Mondrian South Beach ★★★★

The Mondrian South Beach Hotel is set on the slightly quieter west side of South Beach, yet still close to the buzzing centre, heavenly beaches and the Art-deco District. Perched on the edge of the bay, it looks out at the Miami skyline and, much closer, the aptly named Star Island, whose multimillionaire residents have included the likes of Gloria Estefan, Kanye West, Shaquille O’Neall, P.Diddy and Will Smith. Whether on our private balcony, beside the pool, or nursing a cocktail at the Sunset Lounge, we often gazed jealously across at the magnificent mansions.

The pool was the perfect starting point for our Miami Beach holiday, the chance to recover from our long flight and get straight into the VIP spirit. Taking refuge from the heat in the cool water while admiring the views of downtown Miami was a soothing treat. After, we lounged around in one of the relaxation areas in the beautifully designed gardens, where a mazy trail conceals hidden corners, secret pathways, sofas and hammocks.

After witnessing my first pool party with the Miami Beach glitterati, I knew that I needed to work on my beach body. So, over the course of the following week I made one or two token visits to the state-of-the-art gym, whilst my glamorous other half treated herself to some treatments in the Agua Spa. The impeccable facilities in both of these spaces are typical of the Mondrian.

Marcel Wanders is a gifted designer, and you cannot help but be impressed and captivated by his unmistakable touch throughout the hotel. Walking the halls of the hotel you feel somewhere between a Disney fairy tale and Sleeping Beauty’s magical reverie. Be it the fantastical ‘floating staircase’ or the levitating white orbs in the lobby, the mystical furnishings or the dream-like colour scheme created by shiny white surfaces and an abundance of natural light, the design transports you to another world.

The Restaurant continues the airy design, providing a chic but refreshing environment to tuck into the delicious, locally-sourced and internationally-inspired cuisine. For a pre-dinner aperitif, the Sunset Lounge is a more warm and sultry environment, using the rich shades of the sunset to create various atmospheric spaces. It is a classy spot to enjoy a drink beside the pool or overlooking the bay, or even enjoy a meal from the bar’s own menu.

There was one more dining alternative, of course – our own apartment! This is the beauty of the Mondrian South Beach Hotel: when the fast-paced, high-flying Miami Beach lifestyle gets too much, you have the option of a quiet night in, cocooned in the comfort of your own apartment. We loved our large spaces and exquisite design, our beautiful bathroom, our kitchenette and top-of-the range facilities. We could enjoy our dinner in front of a movie on the large TV, or a glass of wine on our balcony overlooking the pool and the bay. What a perfect way to rest and recuperate, preparing ourselves for another day spent visiting Miami’s cultural hotspots, upscale boutiques, and celestial beaches!