What to expect during a stay at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Florida

Originally opened on New Year’s Eve in 1930, The Surf Club quickly became an exclusive hideaway for the jet set, hosting legends like Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and even the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The glamour of its golden era is still palpable, beautifully preserved and reimagined through a contemporary lens by Four Seasons. The hotel’s thoughtful redesign by Joseph Dirand is a perfect example of understated luxury – serene palettes, marble accents, natural light, and graceful lines creating an atmosphere that is both opulent and calming.

When I pulled up in my Uber and walked through its discreet entrance, I stepped from the hustle and bustle of Collins Avenue into an oasis of tranquillity. With just over 100 rooms and suites, the property felt delightfully intimate. Even though it was at near full occupancy when I stayed, there was an overwhelming sense of space and privacy. You feel as though you’ve stepped into your own secluded retreat.

The rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, epitomise understated luxury and meticulous design. Conceived by architect Richard Meier and interior designer Joseph Dirand, the accommodations reflect modern minimalism with Art Deco elegance. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, offering views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the cityscape. The customisable Four Seasons Bed ensures personalised comfort, while the marble bathrooms boast expansive walk-in showers large enough to be a room in themselves and, in some cases, bathtubs.

But what truly set The Surf Club apart for me was the service. It’s not just attentive – it’s intuitive. Every detail has clearly been carefully thought through across the entire hotel. The team appeared to anticipate my every need before I even realised it myself. It might be a perfectly timed smoothie by the pool, or a sun lounger that was already prepared and waiting for me. The experience felt tailor-made in the most subtle and elegant way – helpful but never intrusive.

Dining is an art form here, and each outlet offers its own unique charm. The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller is a destination in itself. Whether it’s a Dover Sole Meunière or Caesar salad prepared tableside, you will not leave disappointed. I highly recommend advance bookings here as it can get very heavily booked. Lido Restaurant and Terrace provides a more relaxed yet equally refined dining experience. Its Mediterranean-inspired menu is paired with sweeping ocean views. Meanwhile, Winston’s on the Beach is a chic but casual spot where you can enjoy a glass of rosé, cocktails, or a light lunch just steps from the Atlantic.

The outdoor spaces are exceptional. With three swimming pools and an immaculate beach, you’ll have all the space and privacy you could want. I recommend taking a cabana by the pool which features its own WC, shower, private fridge, and seating area—a great place to take a quiet break from the midday heat. In every way, The Four Seasons at The Surf Club is a sanctuary. It honours its history while still feeling thoroughly modern. The design is exquisite, the food exceptional, the service truly without equal, and all of it is delivered in a setting that feels private, polished and deeply personal.

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