Property Review: Luxury Stay at 1 Hotel South Beach Miami
- Vanessa Tripp
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
I spent three days at 1 Hotel South Beach in mid-January, and it immediately redefined my standards for what sustainable luxury looks like. Not the performative kind that talks a good game—the kind that's woven into every corner without compromising an ounce of comfort.
About the Property: A 600-foot beach, skyline views, and a calm vibe, the nation’s largest hotel gym, four pools—rooftop adults-only, Bamford spa, Seedlings kids’ club, bikes, an electric Audi house car, and seven restaurants.
As a Fora Reserve and Virtuoso partner, booking with me you get: -Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in AVIV restaurant -$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) -Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability -Complimentary Wi-Fi
First Impressions
The moment I stepped from the car, staff appeared kind and attentive. It felt genuine rather than rehearsed. Inside, the lobby was filled with energy—lively and sophisticated. Reclaimed wood installations and living walls blur the line between the interior and the tropical outside.
The check-in felt personal. No scripted welcome, just a real conversation about my stay.
The Suite
My King suite revealed a unique design choice: a glass partition between the soaking tub and sleeping area. Natural light floods every corner. Bathing with palm fronds swaying beyond the windows became unexpectedly meditative.
But here's what elevated the experience from impressive to unforgettable—live plants throughout the room. Not decorative branches in a vase. Live foliage brings oxygen and life into the space. I've stayed at many luxury properties, and this detail has become my new benchmark.
The room offered exactly what an active traveler needs: yoga mat with instructional books, generous floor space for morning stretches, and automatic under-bed lighting that activates when you rise at night. The space anticipated me before I knew what I needed.
Exploring the Property
Walking the grounds revealed layers of intentional hideaways. Pathways wind through tropical gardens and spots to socially gather around a fire pits. Multiple pools cater to different moods—the bed-style loungers alone are worth the visit. Why shouldn't poolside be as comfortable as your suite?
The rooftop changed everything. Upper-level pool, upscale dining, private cabanas, panoramic vistas. It's a destination within the destination.
Then there's the direct access to South Beach's boardwalk. Complimentary bikes sit ready for miles of oceanfront exploration. I watched the morning runners, families with strollers, and fellow travelers all moving along this active path.
The Eco-Conscious Reality
Here's where 1 Hotel distinguishes itself: I didn't see a single piece of plastic during my entire stay. No disposable water bottles, no single-use amenities.
Aluminum refillable bottles replace disposables. Filtered water taps throughout make hydration effortless. Butterfly gardens work to reintroduce native species. Every material—from the reclaimed wood to the absence of plastics—reflects commitment that runs deeper than marketing copy.
Luxury in 2025 means traveling without guilt.
Who Should Stay Here
1 Hotel South Beach serves travelers who refuse to choose between values and comfort. You want the plush robe and the butterfly garden. Turndown service and bike paths in equal measure.
I'm already sending clients here—couples seeking sophisticated beach escapes with substance, active travelers wanting ocean access and urban exploration, wellness-focused clients who value yoga space and spa treatments as much as luxury amenities, and environmentally conscious travelers who won't compromise on comfort.
Would I return? Absolutely. The staff made me feel welcomed rather than processed. The design inspired rather than just impressed. The sustainability commitment runs deeper than any property I've experienced.
Those live plants in my suite? They're still growing on me—literally and figuratively—as the detail that symbolizes everything this property gets right. When you're ready to experience Miami Beach with luxury that means something, this is where I'll send you.
Did you like this property? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
See more photos from this travel guide and other destinations.
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