Four Seasons Miami – Reasons to Escape South Beach

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If you know ANYTHING about Lola, you know I LOVE Miami and I’m a beach girl completely. However, on my last visit to Miami, I got the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel Miami in the trendy & hopping Brickell neighborhood away from the beach. I have to say, I was most impressed with this stunning property. Four Seasons Miami came on the scene in 2003 and is the tallest structure south of Atlanta with its 70 floors, 221 guest rooms, residences and modern office space. Two years ago this fall, Four Seasons Miami debuted redesigned guest rooms to reflect a blend of modern European luxury with Miami’s Art Deco style and flair. Tres Bon!!

Four Seasons Miami is perfectly equipped in every way for the business traveler and sensibly caters to that clientele but that doesn’t mean it’s not a luxe spot for any lover of Miami. Touted as an urban retreat, on-property you will find a world-class spa and full service hair salon. Of course, there are pools AND a 50,000 square foot gym, Sports Club/LA, offering over 100 classes a week led by some of the city’s hottest instructors.

Only 8 miles from Miami International Airport as well as a short drive to the Miami beaches and swanky shopping, you can see how Four Seasons Miami is conducive to both business and leisure travelers with discriminating taste. Listed as Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in Florida as well as receiving the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Award in 2012, Four Seasons Miami leaves nothing to be desired. They have a full floor dedicated to meeting space, 24-hour complimentary business center, 24-hour room service and a kids’ club for those traveling with their brood.

The “crown jewel” of the 2011 renovation is the hip and delicious EDGE, Steak & Bar. EDGE is a contemporary style steakhouse offering smaller & interesting cuts of meat, local fresh seafood and produce complemented by spices, peppers & herbs from the restaurant’s own garden. It’s definitely a destination not just for hotel guests but residents of Miami as well. The Brickell neighborhood has emerged as a “go-to” destination in Miami for fine dining, shopping and nightlife and EDGE reflects this with their trendy yet comfortable feel in stylings, drinks and menu. Showcasing a modern take on 50’s & 60’s aesthetics, EDGE is sexy and cool. The outdoor space has views of Four Seasons Miami’s 2-acre pool area, downtown Miami and pretty Biscayne Bay which are really hard to beat. The mood is further set with cozy fire pits, dancing candlelight & the surrounding greenery.

Executive Chef Aaron Brooks has put together a FAB menu and the evening I dined with EDGE I sampled some of the restaurant’s most popular and very best. On tap for moi were 2 different delicious cocktails, The BBQ Collins – a bacon-rimmed glass with Knob Creek Bourbon, BBQ bitters, lemon sour AND The Ginger Brickell – Malibu Black, Domaine Canton Ginger, lime & coconut foam. Both interesting, different and YUMMY! As stone crabs were in season, I had to sample those served with mustard remoulade as well as oysters with mojo mignonette. EDGE likes to do unique takes on the classics and this was proven with their Edge Caesar served with a free run hen egg. Naturally, steak was in order so I tried the black angus filet mignon featured with a variety of dipping sauces – malbec jus, béarnaise and chimichurri – OUTSTANDING. Dinner was finished off with a carmel-popcorn cream, carmel ice cream and peanut powder dessert. HOLY COW!! (no pun intended)

OH and taking a cue from Miami’s vibrant art scene, I should also mention the property’s over $3 million dollar art collection with works from local Miami and Latin American-based artists. Not to be missed, and an anchor to the collection, are 3 sculptures by celebrated artist, Fernando Botero. Four Seasons Miami is incredibly proud to be home to “Adam & Eve” and “Seated Woman”. The art collection alone might be reason enough to visit this beautiful property.

Four Seasons Miami hosted my amazing meal at EDGE, Steak & Bar. I thank them for the wonderful evening & lovely hospitality and will gladly return on my own dime for the fun and fab food.