The Faena has been honored with the prestigious five-star award by Forbes Travel Guide for the third consecutive year, and is one of the Leading Hotels of the World.
The Faena is situated on 100,000 square feet of white sandy beach.
Guests are impressed as they enter Faena’s towering “Cathedral,” an expansive great hall with a patterned mosaic tile floor, gold-leafed columns and ceiling, and mystical floor-to-ceiling murals by Argentinian artist Juan Gatti. The property’s most interesting feature is the signature art piece, a 10-foot high golden woolly mammoth skeleton in a glass cage by artist Damien Hirst.
Accommodations range from a bay view King bedroom to the Faena Signature Suite, featuring premier oceanfront views, furnished balconies, four King bedrooms, four baths and two half-baths.
Best bet: Discover the art of open-fire cooking at Los Fuegos, Argentine super-chef Francis Mallman’s asado. Try the innovative Filipino-inspired dishes at Pao by Paul Qui, or dine al fresco at the tropical Veranda. The Tierra Santa Healing House features one of the largest hammams available on the East Coast, shaman-developed body healing rituals, and facial treatments using naturopathic skin care products. The hotel also offers an impressive lineup of entertainment, hands-on cooking classes, nightly live music, concerts, and meditations.
Visit: 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL; 305-534-8800; www.faena.com