If

If
Miami Beach was a man, we’re pretty
sure he’d be an arse guy. Collins Avenue’s beach-backing hotels
between the boardwalk and the ocean are prime pool-peeping time;
it’s all about the rear on South Beach and Nautilus cuts a fine, art-deco
figure. Designed in the 1950s by Morris Lapidus – known as the
original inventor of modern
resort hotel – the aesthetic channels retro-glam with an
art-focused approach.

Bedrooms

Moody black hallways lead to white, crisp rooms while subdued
tones of grey and silver are offset with punchy orange hues. Woven
floor mats and seashell lamps are chintzed up with a smidge of
Miami
flash; Aerin Lauder lookbook this is not. King-sized beds are made
to feel practically petite thanks to particularly spacious rooms
(by Miami standards at least). With lots of places to sit – there’s
a sofa, an armchair and an additional chair and table set; we put
our posteriers to work and tried every seat. Practicalities aside,
the pièce de résistance here is the mini bar, which is housed in a
large trunk and stocks an impressive confectionery collection
ranging from Nutella snack pots to jelly beans.

What’s for breakfast?

Fully equipped for millennial travellers, brunch (served on Saturdays and
Sundays) is a big deal here and packed with berry smoothies and
avocado toast. For a grab-and-go affair , head to the Nauti Grind
coffee cart in the lobby and
order a tall Colombe blend with a pastry on the side.

How about lunch and dinner?

The Cabana Club serves up Mediterranean cuisine with fresh
Floridian ingredients perfect for lunch, with poolside dining also
available. Swap your sarong for a Schiaparelli shift dress and head
to the Driftwood Room by Alex Guarnaschelli come dinner; the lemon
fish crudo with pequillo peppers (served swimming in a pool of
olive oil and lemon juice) is a standout dish.

Is there a bar?

Poolside Nautilus Cabana Club is always a good shout – is that
frosé we hear you say? If so, the Miami bug has truly taken hold.
For a pre-dinner drink, head for the sparkling lobby
bar complete with gilded peacocks and retro furnishings.

Amenities

We’re setting up shop by the palm-fringed pool flanked by breezy cabanas
and hazelnut-shaped sun loungers; it’s heated, saltwater and
overlooks the beach. When the ocean beckons, your exclusive beach
access comes complete with umbrellas and towel service (all
included in your room cost).

Things you should know…

Every Saturday and Sunday head down to the “weekend BBQ in the
backyard” for your fill of frozen cocktails, local DJs and food off
the grill. Detox before you retox (again) with Green Monkey Yoga,
available on the lawn.

Within a short walk you’ll find

Head to the Delano for an evening tipple and wangle your way in
to their basement-level bar particularly popular come Art
Basel.