Check in and let the fairy tale begin… The Mondrian South Beach. When you walk into the lobby it instantly exudes excitement, creating a feeling of something to anticipate. It’s spacious and airy, the decor is crisp, white and ultra contemporary. I stood in the middle of it for a while- just taking it all in. The vibe was cool, chic and magical feeling. It was perfect and exactly where I wanted to be. From the lobby you can see out of the floor to ceiling windows directly to the bay which is the backdrop to the glowing pool. It was just before sundown and it was truly gorgeous. I went to the front desk and checked in, the staff was extremely friendly, efficient and helpful. They ordered the luggage to be carried to the room, placed the room key in my hand, and escorted me to the elevators. Off to the room I went…
The room was huge! There were sliding glass doors leading to a large balcony with unbelievable views of the city and the bay. The bedroom had more cabinet space than an average house, with a large LCD TV built in the middle of it. One of the walls is covered in really hip, deco-style silver wallpaper. Painted on the opposing wall, was a face of a Barbie doll-like character, with real-life eyes and features, a theme consistent throughout the hotel. These stylish, pin-up portraits could be found on various walls in the lobby too. The living room area even had a mini kitchen with a microwave, tea pot, and built in stove top range. The mini bar was temptingly stocked with munchies, beverages and even Korres beauty supplies. I could have basked in this luxury forever, but opted to take advantage of the most beautiful sundown Miami has ever seen with a quick dip in the pool.
The pool at The Mondrian is a sight to behold in itself. Since the hotel is located on the bay side as opposed to the ocean side, the view is more incredible than the typical South Beach scene. The stunning stillness of the Biscayne Bay waters exhibits million-dollar yachts, wave-runners and killer views of Star Island, home to the world’s most elite. As the sun said good-bye to the city, I ordered a Pina Colada and soaked it all in. Ahhhhh, heaven in South Beach!
With the rumble in my belly telling me dinner time was approaching I forced myself out of the pool with the promise that I would return the next day to the pool party the hotel hosts every Sunday. Parting is such sweet sorrow! I changed into the most Miami-esque ensemble I had packed and headed downstairs to Asia De Cuba, their signature eatery. You know its an amazing restaurant when the next available table won’t be open for another three hours. So was the case at Asia De Cuba that night, understandably. So, after I browsed their enticing menu filled with Asian-infused creations with a Cuban kick, the rumbling would not subside. I had to eat now!
The valet quickly helped me hail a cab and suggested I head to Lincoln Road Mall, where I would find dozens of unique restaurants, bars and clubs. A two minute taxi ride and I had arrived. After a night of dinner and dancing with Miami’s finest, I awoke the next morning, feeling refreshed and inspired… Wow, that bed was fit for a king. Eager to keep the party going, I stumbled into the ultra-modern bathroom to take a shower. This had to have been one of the most innovative showers I had ever seen! I turned the water on, completely unsure of where it would come from since there was no shower head to be found. As it turned out, the water flows from a chandelier placed high in the ceiling. How impressive! The rain style shower head completely cleansed my South Beach sins of the previous night and I was ready to conquer the pool party.
In Miami, the dress code tends to be less is best, accurately describing the scene I walked into at the Sunday pool party. Hundreds of bikini-cladded women and fitness-consious men paid good money to get past the velvet rope and mingle with each other …insiders tip: flash that room key to get prime lounging location. Guests of the hotel get priority seating at this exclusive party. Once inside, your options are endless- choose between living room style spaces with outdoor couches or oversized beds with huge throw pillows. I opted for the run-of-the-mill chaise lounge. After all, I was questioning my cool caliber. The waitress made me feel right at home and made sure my drink was always full by checking with me frequently… What awesome customer service! I was in the place to be. It was, by far, the best way to spend a hung over afternoon in Miami. The DJ was right on par, spinning the the best in ambiance and house music. The locals were friendly, the drinks were flowing and I was happy!
The party went on and on and so did the lurking ” check out ” time that had been weighing heavy on me. I sadly gathered my belongings and headed back in to the hotel. All the while rehearsing in my head an explanation as to why I was so late past checkout time. Instead of worrying, I just reflected on just how worth it was regardless of what the repercussions would be. The woman at the front desk was so incredibly nice and understanding, I contemplated inviting her back out to the pool with me and buying her a Thank You drink! The customer service here is down to earth and impeccable. Bar none The Mondrian is the best hotel South Beach has to offer. The location is amazing and the hotel itself is undeniably awesome. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, trend and taste. I can’t wait to go back and do it all over again!
Mondrian South Beach
1100 West Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-2662
http://mondriansouthbeach.com
Quiksilver and The Standard hotels have joined forces once again to expand their boardshort collection and exclusive products sold through poolside vending machines. Four new custom designed Standard Boardshorts by Quiksilver will be sold alongside new Standard Sunglasses By Quiksilver, a reversible Standard Bikini By Quiksilver and Shiseido sunscreen. The Standard, Hollywood and The Standard Spa, Miami Beach will now have their own vending machines to expand those existing at The Standard, Downtown LA and The Standard, New York. And for those who won’t get a chance to visit the pools this summer, products will be available at The Standard Shop at www.shopthestandard.com and www.quiksilver.com.
This year the ladies get to enjoy a gorgeous custom bathing suit as well. The Standard Bikini By Quiksilver features a solid white bandeau top that reverses to yellow, with a low-rise bikini bottom. The convertible design allows for the top to be worn as three unique styles; tied around the neck, knotted and then tied around the neck or as a strapless bandeau. The new Standard Sunglasses By Quiksilver are hand-made, two-toned black acetate frames with distortion-free, shatter-resistant lenses and 100% UV sun protection. These sleek unisex shades are complemented with the Quiksilver signature black and red checkered print on the inside of the frame.
From Shiseido, suncare products including a Refreshing Sun Spray for Hair/Body SPF 16 as well as an SPF 38 Face Cream will be offered for poolside protection. The spray offers cooling sun protection for the body, hair and scalp while the highly nourishing cream-formula offers maximum sun protection for the face. Both products complete the ultimate summer look by defending against UVA/UVB rays to leave skin smooth and glowing without any visible residue or uncomfortable stickiness.
