Standard Spa

One of the coolest hotels on Miami Beach isn’t on the beach at all. But the Standard, a Florida offshoot of André Balazs’s fashionable LA and NYC lodgings, is on the waterfront: it boasts dreamy views of Biscayne Bay from its ethereal saltwater infinity pool. In some ways, the location beats the beach: you still get the sea breeze but without the crowds, and at night the twinkling lights of Miami’s skyline add romance. Nirvana is reached via the outdoor mud bath, massage table or waterfall jacuzzi (there’s a hammam inside the hotel). A Zen-like calm also permeates the meditation garden, complete with fire pit, swings and daybeds. The rooms are chilled too. Combining blond wood walls and white linens, the cabin-like spaces are simple and classy, some with outdoor clawfoot tubs. The lobby, by contrast, is a funky bohemian showpiece, with retro wall hangings, beanbag coffee tables, a driftwood check-in desk and 1960s orange sofas. On the first Sunday of each month, scenesters gather for bingo night. Hip but not haughty.

Neighborhood: There’s nothing but condos surrounding the Standard Spa, Miami Beach, which is largely what draws guests to this semi-secluded hotel. Though a quick walk over the bridge puts you in Sunset Harbour, a tiny pocket of shops, restaurants and bars galore.

Nearby:
Pubbelly Noodle Bar: For Miami’s O.G. gastropub, featuring Latin-inspired Asian dishes and Japanese fare with a Puerto Rican twist
Lucali: For New-York-style slices of pizza dripping in cheese; ask for extra fresh basil, it’s free
Purdy Lounge: For nonstop dancing until 4am and drinks that won’t break the bank

Time Out tip: On the first Sunday of each month, scenesters gather for Not Your Standard Bingo: a totally free game night led by with the colorful drag queen Shelly Novak and always fun DJ Jody McDonald. Arrive early to get a good seat and a playing card and prepare to yell if you’ve won—prizes include a night stay at the hotel.