The Luxurious Beach Hotel In Miami That Teleports You To A Timeless Spanish Village

Miami is one of those cities that seems to be dripping in luxury. The popular tourist destination is perched on the coast of America's southernmost continental state. It's an ideal playground for elite members of society from around the world, complete with beautiful beaches and luxurious accommodations galore. Esmé, a new boutique hotel in South Beach, is one of the most fabulous.

Over the past several decades, Miami has transformed. Espanola Way, where you'll find the hotel, was popular amongst artists and notorious gangsters like Al Capone in the 1920s and '30s. In 1959, Fidel Castro took over Cuba, and Miami received a sudden influx of wealthy Cuban immigrants who helped to fuel the economy. Soon, the city became known as a gateway to Latin America, and it was heavily shaped by Hispanic culture. Delicious food, gorgeous architecture, and a vibrant nightlife are just a few of the gifts that early immigrants bestowed upon the city.

In the 1980s, Miami became notorious for its dark party scene, with popular TV shows like "Miami Vice" highlighting the money, violence, and crime spawned from the international illegal drug trade. Far from deterring tourists, Miami's reputation as a glamorous and slightly dangerous destination only increased its popularity. Today, Miami has a unique international vibe that attracts travelers from all over the world. It's home to tens of thousands of millionaires and 15 billionaires. Visiting often feels more akin to a lavish trip abroad than beach vacation in the American south. Esmé perfectly encapsulates the city's luxurious global flare in a gorgeous complex that will leave you feeling as though you've wandered into a Spanish village with plenty of nods to Miami's glamour, culture, and history.

Esmé opened its doors in 2021, after an extensive $40 million dollar renovation that lasted five years. It's located on Espanola Way, one of the most historic streets in Miami, which was once a planned community designed by a visionary architect named Robert Taylor. Taylor dreamed of creating a bohemian oasis in South Beach, reminiscent of Mediterranean-style European villages. His vision came to fruition in the 1920s and soon Espanola Way became a favorite haunt for creatives and socialites. By the mid-1990s the area had lost some of its luster, but revitalization efforts that began in the 1980s soon restored the historic neighborhood to its former glory.

Esmé is the neighborhood's newest crown jewel. The hotel is a complex of eight buildings that are connected by walkways. Some of the oldest date back to the 1920s. The renovation project was led by Jessie Schuster, who didn't miss a single opportunity for design to shine. The hotel's interior features rich colors, luxe textiles, intricate tiles, and vintage touches that add to the overall charm. According to the hotel website," Esmé is a portal to another world, a window onto the halcyon days of hustlers that played 'em as they laid, artists that dared to break the mold, and It girls that left their beauty mark on the styles of the times."

When you stay at Esmé, it's totally possible to have a quintessential Miami vacation without ever leaving the property.  The hotel feels like its own village. Room prices start at around $150 per night, and you'll get the best deal by booking directly through the hotel website. Guests who book directly will receive a discount and a complimentary bottle of wine upon check-in.

At Esmé there are 145 guest rooms, to choose from. Expect vivid colors, contrasting patterns, and luxurious amenities. A few of the king and queen guest rooms have balconies with city views. For the most luxurious experience, book a suite. The Capone Suite has one and a half bathrooms, a spacious living room, and a large desk perfect for writers or remote workers. The Louise Suite is a peachy pink paradise with faux fur, rattan, and leather furniture. A private wrought iron balcony overlooks Espanola Way. If you hope to score a suite, ensure that you make your reservation well in advance.

You'll likely find it hard to leave the funky beauty of your room, but you certainly should because Esmé is home to some of Miami's hottest attractions. The Roof is a chic restaurant and lounge that's perfect for soaking up the sub-tropical Miami sunshine during the day, or enjoying the nightlife vibes after the sunsets. There's often live entertainment, and unique menus for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Sip on a craft cocktail in a private cabana, take a plunge in the pool, or enjoy a mouthwatering meal. The Drexel is another great spot to eat and drink with Mediterranean-inspired dishes cooked on a wood-fired grill. Guests can also order breakfast, lunch, and dinner and enjoy dining al-fresco on the picturesque paseos.

No trip to Miami would be complete without a beach day, and Esmé guests are a short five-minute walk from the soft sandy shores. You will receive two free towels and seats at the closest beach entrance during your stay. Be sure to carve out a little time to explore some vibrant Florida neighborhoods nearby.