W south beach hotel: cultural retreat on miami’s art deco collins avenue

reopening of renovated w south beach hotel

Since opening in 2009, W South Beach hotel has been the destination for travellers looking for an eccentric yet luxurious stay along Miami’s art deco Collins Avenue. It realized the largest guests rooms in the area at the time, each with balconies with expansive views across the Atlantic. The landmark reopened in November 2020 after a renovation by Urban Robot Associates that built upon the hotel’s artful aesthetic yet captured the city’s ever-changing vibrant character. 357 guest suites are now accompanied by a tranquil spa, refreshed $100 million USD art collection, internationally acclaimed cuisine, and pioneering cultural programs to match.

designboom was invited to test the renovated whatever, whenever experience at the hotel during Miami Art Week 2022.

Urban Robot Associates renovated the 357 guest suites, including the marvellous suite with panoramic sea views

cultural hotspot during miami art week 2022

From cultural experiences to guest suite exhibitions of famed artwork, the W South Beach hotel has always been renowned for its museum-quality modern art. The collection, valued at $100 million USD, received a refreshed curation by Aby Rosen during the renovation. This includes 21 original Andy Warhol art pieces. With this setting as the backdrop, the hotel also engages its guests – as well as the community – with cultural programs. During Miami Art Week 2022, W Hotels collaborated with Mambo Creatives to install two large-scale installation in the guest experience, pool- and beach-side.

The W South Beach hotel’s museum-quality art collection, valued at $100 million, was curated by Aby Rosen

Future Transmutation by pilar zeta

On the lawn at W South Beach, artist Pilar Zeta laid a sculptural garden that played upon mathematics, astronomy and occult philosophies, called ‘Future Transmutation’. Bathed in the violet – a color known to elevate consciousness – a series of 44 tiles, matching the number of achievement, lead across the lawn in a checkerboard arrangement up to a masonic-like altarpiece. Users step along the rocking tiles, flanked by two candles, to look through the portal. The gateway acts as an opening to new dimensions for reality to transform and imagination to be realized.

Pilar Zeta laid a sculptural garden, called ‘Future Transmutation’, on the hotel’s lawn during Miami Art Week 2022

Several free-standing sculptures encircle the installation, arranged in triangular shapes. Two contrasting geometric bodies are derived from Pithagoras’ mathematical theorem: the sphere represents the fluid, flowing entities that adapt to the environment; and the pyramid signifies an energy of fire and forcefulness. A sundial in the center of the lawn tracks the sun’s movement and position as a reminder of the present. It shows that the future is happening in the transmutation now.

A sundial acts as a reminder of the present whilst also showing that the future is happening in the transmutation now

An Amphibious Love Affair by Miranda Makaroff

In ‘An Amphibious Love Affair’, Miranda Makaroff staged a vibrant, psychedelic exploration of freedom and self-discovery in and around the WET deck pool at the W South Beach hotel. The mythological tales of the Siren acts as the muse, as the art intervention invites guests into the watery depths as if they were falling in love with an amphibious, fluid creature. It is a venture into the deepest of their soul; a journey of self-discovery.

Several free-standing sculptures with contrasting geometric bodies encircle the altar and 44 tiles

The artist created a colorful marine universe for hotel guests to explore at leisure. The artwork intervenes at the WET deck pool with a collection of cabanas that are dressed in neon to match the vibrancy of Miami, especially during the art week. Abstract oceanic creatures buoyantly float in the pool. The underwater world continues with a series of exclusive pool towels created for guests.

357 personal guest retreats

Above deck, the 357 reimagined guest suites were designed as personal retreats by Urban Robot Associates, each with balconies overlooking the ocean. These residential-like apartments fuse beach house-style millwork with natural oaks and plush textures. The background’s beige color palette is accented with soft coral and shaded teal hues dressed across the soft furnishings.

Guests flow into their personal oasis from the walkway to a contemporary living room and dreamy bedroom

Upon entry, guests flow into their personal oasis along a transitional walkway into a contemporary living room and adjacent dreamy bedroom. Circadian lighting with three present mood modes highlight features and subtly shape areas within the rooms, especially in the living section. Art work from famed French photographer Jean-Phillipe Piter and Miami-based Juan Manuel Rozas are curated throughout the suite as if a continued from the lobby, restaurants and halls around the hotel.

spa oasis on south beach

Urban Robot Associates also designed the W South Beach hotel’s new 9,000-square-feet Away spa – the perfect sanctuary for season travellers as well as locals in need for true rest and recovery. The beach vibes step away from the sea and into an ethereal space dedicated to wellness and detoxifying experiences. All-natural imported materials, including oaks, limestones and rich live greenery, dress the interiors that are flooded with the blessed Floridian natural light.

The natural beach vibes step from the sea into seven treatment rooms dedicated to wellness experiences

The spa menu follows this all-natural theme with organic rituals, detoxifying relaxation massages, body healing and skincare treatments. Seven treatment rooms – including a serene couple’s suite, personal manicure/pedicure nooks, indulgent spa lounge, lush outdoor basking terrace, and dedicated powder rooms with eucalyptus-infused limestone steam showers – are tailored with neutral colors, delicate white fabrics and fine brass finishes. The customized experience continues as guests can curate the sound throughout their treatments too.

The hotel is a cultural as well as culinary hotspot in Miami, including the mixology mecca, the LIVING ROOM, and more

culture meets culinary excellence 

The W South Beach hotel is not only a cultural but also culinary hotspot in Miami, boasting multiple dining establishments for any time of the day. MR CHOW has become renowned for offering authentic Beijing cuisine seaside in Florida. RWSB (restaurant W South Beach) offers an American eatery that plays on local, led by chef Vincenzo Scarmiglia. The LIVING ROOM bar shines as a mixology mecca, complimented by IRMA’s outdoor oasis and craft cocktail outpost as well as the WET deck swimming pools and cabanas. 10,000 square-feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space make the hotel a destination for all, especially during Miami Art Week.

hotel info:

hotel: W South Beach

location: 2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

renovation: Urban Robot Associates

miami art week collaborators: Mambo Creatives

artists: Pilar Zeta and Miranda Makaroff