Faena Hotel Miami Beach: The Best Luxury Hotel in Miami Beach for Sophisticated Travelers

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Welcome to Miami Hotel Guide, the ultimate resource for discovering where to stay in the Magic City. From oceanfront luxury resorts in South Beach to chic boutique hideaways in Coral Gables and modern stays in Brickell, we spotlight the hotels that define Miami style. Our reviews cover what matters most — location, vibe, amenities, dining, and value — so you can choose the perfect stay for your trip. Whether you’re visiting for nightlife, art, business, or just sun on the sand, this guide helps you experience Miami your way.

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If you’re a luxury traveler seeking the very best hotel in Miami Beach, look no further than Faena Hotel Miami Beach. This opulent oceanfront resort has garnered prestigious accolades (including a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating and being voted the #1 hotel in Miami by Condé Nast Traveler readers two years in a row ) – and for good reason. Faena Hotel Miami Beach isn’t just one of the Magic City’s best hotels; it’s a master class in creating a destination that revolves around beauty, art, and relaxation . From its vibrant design and world-class spa to its award-winning dining and glamorous nightlife, Faena offers an all-encompassing luxury experience that appeals to the most sophisticated travelers.

To quickly understand what makes Faena Hotel Miami Beach so exceptional, here are some of its standout features:

• Award-Winning Luxury: A Forbes Five-Star resort that Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked the #1 hotel in Miami, with a near-perfect score . It’s widely celebrated for “over-the-top glamour” and next-level service .
• Artful, Vibrant Design: Interiors conceived by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and designer Catherine Martin blend Old Hollywood glamor with bold Art Deco flair . Think red velvet, leopard (cheetah) prints, turquoise accents, and museum-worthy artworks like a 10-foot gilded woolly mammoth skeleton by Damien Hirst encased in glass .

• Holistic Spa & Wellness: The Tierra Santa Healing House spa spans 22,000 square feet, offering South American-inspired healing rituals and wellness therapies. Home to one of the largest hammams (Turkish baths) on the East Coast, this spa was designed to “awaken consciousness and restore wellbeing” . Guests leave feeling rejuvenated by signature treatments that blend energy healing with traditional massage for transformative relaxation.
• World-Class Dining: Culinary offerings are meticulously crafted, so that “every meal feels like a special occasion” . On-site are restaurants by celebrity chefs – Pao by Paul Qui (modern Asian cuisine by a James Beard Award winner) and Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann (an Argentinian open-fire asado grill) – both delivering unforgettable dining experiences . For ultra-exclusive dining, there’s El Secreto Omakase (a speakeasy sushi counter with only six seats per seating), and for cocktails, guests can choose from chic venues like the Living Room lounge or the glamorous Saxony Bar .

• Classy Nightlife & Entertainment: Faena boasts its own velvet-draped theater – the Faena Theater – hosting live cabaret shows, jazz evenings, and performances by acclaimed talent (burlesque icon Dita Von Teese and others have graced the stage) . Few hotels can claim an in-house theater inspired by grand opera houses, and this unique venue truly “makes [Faena] unique” among hotels . After dinner, guests can sip late-night cocktails at Saxony Bar, an intimate spot oozing vintage Miami Beach glamor , or enjoy live music in The Living Room lounge.

• Beach, Pool & Service: The resort sits on a prime beachfront stretch of Miami Beach (Mid-Beach, in the heart of the Faena District) and offers a private beach club (Faena Playa) with butler service on 100,000 square feet of white sand . A palm-lined oceanfront pool is reserved for hotel guests, where attentive staff will fetch towels, sunscreen, and refreshments at a whim . Every aspect of service is highly personalized – Faena even has “experience managers” to assist guests with special arrangements, ensuring a truly five-star stay .

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Artful Design and Glamorous Atmosphere

From the moment you step into Faena’s lobby – aptly dubbed “The Cathedral” – you are immersed in a “vibrant, artistic environment that blends our South American warmth with Miami's dynamic energy”, as the hotel’s general manager describes . The entrance hall is lined with the original Saxony Hotel’s columns, now covered in real gold leaf, and eye-popping murals by Argentine artist Juan Gatti adorn the walls . Underfoot, an intricate mosaic of over 600,000 tiles dazzles the eye . And straight ahead, through glass doors on the terrace, you glimpse Faena’s signature art piece: a ten-foot tall woolly mammoth skeleton gilded in 24-karat gold, encased in a climate-controlled glass vitrine . This Damien Hirst sculpture, titled “Gone but Not Forgotten,” is the centerpiece of Faena’s oceanfront garden and a favorite Instagram subject .

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Wellness and Healing at Tierra Santa Spa

After absorbing Faena’s high-energy design, guests can retreat to its renowned spa sanctuary for rejuvenation of body and soul. The Tierra Santa Healing House is Faena’s crown jewel of wellness, encompassing an impressive 22,000 square feet on the hotel’s third floor. More than just a spa, Tierra Santa is described as a holistic “oasis” designed to “awaken consciousness and restore wellbeing” – fulfilling Faena’s promise of healing and transformation.

Step inside Tierra Santa, and you’ll find a space as thoughtfully designed as the rest of the hotel, but with a calmer, grounding ambience. Natural light, vibrant tropical colors, and Latin American design touches create a soothing environment. The spa features one of the largest hammams on the East Coast of the U.S., a stunning marble Turkish bath where visitors can enjoy ancient cleansing rituals. There are also a wet spa area with an ice room and steam room, a waterfall therapy alcove, and multiple treatment suites – all aimed at purifying and rebalancing your body’s energy.

Tierra Santa’s treatment menu is deeply rooted in South American healing traditions. Many of the therapies were developed in consultation with shamans and holistic wellness experts. Signature treatments incorporate practices like pranic healing (energy work), sound therapy, crystal healing, and aromatherapy, combined with high-end skincare and massage. For example, one popular treatment – the “Sacred Warrior” massage – blends pranic energy balancing with deep tissue massage and cleansing rituals. Guests consistently report that experiences like this are “not run-of-the-mill”massages but profoundly meditative sessions that melt muscle tension and emotional stress. It’s not uncommon for visitors to emerge feeling like a new person – relaxed, light, and “inspired, with a lasting connection to the unique spirit of Faena”.

Importantly, the spa experience at Faena is seamlessly integrated with luxury and convenience. Tierra Santa Healing House has direct access to the pool and beach, allowing you to dip into the ocean or pool before or after treatments. The spa also includes the Rossano Ferretti salon for high-end hair services, a boutique selling wellness products, and a tranquil relaxation lounge (the Tierra Santa “Living Room”). The décor, in keeping with Faena’s style, is colorful and artful – you might find yourself lounging beneath a bold tropical mural, sipping herbal tea and feeling worlds away from the bustle of Miami.

In summary, Faena’s commitment to “healing” and wellbeing is evident in everything at Tierra Santa. Whether you’re indulging in a multi-hour ritual or simply enjoying the hammam and sauna, you’ll find holistic rejuvenation here. This emphasis on wellness – on leaving guests “feeling rejuvenated and inspired” – sets Faena apart from other luxury hotels that may have beautiful spas but lack this spiritual, transformative touch. It’s the perfect balance to the hotel’s high-energy glamour: a place to recharge, find inner peace, and truly pamper yourself on your Miami getaway.

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Fine Dining and Classy Nightlife

Food, drink, and entertainment are central to the Faena experience. The resort has cultivated a world-class culinary and nightlife scene that attracts not only hotel guests but also in-the-know locals. From award-winning fine dining to stylish cocktail lounges and dazzling shows, Faena Hotel Miami Beach offers something for every sophisticated palate.

Dining at Faena is a journey in itself. As General Manager Said Haykal puts it, the hotel’s dining experiences are “meticulously crafted, ensuring every meal feels like a special occasion.” The hotel is home to several distinctive restaurants:

• Pao by Paul Qui – Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Qui, Pao is an intimate restaurant serving modern Asian fusion cuisine. The menu is inventive and indulgent, featuring everything from Japanese-inspired crudos to creative takes on Filipino and Thai flavors. Many diners opt for Pao’s multi-course tasting menu, which can run 5–8 courses of flavor-packed dishes. The cuisine here “has no faults” – it’s consistently outstanding. The decor is as memorable as the food: Pao’s dining room features a dramatic unicorn sculpture (a touch of whimsy amid sleek gold and wood accents). Dinner at Pao is truly an epicurean adventure.
• Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann – At Los Fuegos, legendary Argentine grillmaster Francis Mallmann brings the art of live-fire cooking to Miami Beach. This authentic South American asado restaurant centers around an open-fire kitchen, where fish, meats, and vegetables roast to perfection over wood and charcoal. The smell of woodsmoke and the sight of whole ribeyes and pineapples roasting on spits (a Mallmann signature) create a feast for the senses. The cuisine celebrates Argentina’s rustic flavors with a refined twist – think skirt steak with chimichurri, or a whole grilled branzino, paired with excellent Argentine wines. It’s a must-visit for meat lovers and bon vivants looking for a memorable, fiery meal.
• El Secreto Omakase – Hidden away for those in the know is Faena’s six-seat speakeasy sushi den. El Secreto (meaning “The Secret”) offers an ultra-exclusive omakase experience. With only six diners per seating, the chef guides guests through a multi-course sushi and Japanese small plates menu, using top-grade seafood. This intimate, behind-closed-doors dinner feels like a private chef experience – a true indulgence for sushi aficionados.
• Veranda – An open-air poolside venue where guests enjoy breakfast and lunch with ocean views. The menu is fresh and casual, offering tropical fruits, ceviche, salads, and light bites. It’s perfect for daytime lounging.

Even outside the formal restaurants, Faena has you covered all day. You can order gourmet fare directly to your lounge chair at the pool or beach, with butler service delivering cocktails, fresh ceviche, or club sandwiches to your spot in the sand.

When the sun goes down, Faena’s nightlife truly shines. The hotel offers multiple venues that cater to different moods, all with a touch of 1920s glamour and modern Miami spice:

• The Living Room – This swanky lobby lounge is perfect for pre-dinner or after-dinner cocktails. Leopard-print sofas, live jazz or soulful singers, and expertly crafted cocktails (the espresso martinis here are a favorite) set the tone. The Living Room feels like a private jazz club from a bygone era – intimate, chic, and often featuring live music nightly.
• Faena Theater – Faena’s cabaret-style theater is a showstopper. Inspired by grand European opera houses and old Hollywood theaters, this venue is draped in red velvet and gold. Guests can reserve tables or theater-style seating to enjoy a variety of live shows. Allura, a modern cabaret revue featuring talented singers, dancers, and aerialists, is the resident show. The theater also hosts special performances ranging from jazz concerts to comedy nights and burlesque shows. With its stunning decor and electric entertainment, a night at Faena Theater is a must to experience Miami’s classy nightlife at its best.
• Saxony Bar – Tucked away like a jewel box, Saxony Bar is Faena’s late-night speakeasy-style lounge. This bar, named after the historic Saxony Hotel, channels a Prohibition-era vibe with dim lighting, craft cocktails, and a strict upscale dress code. It’s an “intimate late-night spot that oozes Miami Beach glamor.” Don’t be surprised if you rub shoulders with celebrities or global jet-setters here.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a lively show, or a chic lounge to sip champagne, Faena has it all under one roof. The combination of excellent dining and classy nightlife options means you could enjoy a full day and night on property without ever feeling the need to venture elsewhere – Faena is a self-contained world of culinary and entertainment delights.

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Five Star Service and Exclusive Experiences

At a hotel of Faena’s caliber, one expects top-notch service – and Faena delivers, often exceeding expectations. The resort prides itself on offering a highly personalized, pampering level of service to every guest. In fact, Forbes Travel Guide has awarded Faena Miami Beach a coveted Five-Star rating multiple years running, indicating that the hotel “consistently offers a highly customized level of service.”

What does this mean for guests? Attentive, detail-oriented staff at every turn, ready to fulfill any request, big or small. One standout feature is Faena’s team of “Experience Managers.” These are like super-concierges assigned to ensure your stay is flawless. From the moment you book, they can assist with airport transfers, dinner and show reservations, arranging a yacht charter, or planning a special surprise for a loved one.

Need last-minute tickets to a sold-out event, or a table at an exclusive restaurant in South Beach? Faena’s staff will make it happen if they possibly can. This level of care and insider access makes every guest feel like a VIP.

Moreover, Faena anticipates needs you didn’t even know you had. At the pool and beach, for example, attendants circulate regularly to offer complimentary sunscreen, chilled towels, or to clean your sunglasses – those little touches that go above and beyond. Turndown service in the evenings might include artisanal chocolates or a bedtime aromatherapy spray to ensure sweet dreams. The staff-to-guest ratio is high, so you’ll rarely have to wait or repeat yourself; everyone seems to know your name and preferences by day two.

Beyond the exemplary service, Faena curates exclusive experiences that epitomize Miami luxury. For instance, the hotel can arrange private dining on the beach – imagine a candlelit dinner for two under the stars, toes in the sand. They also host seasonal events and cultural experiences: tango nights, cooking classes with their chefs, full moon meditation on the beach, art tours of the property’s collection, and more. During Miami’s big events like Art Basel, Faena becomes a hub of VIP parties and art installations, given Alan Faena’s deep roots in the art world.

It’s also worth noting that Faena’s commitment to excellence has been noticed worldwide. In addition to the awards mentioned earlier, Faena Miami Beach has been named among the top hotels in the world in publications like Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. It has the loyalty of high-profile guests – celebrities consider it their Miami home. (There’s even talk of certain A-listers always booking the same penthouse suite whenever they visit!) Yet, the atmosphere remains welcoming and unpretentious, thanks to that warm Latin hospitality infused throughout.

In summary, Faena offers not just a luxurious stay, but a truly special experience tailored to each guest. Whether you’re a couple on a romantic escape, a family seeking a high-end beach vacation, or a bon vivant coming for Miami’s culture and nightlife, Faena’s staff will go the extra mile to exceed your expectations.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Why is Faena Hotel Miami Beach considered the best luxury hotel in Miami Beach?

Faena stands out for its unique combination of art, luxury, and top-tier service. The hotel offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere – blending opulent Art Deco-inspired design (courtesy of Hollywood designers and museum-quality art installations) with a relaxed tropical vibe. It has won numerous awards and accolades (including Forbes 5-Star ratings and Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Miami hotel) that testify to its excellence. Guests rave about Faena’s vibrant decor, amazing spa, world-class restaurants, and in-house theater – amenities that most hotels simply don’t have all together. On top of that, the highly personalized service (butlers, experience managers, etc.) makes every guest feel pampered.

Where can I get the best rate for Faena Hotel Miami Beach?

Guests often wonder where to find the best deal for such a high-demand luxury property. While rates are fairly consistent across booking platforms, you can often find added perks like breakfast credits or flexible cancellation through certain partners. For a trusted, secure option, check current rates here: Best rates for Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Booking early is recommended, especially around peak dates like Art Basel or the winter season.

What are the design and art features that make Faena’s style special?

Faena’s design is often described as bold, theatrical, and artistic. The interior was orchestrated by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and designer Catherine Martin, who infused the property with Old Hollywood glamour and Art Deco elegance. Signature design elements include the Cathedral-like lobby with gold-leaf columns and massive floor-to-ceiling murals, rich red and gold accents, animal prints, and a gorgeous mosaic floor. Art is everywhere: the most famous piece is Damien Hirst’s golden woolly mammoth skeleton in a glass case in the garden – a dramatic 24-karat gold sculpture that has become an icon of the hotel. Despite the flamboyance, the design is meticulously done so that it feels luxurious and inviting rather than overwhelming.

Does Faena Hotel Miami Beach have a spa or wellness center?

Yes – Faena’s Tierra Santa Healing House is a renowned spa and wellness facility, one of the largest in Miami Beach. It’s a 22,000 sq. ft. sanctuary offering a wide range of treatments and amenities. The spa has a strong holistic focus, drawing on South American healing traditions. There’s a huge hammam (Turkish bath) – one of the biggest on the East Coast – plus steam room, sauna, ice chamber, and rainfall showers for hydrotherapy. The treatment menu includes everything from massage and facials to shaman-developed healing rituals, energy work like pranic healing, sound therapy, and more. Guests can try unique signature treatments (like a blend of meditation, energy cleansing, and massage) that really set Tierra Santa apart.

What dining options are available at Faena Hotel Miami Beach?

Faena boasts several exceptional dining venues on-site:

• Pao by Paul Qui: A high-end Asian fusion restaurant led by Chef Paul Qui, offering inventive dishes and tasting menus.
• Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann: An Argentine grill where nearly everything is cooked over open flame.
• El Secreto Omakase: A tiny, 6-seat secret sushi bar offering an omakase (chef’s choice) menu.
• Veranda: Faena’s poolside restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch, serving upscale casual fare with an ocean view.
• In-Room Dining/Butler Service: You can also dine in the comfort of your suite or by the beach/pool.

Additionally, for drinks and nightlife, the hotel has the Living Room lounge, the glamorous Saxony Bar, and the Faena Theater which offers drinks during shows.

What can guests do for entertainment and nightlife at Faena?

Faena is famous for its vibrant entertainment scene. The highlight is the Faena Theater, a beautifully designed theater with red velvet decor and a hint of Gatsby-era glamor. The theater hosts the Allura Cabaret (an in-house production of live music, dance, and acrobatics) on multiple nights each week. It also features special performances – jazz concerts, magic shows, comedy nights, and even appearances by big-name artists. Beyond the theater, Faena has live music in the Living Room lounge most evenings and a secretive, plush setting at the Saxony Bar.

Is Faena Hotel Miami Beach family-friendly or more adults-oriented?

Faena caters primarily to couples and adults who appreciate art, food, and nightlife, but it can certainly accommodate families as well. The hotel does not position itself as a “family resort,” yet many guests bring children and enjoy their stay. The spacious suites and connecting room options are convenient for families. Kids love the pool and beach area, and babysitting can be arranged. The vibe is refined and artistic, so Faena is family-friendly in a stylish way, but not built for kid-centric programming.

What is the location of Faena Hotel Miami Beach like?

Faena Hotel is located in the Mid-Beach area of Miami Beach, specifically at 3201 Collins Avenue. This area has been branded as the Faena District because of Alan Faena’s developments. It’s a bit north of the livelier South Beach/Art Deco district – roughly a 5–10 minute drive or a 30-minute beachfront walk to Lincoln Road or Ocean Drive. Guests love the location because you get a quieter, more exclusive beach area while still being close to the action.

How expensive is a stay at Faena, and is it worth it?

As a top-tier 5-star resort, Faena Hotel Miami Beach is undoubtedly on the higher end of the price spectrum. Room rates vary by season, but generally you can expect $600–$1,000+ per night for standard rooms in high season, with suites running into several thousand. Specialty suites (like penthouses) can go much higher. Dining and spa services are also premium priced. That said, the experience justifies the splurge for travelers seeking unique luxury, art, and top-tier service.

What kind of traveler would most enjoy Faena Hotel Miami Beach?

Faena is perfect for luxury-oriented travelers who appreciate art, design, and a lively atmosphere. Couples on romantic escapes, culturally inclined travelers, and celebrants of milestones love Faena. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants everything – spa, dining, entertainment – without leaving the property.

What sets Faena apart from other 5-star hotels in Miami?

While Miami has several fantastic luxury hotels, Faena’s difference lies in its art, design, and entertainment ethos. It’s bold and artistic, with Damien Hirst sculptures, cabaret theaters, and Baz Luhrmann interiors. Other hotels may have great pools and spas, but Faena feels like an immersive world of its own. Its cabaret theater and curated cultural programming are truly unique.

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