"How did it strike you on arrival?It’s hard not to feel a wave of relaxation wash over you as you walk through The Setai’s two-story, zen-inspired lobby, which uses elements like black granite floors and French limestone to create an environment that is at once quite sleek and modern, but somehow also timeless. What’s the crowd like?Even if your travel plans include getting a little wild, what happens outside the doors of The Setai stays outside the doors of The Setai. Guests come here (and then come back) specifically because of the serenity it offers at every turn—so use your inside voice. ImportantlyTell us about your room.Don’t let the name fool you: While the Art Deco Studio Suite City View pays tribute to South Beach’s famed architectural style—the building itself is an Art Deco gem, and you’ll spot many other prime examples of the style from your hotel windows—the more obvious interior aesthetic inspiration comes from Asia (they call it Asian Style Deco). The cleverly designed space mixes lots of dark woods and upholstery with beautiful Asian-inspired artifacts and artwork. It’s so centering that you almost feel bad that there’s a TV or Wi-Fi at all. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The hotel’s official style may be “Asian Deco,” but the bed—that big, glorious bed—is all Swedish. Specifically? It’s a handmade DUXIANA bed, a state-of-the-art sleep vessel that is scientifically designed to elicit the deepest sleep possible for its owner (or renter). The sheets, too, are prestigious: part of Frette’s iconic line of hotel linens. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Though the rooms come well-equipped with all sorts of gadgets and technology—flat-screen HD TVs, Nespresso coffee makers, Samsung sound bars, and Nest digital thermostats, to name a few—it almost feels like you’d be angering the relaxation gods to fool around with any of it. What left me feeling more sticky-fingered were the gorgeous (and authentic) Asian artifacts that were placed throughout the room. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Like everything else at The Setai, the bathroom evokes a feeling of deep calm, with its black granite accessories and rainfall shower that make any stresses you might be harboring go bye-bye. Bath and beauty products are courtesy of Acqua di Parma, so you’ll want to save a little extra room in your toiletry bag. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?It might feel weird to fire up the Wi-Fi while you’re sitting by the property’s serenity pond, but hey, it’s free. Room service: Worth it?Guests of The Setai have the option of dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Jaya, from the comfort of their suites. Their Thai beef salad ($19) proved a wonderful way to end the day. Did the staff make an impression?Checking into a hotel can be a fairly arduous task, especially if you arrive at the same time as a couple of other soon-to-be guests. The front desk here keeps a constant eye on who’s arriving and what they need, and shrink and grow the staff in an instant to make sure you’re not left standing in line or waiting for anything (they also value their guests’ privacy). This is efficiency at its most impressive. Anything stand out about other services and features?As you walk through the hotel lobby and outside toward the beach, a lush courtyard and serenity pond remind you that your only job right now is to relax. Want to do that on the beach? The hotel has its own private stretch of sand where you can chill out on a day bed and grab a bite from The Setai Beach Kitchen, a solar-powered culinary spot. If you’re itching to be a bit more adventurous, they’ve got Jet Skis for rent. And while the beach is impressive, it almost pales in comparison to the hotel’s trio of infinity pools, each one of which is maintained at a different temperature so that, like Goldilocks in a bathing suit, you can find the one that's just right. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?After years of drinking and dining at The Setai on any available occasion (in addition to Jaya, their beachfront Ocean Grill is a wonderful spot for a sunset glass of champagne), and swearing that I’d stay there “next time,” when “next time” finally came, the experience more than exceeded my expectations. If you think the lobby has a chill vibe, try spending a night in one of the Ocean Suites. Bottom line: Is it worth it?Considering that Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Madonna are all fans of The Setai, it goes without saying that the hotel isn’t going to make any budget traveler’s list of top South Beach accommodations. But if you’re seeking a serious dose of deep serenity, you can rationalize the higher price tag by knowing that you’re paying for peace(fulness) of mind." - Jennifer M. Wood
