Arrival/Check-In:
Just a short drive from the vibrant and busy South Beach area lies an unassuming and lush luxury oasis, The Standard Miami Beach. It’s a fantastic option for both the leisure and corporate traveler visiting the Miami area. Don’t be confused by the front sign saying “Lido Spa Hotel”; this is present as part of the architectural conservation ordinances in certain areas of Miami to preserve Art Deco buildings. Once the valet approaches your vehicle and takes care of your baggage, you enter a lobby filled with colorfully toned lounge areas, natural wood accent pieces and plenty of lovely daylight, which is welcoming. All the staff during check-in were exceedingly calm and helpful, and I was escorted through double doors to the garden area in the center of the complex, surrounded by lush greenery and pathways enclosed with tall hedges. This labyrinth is the kind you hope to get lost in, its intricate woven greenery inviting you to explore and relax on the grounds. Should you be wary of getting lost down the rabbit hole, the property installed charming bright yellow road signs to direct guests to their desired area.
Guest Quarters: My guestroom was a Garden Medium, which included its own private patio with a small table and chairs and a linen curtain to enclose the space if you prefer privacy as you enjoy the fresh air. The room itself felt extremely Zen. The beachy vibes continued throughout the accommodations. A day bed offered a nice area to lay out and read a book or work on your laptop. A queen-sized bed with high-thread-count sheets of crisp white proved comfortable for sleeping. The closet offered complimentary robes and slippers to wear and had a fully stocked minibar with organic snack options and hard/ soft drinks. The bathroom was spacious and the shower felt like an amphitheater. Maybe it was just because I usually sing in the shower, but the large space, waterfall showerhead and premium bath products set the tone for a relaxing experience during a work trip. The hotel strives to take steps toward sustainability and offers programs to not change the towels or not change the bed during your stay, should you prefer to do your part for Mother Earth.
Services/Amenities: The overall vibe of the property is “Come as you are.” The guests range from corporate executives to artists, so it hosts sophistication with a trendy twist. The on-premises Lido Bar & Grill offers delicious twists on classic dishes and provides the break area needed after a long day of exploring the city or after a meeting- filled afternoon. I managed to capture the sunset while enjoying an Aperol spritz during my trip and I highly recommend it. The pool is outstanding. I am a huge fan of soundscape music, and the walk-in saltwater pool at night provides quite the peaceful experience. It stays open 24/7, so I went late in the evening and I floated beneath the stars and the blue light surrounding the perimeter of the pool, listening to the music played underwater. What a relaxing moment, so serene. For those who are not aquatic, there is an excellent fitness studio. The hotel also offers fitness classes and often has guest artists, trainers, musicians who stay at the property and host pop-up performances, classes or shops. If in need of morning java, there is a fabulous coffee shop on site for your caffeine need. If you crave your voice to be heard, the hotel has a solution for that as well, on site: A yellow pay phone directly links the caller to Congress to connect with your representative about issues that matter to you. Overall, the experience lived up to the tag line the staff told me, “We aim to be anything but Standard,” and I enjoyed every minute of it
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ If you are staying, be sure to reserve space to enjoy the amenities at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. I found the hamman extremely quiet and grounding. The heated marble relaxed my muscles, and the saunas (wet and dry) offered time to be at peace. I was alone, but I noticed many couples, which makes for a shared experience.
◆ The property is adults only, but is also purrfect for your fur babies. Pets are welcome!
◆ Each evening, the hotel lights a communal fire pit surrounded
by greenery in the private garden. What
a cozy way to connect with fellow guests and network.
THE STANDARD
MIAMI BEACH
40 Island Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139 tel 305 673 1717 standardhotels.com
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 4, 2023Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Offers a Bevy of Holiday Events
There may not be snow in Los Angeles this season, but Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is certainly full of the holiday spirit, with Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s events happening in the hotel’s gorgeous event spaces.
Sponsored Content
Dream a Little Dreamliner: Air Tahiti Nui Brings The Islands of Tahiti to the Air
From the moment you step onboard Air Tahiti Nui’s Tahitian Dreamliner, you will be transported to The Islands of Tahiti. The French Polynesian carrier considered every detail to awaken its passengers’ senses, creating the feeling you are already on the Islands while 30,000 feet in the air.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Stocking Stuffers for Your Favorite Vagabonds
Looking for fun things to stuff into the toe of a few holiday stockings? Here are some great choices:
Destinations / North America
Dec 4, 20236 U.S. Christmas Markets to See on Your Travels
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. Christmas markets with us.
Sponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti offer a range of captivating activities for travelers with diverse interests, from hiking to breathtaking waterfalls, riding horses on secluded beaches; swimming with sharks; or immersing in Polynesian culture through traditional dance, music and art. For watersports enthusiasts, the crystal-clear lagoons offer exhilarating experiences like surfing, kiteboarding and paddleboarding. And if you’re looking to relax, the pristine beaches, overwater bungalows and tropical sun offer the perfect setting. With 118 islands and atolls to explore, island hopping is an excellent way to experience the full diversity of The Islands of Tahiti. With its blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, The Islands of Tahiti offer a truly unique travel experience.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Hotels Around the World Unveil Incredible Designer Holiday Trees
Everyone loves a good Christmas tree, but these iconic hotels around the world take it one step further with designer-styled trees illuminating lobbies and public spaces, wowing all who enter. From Lela Rose to Louis Vuitton, don’t miss these ultra-luxury trees redefining tree decorating as we know it.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023Kokomo Restaurant Offers Modern Caribbean Cuisine, Music and Art in Transformed NYC Neighborhood
As first-time restaurateurs, but with plenty of hospitality-related experience, Ria and Kevol (Kev) Graham were not entirely comfortable opening their first restaurant in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg, where several upscale restaurants and 5-star hotel dining is just a block away. And to make matters worse, they opened in July 2020, when New York City was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sponsored Content
IHG® Business Edge: A Better Way to Travel
Many small- and medium-sized businesses face time and budget constraints when organizing corporate hotel travel for employees. To address this problem, IHG® Business Edge emerged as a cost-free business travel solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises, offering travel managers exclusive access to enticing perks, handpicked educational resources and comprehensive company travel metrics. IHG Business Edge connects our loyal customers to our portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts across 18 brands in more than 100 countries.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023The River Less Traveled: 3 Compelling River Cruise Itineraries Debuting in 2024
In addition to intimate settings, smaller staff-to-passenger ratios, and personalized food and beverage options, river cruises have the advantage of providing a deeper dive into a region’s culture, food and history. The Rhine, Rhône and Danube in Europe and the Mississippi River and St. Lawrence in North America have much to offer travelers with their itineraries, tying together beloved cities and lesser-known destinations along their routes.
ShareThis