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