This Miami Art Deco Hotel Just Got a South of France-Inspired Revamp

The Kimpton Surfcomber’s updates imbued the South Beach getaway “with the same love of stylish leisure” found on the French Riviera.

The Kimpton Surfcomber, a hip South Beach Art Deco masterpiece originally built in 1948, recently completed a multimillion-dollar revamp designed to amp up the hip hotel’s sophistication and luxe amenities like poolside bungalows, while paying homage to its storied history.

The aptly-named Surfcomber sits on 200 feet of prime oceanfront property with direct beach access on Collins Avenue. Following the makeover the hotel now “offers visitors a distinctively relaxed yet worldly guest experience, within a “backyard bliss”-themed,” design-driven environment.

Dayna Lee, principal designer at Powerstrip Studio which led the effort, says their aim was to imbue the Surfcomber “with the same love of stylish leisure” found on the French Riviera. That translates to “design-driven spaces that bring together the eclectic style of European Bohemia.” Overall it’s “an example of transitional architecture, bridging the ornamental styles of art deco from the 1930s with a streamlined and relaxed modern style.”

The design manifesto continues, “statement pieces are understated,” and “sleek Calacutta marble blends with geometric patterns, and teak moulding pairs with textured grasscloth. All in a color palette of soothing neutrals, soft tropical hues and serendipitous pops of color inspired by the South of France and infused with Miami spice.”

The most coveted accommodation is the renovated Ocean View Luxury Suite, at 725 square feet with a large, landscaped balcony—aka “private open-air green space”—offering prime views of the pool, bar and beach. It’s one of the hotel’s freshly restyled Specialty Suites showcasing “curved and linear Art Deco lines, soft white tones, muted tropical hues and textured natural fibers.”  

Outside, the picture-perfect pool is of course the main draw, and cool pool parties abound during events like Miami Music Week, Art Basel Miami Beach, and of course Miami Swim Week. During 2022’s Art Basel, the Surfcomber hosted UNREVEALED, a “wellness, web3, and entertainment oasis” there, and live DJs can be found spinning tunes on certain nights when the vibe gets a bit sexier.

Between the pool and the beach is the new High Tide Beach Bar and Grill, designed to be a “neighborhood backyard beach party” South Beach style. The chef has put together an all-day menu of “flavorful tacos, wraps and salads, while the bar serves up a parade of beachy drinks, local IPAs, light-and-bright wines and more,” as the hotel puts it.

Our favorite new feature however is The Vines Cabanas at Surfcomber. Those who want an elevated poolside experience can choose from revamped upper and lower cabanas, “offering guests the ultimate relaxation, pampering and privacy during their South Beach getaway in a prime location that’s just steps away from the beach.” Service is friendly and efficient whether you want a magnum of Dom Pérignon or just a bucketful of Miller High Life.

The Vines is also home to the dedicated K’alma Spa Cabana. Here you can indulge in “a plethora of personalized therapy variations” including the Surfcomber’s new signature Cafecito Massage, a unique treatment with extra-invigorating effects from an antioxidant-rich oil infused with organic coffee beans in a nod to Miami’s Cuban heritage.

Just off the lobby is the hotel’s social hub, aptly named the Social Club, an inviting bar / restaurant with classic and craft cocktails and a menu of items designed to be shared amongst friends, old or new. With both indoor and outdoor seating on bustling Collins Ave., it’s the ideal spot for everything from a boozy brunch to an entertaining dinner or end-of-the-evening nightcap.

In a nod to the interior design cues, the chef came up with fresh new South of France-inspired offerings, with his own twists of course. On the dinner menu, Latin American touches are found in the likes of hand-made empanadas, while the Boneless Short Rib over potato foam, and Pan Seared Branzino layered on green-apple mint couscous, are standouts.

Pair them with something from the barrel-to-glass wine selection or a round of your favorite cocktails—and repeat as necessary.