Poolside Glamour: Miami’s Mondrian Hotel

Let’s take a peek at Miami’s own Mondrian Hotel, where we spent one glorious day lounging and dining  poolside in high style.

We discovered the fabulosity that is the Mondrian’s pool during a mouth-watering birthday dinner at Asia de Cuba, the hotel’s restaurant.  When the maitre d’  invited us to return the next day and enjoy the private pool, bar, and lounge areas in the sunshine – well, we just couldn’t refuse.  Here’s why:

The Mondrian Hotel, designed by Marcel Wanders, is a svelte, minimalistic, glamorous escape off the beaten path on the Bay side of Miami Beach.   Nothing about it is small-scale, from the massive pillared driveway to the oversized, Alice-in-Wonderland-esque restaurant, to the pinch-yourself-this-is-real  pool & lounge area overlooking the bay.  And while the Asian/Latin fusion fare served up at the restaurant was incredible, it was that outdoor poolside lounge that had us falling head-over-heels for the hotel.

First, you may be green with envy:  Tucked behind the outdoor bar, and nestled next to the side of the building is a lime-green sitting area.  That may have been the moment I fell in love with the springy color for use in home decor.  I’d love to take one of those chairs home with me!

Cheery green sitting area by the Mondrian pool

But why sit there when you could be lounging on a recliner in the sand, palm trees overhead, and gazing at the bay?

A lounging area, near the Mondrian pool and bar, with a view of the bay.

Or if the sun is just too much for you, you could  rent a boxwood cabana for the day.  Yes, you read that right.  These appeared to be living cabanas, sculpted out of boxwoods.  Beneath their graceful arches you and your very swanky friends can lounge on an enormous daybed, chandelier above you, gazing at not the view, but a flat-screen tv.  For those of us who would rather recline in the sun, never fear.  There are more fantastic seating areas just around the corner!

"Living" pool cabanas at the Mondrian Hotel South Beach.

Sun begins to set at the classy poolside of the Mondrian Hotel.

Strawberry basil capairinhas and lemon-herb martinis? Yes, please.

A gorgeous chandelier graces the bathroom of the Mondrian Hotel.

So that’s the short and sweet version of why I fell in love with the Mondrian Miami.

My posting was inspired by the South Beach post over at the Odi et Amo blog.  Be sure to check out her adventures, including her visit to Miami’s design district.  I can’t wait to check that out when I return to SoBe this winter!  And if you want to read more about my personal Miami shenanigans, or about the South Beach mutt who really knows how to beg, hop on over here!