Four Seasons at the Surf Club Review: A Smart Pick for Couples Seeking Romance, Design Pedigree, and Quiet Luxury
Advisors love Four Seasons at the Surf Club for its rich heritage, refined service, and oceanfront rooms designed for lingering—here’s how to book it best.
The historic Surf Club lobby, with its original arches and soaring palms, remains the atmospheric heart of the property. Photos: Courtesy of Four Seasons at Surfside
Few properties in the U.S. manage to balance mythology and modernity quite as effortlessly as Four Seasons at the Surf Club, the 1930s icon reborn as one of Miami’s most coveted coastal retreats. From the moment a VIP guest steps through the historic loggia and into the terra-cotta-tiled reception—part of architect Russell Pancoast’s original Mediterranean Revival structure—the tone shifts instantly: this is old Surfside glamour, preserved with almost cinematic detail, but delivered with the polished ease that defines the Four Seasons brand.
The hotel’s legend stretches back to Harvey Firestone’s yacht, the Marybelle, where he famously envisioned a club for tastemakers who wanted privacy without pretension. That vision still governs the experience today. The original clubhouse remains the emotional center of the property—home to the lobby, Champagne Bar, and Lido Restaurant—surrounded by three sleek 12-story towers created by Richard Meier, who framed and extended the historic footprint with discrete modernism that mirrors sea and sky. Interiors by Joseph Dirand bring a quiet, coastal luminosity to the rooms and suites, blending pale woods, sculptural lines, and a palette that intentionally reflects the surrounding landscape.
Despite the storied entrance, accommodations feel distinctly contemporary. Oceanfront rooms are bright and minimal, with floor-to-ceiling glass and thoughtful layouts that encourage lingering—corner banquettes, expansive terraces, and marble-clad baths that read like mini-wellness sanctuaries. Dirand’s task, he has said, was to evoke “a sense of the past with a feeling of the present and a hint of the future,” a brief that aligns neatly with the property’s wider rebirth.
Service, meanwhile, is where the Surf Club shows its Four Seasons DNA most clearly. The team moves with choreographed precision—white-jacketed, warm, and intuitive—yet never overly formal. Around the adults-only quiet pool, attendants circulate with infused water and ice pops; at the family and cabana pools, the tempo is equally attentive but relaxed. The 900-foot stretch of Surfside beach feels near-private thanks to the hotel’s footprint, and guests can explore the surrounding neighborhood via hotel bikes or custom electric Mokes.
Evenings belong to the Champagne Bar, widely recognized as one of the world’s great hotel bars—a palm-framed room that channels the property’s golden-age spirit with imaginative cocktails and the largest Champagne list in Miami. Dinner presents a forked path: The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller, which is independently operated, or Lido Restaurant, Dirand’s ocean-view dining room offering both à la carte dishes and a refined Italian tasting menu, heavy on the seafood.
Nearly a century after Firestone’s first fête, The Surf Club continues to trade in possibility—the sense that something memorable could happen at any moment. It’s this blend of heritage, sophistication, and Four Seasons reliability that keeps high-end clients returning.
Here’s what luxury travel advisors should know about booking Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.
Why Travel Advisors Book It
- The rare blend of 1930s glamour and modern design from Richard Meier and Joseph Dirand creates a high-impact arrival and flawless guest experience.
- Oceanfront categories offer exceptional light, space, and views, and are easy to upsell thanks to terraces, banquettes, and serene finishes.
- Warm, intuitive, and polished service is ideal for couples, privacy-seekers, and milestone travelers who expect Four Seasons precision.
- Access to Thomas Keller’s Surf Club Restaurant and one of Miami’s top bar experiences at the Champagne Bar make for destination dining and nightlife:
- The quiet, exclusive stretch of Surfside is suited to travelers who want proximity to Bal Harbour and Miami without the South Beach buzz.
Rooms & Suites
Accommodations span 77 rooms and suites, all designed by Dirand with his signature serene minimalism—pale stone, sculptural lines, and a palette inspired by sky and sea. Most advisors will find the sweet spot in the Oceanfront Rooms and Premier Oceanfront Rooms, which offer the best balance of price, views, and usable space; corner layouts with built-in banquettes double as work or dining areas without compromising the room’s retreat-like feel.
Suites add expansive terraces and separate living rooms—ideal for honeymooners, long-stay guests, or clients who will appreciate private dining with an ocean backdrop. Because the hotel draws couples and privacy-focused travelers, connecting rooms are limited; advisors booking families should consider the multi-room residential units, which preserve the hotel’s aesthetic while offering full kitchens and generous living areas.
Rooms with direct beach or pool access tend to book quickly in high season, while upper-floor oceanfront categories deliver the best sunrise views. All accommodations include spacious marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, and rain showers, all of which are selling points for wellness-oriented or design-forward clients.
Food & Drink
The hotel’s culinary program is one of its most compelling differentiators, and advisors can build entire evenings around it. The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller, operated independently of the hotel, delivers polished continental cuisine in a setting that captures the club’s golden-age spirit. For clients trying to secure a table, advance booking is essential; it remains one of the area’s most sought-after reservations.
Adjacent to the lobby, the Champagne Bar is a must. It reflects the soulful glamour of the original Surf Club and carries Miami’s largest Champagne list, plus a rotating menu of imaginative cocktails crafted by a deeply knowledgeable bar team.
Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club, set in the original ballroom with panoramic ocean views, offers both à la carte menus and a refined seafood-leaning tasting menu. The atmosphere suits anything from celebratory dinners to relaxed terrace meals.
For daytime dining, Winston’s on the Beach provides a casual al fresco option, serving Florida and Latin-inspired dishes that work well for families or guests spending the day poolside. Advisors can pre-arrange private dining experiences or terrace tables for sunsets, particularly during high season.
Experiences & Amenities
Spread across nine acres of oceanfront property, the Surf Club gives clients instant access to a quieter side of Miami Beach. Three pools—family, adults-only quiet pool, and the cabana pool—allow advisors to tailor stays by guest type. The 40 air-conditioned cabanas on the legendary Cabana Row are among the most exclusive amenities for VIPs seeking privacy.
Beach days unfold on a broad 900-foot stretch of white sand, with attendants providing chilled towels, infused water, and thoughtful touches throughout the day. Active guests can explore the area on hotel bikes or custom Mokes, while concierge teams can arrange everything from Art Deco walking tours to kayak excursions in Oleta State Park.
For clients interested in culture or shopping, Bal Harbour Shops and Miami’s contemporary art institutions are a short drive away. Many experiences are pre-bookable through Four Seasons’ concierge team, with customization available for milestone occasions.
Wellness & The Spa
The Spa at The Surf Club blends contemporary wellness with the calm, sunlit aesthetic Dirand brought to the property. Six treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite, anchor a serene, hammock-like sanctuary designed to encourage stillness.
Treatments range from hammam-inspired rituals to results-driven facials using leading skincare brands. Advisors can pre-arrange multi-day programs, private sessions, or post-treatment terrace time for couples seeking a quieter retreat. The fitness center offers personal training and movement sessions, while beachside yoga or guided runs can be coordinated upon request.
The spa is a strong selling point for wellness-minded guests or clients looking to incorporate restoration into a celebratory stay, and it is open to non-guests—useful for itinerary planning across multiple properties in Miami.
Family & Multi-Gen Appeal
While much of the hotel’s ambience leans romantic, The Surf Club is fully equipped for families, especially during school breaks. The Kids For All Seasons program operates in its own dedicated facility and offers supervised activities for younger travelers.
The family pool provides a relaxed, easygoing setting, and Winston’s on the Beach is well-suited to kid-friendly lunches. Advisors booking multi-gen groups should prioritize residences with multi-bedroom layouts, full kitchens, and living spaces large enough for shared dinners or celebrations.
Many nearby activities—beach walks, cycling paths, boat excursions—appeal to people of all ages, and the concierge team can tailor family days around culture, nature, or food. The property’s walkable neighborhood and calm beachfront make it especially attractive for families seeking luxury without South Beach’s intensity.
Sustainability & Accessibility
The Surf Club’s sustainability efforts center on preservation: a meticulous restoration of the Pancoast building, thoughtful landscape design by Fernando Wong, and low-impact operations that align with the Four Seasons brand’s broader environmental commitments. While not a certified eco-property, its emphasis on long-term stewardship and high-quality, durable materials reflects regenerative principles.
Accessibility is strong across public areas. Elevators connect all floors of the historic and tower sections, and accessible room categories include roll-in showers, wider entrances, and step-free access to dining venues, pools, and the beach path. Advisors should confirm specific ADA needs at the time of booking, as configurations vary by floor and tower.
Location & Access
The hotel sits on Collins Avenue in Surfside, a quiet, upscale enclave just north of Miami Beach. Clients can walk to neighborhood cafés, local boutiques, and the beach path, while Bal Harbour Shops are a five-minute drive away. The atmosphere is residential and refined—ideal for travelers who want proximity to the city’s cultural and culinary highlights without staying in the center of the action.
Miami International Airport is roughly 30 minutes by car, while Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is about 40 minutes away. The hotel can arrange chauffeured transfers, and its small scale makes arrivals straightforward even during peak holiday weeks.
How to Book Smart
Four Seasons at The Surf Club is part of the industry’s most influential advisor programs, including Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Virtuoso. These channels unlock meaningful client value: daily breakfast for two, potential upgrades, hotel credits, and flexible check-in/out policies that matter during peak winter weeks.
The highest-ROI categories are the Premier Oceanfront Rooms and Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suites, which offer exceptional light and space compared with lower room types. Advisors should also pre-book preferred cabanas or terrace-facing suites—these categories sell out well ahead of holidays and school breaks.
For clients wishing to dine at The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller, reservations should be made at the time of booking; tables are limited and in high demand. Advisors should also manage expectations around upgrades during major Miami events (Art Basel, New Year’s Eve, February holidays), when availability tightens significantly.
Planning three to six months in advance gives clients the best chance of securing their ideal room, suite, or cabana, especially between December and March.
