This past weekend, we were able to kick off our re-entry into work travel at the gorgeous Four Seasons at the Surf Club in Surfside, Florida. While eyes have been turned towards domestic travel, and have shifted from the typical European summer jaunts, we sought out a stateside option that would be infused with a bit of Italian flair.

This overview is going to be a bit unique. We’re going to share how the property has adapted during COVID times, while also sharing what you may be able to expect in the future. It is important to note that, while there were some limitations in the hotel’s current facilities, the quality was exceptional and the experience provided a perfect retreat.

Upon driving up to the hotel, guests will approach a set of wrought iron decorated wooden doors, recessed into a stone archway flanked by terra cotta pots. Due to the intimate spacing of this entryway, there has been an adapted version to the valet station, which is just past this entrance and allows for a social-distanced arrival and temperature station. While the original doors are currently closed, the property is very much open and anxiously awaits eager vacationers.

This original entry way to the Surf Club has welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill. To fully understand, let’s take is back to the 1920s. Tire mogul Harvey Firestone sailed past an empty plot of beachfront land. He had a vision to create an exclusive club that would host some of the grandest parties, welcome the most elite socialites, and create a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere. Firestone brought his dream to reality and launched the opening of the famous “Surf Club” on New Year’s Eve of 1930.

The parties continued for nine decades, until the club ended up closing its doors in 2013. Under the agreement of retaining the authentic “bones” of the structure, and the integrity of the social concept, the Four Seasons re-opened the doors to a renewed Surf Club in 2017. Meaning? The almost century-old tiles in the hotel’s “Peacock Alley” (named for the act of sauntering in and showing off one’s garb) are meticulously retouched by hand each year and the intricate iron chandeliers of old will still hang charmingly from the original wooden beams in the main foyer. You’ll see the international details that Firestone selected through the imported Italian ceiling while enjoying some bubbly at the champagne bar and Moroccan tiles in the Hemingway Tower.

Speaking of the Hemingway Tower…this gated and locked private tower holds an original spiral stairwell surrounded by photographs of the original festivities, and leads to a private members’ bar. To this day, the original members are allowed access to this special area. While the membership parameters are not completely known and public, we do know that these selected individuals must be descendents of original club go-ers and meet intense qualifications.

So by now, you may be wondering how all of this ties to our passion for “la dolce vita.”

Not only are the ceilings of the Champagne bar (which was recognized as one of the best bars in the U.S.A in 2019) from Italy, but so is the inspiration for their on-site restaurant: Le Sirenuse. The restaurant is an off-shoot of the renowned luxury hotel that adorns the colorful mountainside of Positano. At the Miami location, you’ll find the menu full of mouth-watering options like wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and Negroni cocktails. In times when we don’t have the ability to enjoy a trans-Atlantic holiday, this taste of Italy was exactly why we came here.

Typically, we would have enjoyed our dinner in what was the original main ballroom. However, due to adaptations with COVID protocols, all meals are enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the ocean (we assure you that this is not a downgrade). We indulged in the tuna tartar, a Margherita pizza, and …well, a few Aperol spritzes. Every bite (and sip) was met with enthusiasm and nostalgia for our Amalfi Coast visits. After a night full of cocktail toasts met with sea breezes, we headed up to our oceanfront double room, which was perched on the corner of the 8th floor.

Let us share how this “old world” property has modernized their approach to please the most discerning guests. First off, when you first walk into your hotel room, the automatic blinds will gradually glide open to show off your individual room’s view. Since we had an oceanfront room, our eyes were met with the oyster-shell iridescence of a muted sunset. In wanting to fully enjoy the natural illumination of all 735 square feet of our white-washed accommodations, we chose to set our lighting to the “relax” setting (one of 4 different lighting options throughout each section of the room). We uncorked a bottle of red, snagged the glasses from our bar (which I had requested earlier in the day through the Four Seasons app), and plopped onto our cushy corner divan. We connected our phones to the various speakers scattered throughout the room (including the shower) and kicked off our night while listening to our personal playlist. In all honesty, we didn’t even notice the 65” television at first, because we couldn’t get over the floor to ceiling seascape.

While I realize that many hotel stays do not revolve around the room itself, we could argue that these accommodations deserve ample time. However, there is more to this property than what can be found behind your own door.

Our full day at the Four Seasons at the Surf Club was spent enjoying a slow morning of in-room Nespresso, mimosas, and plush robes. But once we couldn’t stand missing another poolside minute, we headed down to a canvas-covered cabana bed and continued our fruit-based cocktail trend. With a pina colada under our belts (quite literally), we spent the afternoon people-watching and lounging in the Miami sun. We knew we’d be remiss if we didn’t spend some time with our toes in the sand, so we used the hotel’s private beach entrance to sit seaside. Here you’ll find staff ready to prop up an umbrella and create your day’s basecamp. No stone went unturned when it came to service, and there wasn’t a moment that we wanted for anything that we couldn’t easily request.

The biggest regret? Not staying longer. As we morosely packed our luggage, we chatted about how this property warrants at least a three night stay. We wished for more time with the beach bikes to explore the sandy path along the dunes, and discussed how the rooms were clearly made comfortable enough for an extended stay. However, we decided not to dwell on the “what ifs,” but easily agreed that two nights (while better than one…or none) still didn’t feel like enough.

So the biggest question of the moment is, is it worth it to travel? Will our experience be the same? What will be open? Here’s the thing: travel looks different now. That’s not to say that there isn’t a future without masks or restaurant closures, but as travel professionals, our expectations were already managed. We wore masks in all public spaces, ate on open air terraces, and rode elevators without other guests. Was it a “normal” hotel stay (in reference to pre-March 2020)? Of course not. It was an incredible stay with adapted protocols, mutual respect for guest/staff safety, and adjusted expectations. For some, it may not have been their ideal first getaway. For us, it was perfect.

While the kids’ club isn’t yet open (hopefully later this month), the pools and beach provide plenty of entertainment for all ages. The spa and indoor dining still remain closed, but our focus was on relaxing in the sun and enjoying the sea breeze. At Explorateur, our role during this time is to help travelers make the best decisions for themselves (not just what we would do). So we’ll be honest, if you want all the bells and whistles that this property has to offer (and there is A LOT), let’s chat about booking your stay after the end of July. However, if you are in need of a getaway today, and can handle a few modifications….let’s do this. We’re here for our clients, and we’ll guide them to their best experience.

One thing is for sure…we’ll be back to the Four Seasons at the Surf Club, pandemic or not.