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The Setai

MIAMI BEACHUSA

The Project That Changed South Beach

When Jonathan Breene and Adrian Zecha began work on The Setai in the early 2000s, Miami Beach had not yet emerged as a global luxury destination. Set within a collection of restored Art Deco buildings and a newly constructed oceanfront tower, The Setai combined Shanghai art deco with Miami’s art deco style, and introduced a level of design, service, and sophistication previously unseen in the market. It redefined South Beach and paved the way for Miami’s transformation into one of the world’s premier luxury destinations.

Location

2001 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL USA

Project Size

88 Hotel Rooms
164 Residences

Project Type

Ultra Luxury Resort and Residences

Brand Premium

75-315% over other luxury developments

Of Note

A Two-Story Lenny Kravitz Recording Studio

Year Completed

2005

Introducing Ultra-Luxury to Miami Beach

The Setai’s impact extended well beyond hospitality. Over the two decades since opening, its residences have consistently commanded some of the highest valuations in Miami Beach, achieving price-per-square-foot premiums of 75% to 315% over other ultra-luxury developments. The name “Setai” is a combination of the Indonesian words for “South” and “Beach”–a fitting name for a project that helped change the identity of the city into an ultra-luxury destination.

“When we started development of The Setai, Miami Beach was full of potential, but the luxury market was nearly non-existent. We believed the city deserved a hotel that could stand alongside the world's best, and we wanted to change perceptions of what Miami could become."

- Jonathan Breene

Residences

The Setai Residences became one of the most successful luxury residential offerings in Miami’s history. Over time, residences have commanded premiums ranging from 75% to more than 300% on a price-per-square-foot basis compared to other ultra-luxury developments, underscoring the enduring value of exceptional design, service, and brand.

A Residence at The Setai, Miami Beach
A Residence at The Setai, Miami Beach
A Residence at The Setai, Miami Beach
A Residence at The Setai, Miami Beach

The Hotel

The Setai’s accommodations set a new benchmark for luxury in Miami, combining generous proportions, timeless design, and a residential sense of comfort rarely found in the market at the time.

A Guest Suite at The Setai, Miami Beach
A Guest Suite at The Setai, Miami Beach
A Guest Suite at The Setai, Miami Beach
A Guest Suite at The Setai, Miami Beach

The Restaurant

Dining at The Setai reflected the same commitment to excellence found throughout the property. Under Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt, the restaurant earned a reputation as one of Miami’s premier dining destinations, helping elevate the city’s emerging luxury culinary scene.

The Restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach
The Restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach
The Restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach
Private Dining at The Setai, Miami Beach

The Courtyard and Pools

The transformation of the outdoor spaces was central to The Setai’s success. Through lush landscaping, tranquil courtyards, and a sequence of signature pools stretching toward the ocean, the property created an urban sanctuary unique in the world.

The Pools at The Setai, Miami Beach
The Courtyard at The Setai, Miami Beach
The Pools at The Setai, Miami Beach

Lenny Kravitz Recording Studio

The Setai’s recording studio, developed in partnership with Lenny Kravitz, extended the property’s creative vision beyond hospitality. A world-class production environment, it attracted internationally renowned musicians, producers, and artists to Miami Beach.

The Recording Console at the Lenny Kravitz-Designed Setai Recording Studio
The Lounge at the Lenny Kravitz-Designed Setai Recording Studio
The Lenny Kravitz-Designed Setai Recording Studio
The Lenny Kravitz-Designed Setai Recording Studio
The Lenny Kravitz-Designed Setai Recording Studio

Sales premium of 75 - 315%

Price per square foot at The Setai, Miami Beach vs. Previous Ultra Luxury Developments

Selected Accolades

Travel and Leisure Magazine

Top 15 Hotels in the USA

Conde Nast Traveler

The Gold List, World’s Top 100

Forbes Travel Guide

Five-Star Awards

Travel and Leisure Magazine

Top 100 Hotels Worldwide

Architectural Digest

Top 10 Gorgeous Swimming Pools

CNN

America’s 20 Most Beautiful Hotels

Trip Advisor

World’s Sexiest Hotels

Elite Traveler

America’s 20 Most Beautiful Hotels

U.S. News

Best Hotels in the USA

Robb Report

Top 100 Hotels in the U.S. and Canada