired design and service philosophy create a meditative atmosphere that feels worlds away from South Beach's energy.
Architectural Significance: Jean-Michel Gathy and Jaya Ibrahim's design represents one of the most successful fusions of Art Deco heritage and Asian aesthetics anywhere in the world.
The Three Pools: No other property offers this unique temperature-controlled trilogy—a genuine differentiator that alone justifies the stay.
Culinary Excellence: Jaya's MICHELIN-recognized Trans-Ethnic cuisine delivers flavors unavailable elsewhere in Miami Beach.
Pro Tips
- Book the 95-Degree Pool at Sunset: The warmest pool becomes magical as Miami's famous sunsets paint the sky
- Reserve Sunday Jazz Brunch Early: Jaya's legendary brunch books weeks in advance—call upon confirming your stay
- Request Art Deco Building for Character: The 1936 building offers historic ambiance; tower rooms deliver ocean views—know your priority
- Arrive Before Check-in: The pools and beach open early; arrive at noon to maximize your first day
- Experience All Three Pool Temperatures: Start cool at 75°F, progress to 85°F, finish in the therapeutic 95°F—it's transformative
- Book Valmont Spa Weekday Mornings: The four private suites fill quickly; weekday mornings offer best availability
The Final Word
The Setai occupies a singular position in Miami Beach hospitality—a property that has successfully created an oasis of Asian serenity within one of America's most energetic beach destinations. The fusion of Henry Hohauser's 1936 Art Deco landmark with Jean-Michel Gathy's contemporary Asian vision produces spaces of genuine beauty, while the service philosophy—rooted in Eastern traditions of anticipatory care—delivers experiences that transcend typical luxury hospitality. For travelers who seek the refinement of Forbes Five-Star excellence alongside the soul-restoring peace of a Balinese retreat, The Setai stands alone.
