During a recent day trip to Miami, we stopped by the Surf Club Four Seasons, an ultra-elegant boutique property, which opened in March, 2017.

The original Surf Club club debuted on New Year’s Eve 1930, as the brainchild of tycoon Harvey Firestone and his friends. The group wanted a private club dedicated to sun, sand, sea and over-the-top socializing. They hired architect Russell T. Pancoast, who defined the aesthetics of that era, to the make their vision a reality.

What a lovely reality it was! Over the years, guests included the likes of Winston Churchill (he enjoyed painting there in his cabana), Noel Coward, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elizabeth Taylor, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and many other luminaries. There was always something fabulous occurring, including poolside fashion shows, debutante galas, black-tie boxing events and over-the-top parties.

Now the Four Seasons has elevated the club to a new era of beachfront glamour with the help of architect Richard Meier, designer Joseph Dirand and Antonio Sersale, scion of an Italian noble family who owns La Sirenuse, the stylish resort in Positano, Italy. Le Sirenuse Miami, Sersale’s first venture outside Positano, includes the hotel’s palm-filled Champagne Bar (formerly the club’s board room) and adjoining restaurant (considered one of the most beautiful in the United States).

This exclusive 9-acre oasis has lovely public spaces (with much of the original Art Deco architecture preserved), 77 guest rooms, the dining room and bar mentioned above, three pools, a first-rate spa, beachfront cabanas  (for day rental by hotel guests and outsiders, and five fully appointed for overnights)—and plenty of places to enjoy ocean vistas.

Only minutes from the shops in Bal Harbour and Miami Beach, there’s always plenty to do (if  simply chilling out in luxury isn’t enough!).  For more information: fourseasons.com/surfside, 305-381-3333.