Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club - Surfside, Florida

Formerly the seaside getaway for Hollywood legends, it’s a property that evokes elevated glamour in the most authentic and effortless way with modern charm. 

The Surf Club was originally a private club that served its first drinks to guests in 1930 on New Year’s Eve. Harvey Firestone (of the tire fortune) developed it as a haven for his friends during the Prohibition-era, hosting glamorous parties with guests Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. It was the place to be seen back then and now, since Four Seasons opened the hotel in 2017. 

ARRIVAL

 From the moment you arrive at the front entrance, you feel as if you’ve stepped back into time. It feels private, secure and exclusive but not unapproachable. As you step through the arched front door into the long hallway lined with palm trees and rattan furniture, you can see straight through peacock alley (which was hand painted during covid) to the ocean if the back doors are open. The furniture in the lobby is chic and comfortable with dim ornate lit lighting, and the Four Seasons service is impeccable with every interaction I had. Make your way to the Champagne Bar and make sure to get a latte from head barista Armando - he’s world class!

ROOMS

The property has 102 Rooms; 77 standard guest rooms and 25 suites. 5 guest room types, 2 suite types, 2 specialty suite types and 6 luxury residential suite types. Rooms are understated, refined and elegant. Ocean hues, cream tones and textures that evoke rest and relaxation. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Champagne Bar: Soulful charm and glamour offering the largest selection of Champagne in Miami and incredible cocktails 

Lido Restaurant + Terrace: Helmed by Michelin-stared Chef Michael White, serving Italian cuisine reflecting the leisurely lifestyle of an Italian summer. Raw bar is open in the back as well. 

The Surf Club Restaurant: Helmed by Chef Thomas Keller, which was just awarded a Michelin Star. Continental cuisine in a glamorous setting with iconic dishes and table side Caesar salads. Pro tip: Dine outside in the Banyan Room when the weather is perfect.

Winston’s on the Beach: Casual al-fresco dining. Locally fresh cuisine from smoothies to drinks. Gelato cart available 11am-6pm daily.

POOLS

There are 3 pools — one for families, another for adults only and one exclusive to cabana guests. Pool service available 7am-7pm daily. 

BEACH 

Located on 900 sq feet of pristine white sand, dedicated beach service is available to hotel guests from 9am-6pm daily. 

SPA

The Surfside spa is world class with all kinds of treatments, (massages, facials, body treatments) including the use of the steam room, sauna, hammam (co-ed) and relaxation areas. They carry Susanne Kaufmann organic products which are also used for facials. 

FITNESS

2,000 sq ft wellness center offering cardio and strength training machines as well as yoga and pilates classes offered. 

KIDS

Kids for All Seasons is located at the base of the Residences. Concierge can also arrange babysitting and family outings.

PETS

Pet friendly in driveway and lobby (on leash or in crate). Room service has a pet menu. Concierge can arrange pet sitter for guests.

PARKING

Valet Service is offered for $55 per night; $35 for transients 

TRANSPORTATION

Complementary Tesla House Car and Complementary Bicycle Hire. 

LOCATION

This property is located along a 900 ft of beachfront in the district of Surfside. Surfside is a sleepy beach town full of mom and pop shops, bakeries and Art Deco buildings. It’s about 10-15 minutes from South Beach, blocks away from Bal Harbour luxury shops, and about half an hour drive to downtown Miami. It’s truly a private retreat directly on the ocean that you never have to leave if you choose. Equidistant to Ft Lauderdale and Miami Intl Airport.

COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES

Multilingual Concierge, Children’s Welcome Gift, On demand entertainment via iPad, Turn Down Service, Premium Wifi, High-End Toiletries, etc.

CLIENT TYPE

Upscale travelers who have an unlimited budget. Clients who value design, superior dining experiences and privacy. This is a restful property so not really for the party time, although Champagne Bar and Surf Club restaurant definitely have a great vibe. 

TIME TO VISIT

There’s really no wrong time to visit Four Seasons at the Surf Club, except for in the heat of the summer when it’s crazy hot and humid. Avoid times of travel when there are big conferences, events, gatherings in Miami where rates will skyrocket. Book well in advance for festive as it books up quickly.

PERKS

Virtuoso Amenties; Four Seasons Preferred; Current promo for 5th night free. 

Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club is probably the most beautiful property I’ve ever seen. I love the way they preserved the history of the members only Surf Club and it’s Italian terra-cotta style and merged it with the contemporary glass-and-steel design of architect, Richard Meier. 

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida. In need of further inspiration? Check out Jill Hirsberg’s guide, Guide to Hotels & Activities in 30A, Florida's Scenic Highway.