Author: Scott Masters Pierce

Brickell to Beach: Fall Fashion Inspired
by Miami

Posted on by Scott Masters Pierce

Miami is a town that proudly celebrates its past and present, and often combines the two — stroll along Ocean Drive and you’ll find cutting-edge restaurants and contemporary boutiques housed in Art Deco marvels. This season, we celebrate the city’s dichotomy with new pieces inspired by the glamour of the 1930s. Our backdrops: the modern art and décor at Four Seasons Hotel Miami in the heart of downtown, and Surfside’s Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, the storied venue where Sinatra and Churchill once sought the limelight and the sunlight.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami


Woman walking through a hotel lobby

The Hotel’s extensive art collection highlights Miami’s rich blend of cultures. The most iconic pieces: three bronze sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

Silk georgette dégradé dress with embroidered tulle overlay by Versace; 18-karat white gold, grey cable and stainless steel diamond earrings by Alor; 14-karat white gold, diamond and sapphire ring by EFFY Jewelry; black satin sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Lounge by the Palm Grove pool or splash into the Hotel’s heated main pool. Luxury cabanas and poolside fare are also available at both.

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The sleek urban feel of the Hotel’s architecture, a glass-and-steel tower that rises above the Brickell skyline, is reflected in the Frank-Nicholson-designed lobby.
Velvet dress, suede gloves and F wedge bootie, all by Salvatore Ferragamo; rose gold diamond bracelet by Jason of Beverly Hills; 14-karat rose gold earrings with diamonds, black opal and tourmaline by Dana Rebecca Designs.

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Hammocks are positioned just above the water’s surface at the Palm Grove Pool at Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

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Two towering nudes, Adam and Eve, welcome guests entering Four Seasons Miami. Each stands roughly 4 metres (12 feet). Artist Fernando Botero’s work is a testament to Miami’s nearly 1,000 Art Deco buildings.

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At EDGE, Steak & Bar, prime cuts are paired with seasonal fruits and vegetables.

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A two-acre urban terrace oasis, inspired by the lush Floridian landscape, invites relaxation beside the Hotel’s two resort-style pools.
Cashmere turtleneck sweater, wool lurex cable knit sweater, and wool metallic wide-leg pant with cuffed hem, all by Max Mara; 18-karat gold Acacia diamond earrings by Narcisa Pheres; 18-karat Honey Gold ring (on left hand) with vanilla diamonds by Le Vian; 14-karat gold diamond ring (on right hand) by EFFY Jewelry; Rosy sunglasses by Jimmy Choo.

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Four Seasons Hotel Miami

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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club


Woman in white polka dot dress and white fedora leans against a large Cabana

The Hotel’s Cabana Row was Winston Churchill’s favourite spot to paint seascapes and sip cocktails. Read more about the Surf Club’s legendary past here.

Silk asymmetric dress by Proenza Schouler and available at Saks Fifth Avenue at Brickell City Centre; 18-karat rose gold, amethyst and diamond ring by Pomellato; 14-karat yellow gold, diamond and opal ring and diamond and gold bangle by EFFY Jewelry; hat by Bailey Hat.

Peacock Alley, in the historical Russell Pancoast-designed Surf Club, features portraits of the Hotel’s famous guests.
Organza top by Cheng; rose crêpe-backed palazzo pants by Victoria Hayes; diamond Cascading Drop necklace in platinum and Marquise Cluster diamond and platinum bracelet by Harry Winston.

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Open sunrise to sunset, three pristine pools at the Hotel are surrounded by coconut palms and sea grape trees.

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The Quiet Pool serenity lawn, by landscape designer Fernando Wong, showcases some of the Hotel’s 240 palm trees.
Nero and mink dress and dark calvados and nero karung belt by Bottega Veneta; 18-karat rose gold bangle with diamonds and black jade by Roberto Coin; 18-karat rose gold bangle with diamonds and black jade by Roberto Coin; 18-karat gold wrap necklace and 18-karat gold graduated link necklace by Tiffany & Co. and available at Bal Harbour Shops.

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Custom designed by Joseph Dirand, Le Sirenuse Miami allows you to dine indoors among elegant palm trees or with an ocean view on the outdoor terrace.

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Located in the original 1930s clubhouse where some of the 20th century’s most talked-about parties were held, Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar serves Miami’s largest selection of fine champagnes.
Model Taylor wears a silk chiffon dress from Romanian designer Maria Lucia Hohan.

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A current favourite at Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar: the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, which is from the Hotel’s menu of champagne cocktails dedicated to historic guests of the Surf Club. This particular drink is created with Ca’ Bolani, roasted peach nectar and elderflower foam.

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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

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Digital Operator: Christopher Morel

Lighting Assistant: Nicolas Stipcianos

Stylist: Cannon

Market Assistant: Alexandra Lynn

Stylist Assistant: Kelley Harris

Model: Taylor Foster at Front Management

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

From Brickell to the beach, Miami is yours to explore.

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From Africa With Love: 3 Romantic Getaways

Posted on by Scott Masters Pierce

Travelling as a couple can tell you a lot about your relationship. How do you make decisions? How do you respond to unexpected opportunities? Most important, will your journey strengthen your bond?

Africa is a very special place. It brought us together like never before. – Robert Michael Poole

For photographer Robert Michael Poole and his partner, Marcy Yu, the answer is yes. After they met in Panama in January 2016, Marcy persuaded Robert to travel to the San Blas Islands. Afterwards, he persuaded her to quit her nine-to-five job and travel around the world. They’ve been to Costa Rica, Belize, France and Monaco together.

Most recently, they discovered three distinct romantic escapes in the Serengeti, Seychelles and Mauritius. “Africa is a very special place, a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” Robert says. “That’s saying something from two people who travel constantly.”

They made their plans carefully, but didn’t set them in stone. “We anticipated we would have to be very flexible,” Marcy says. Their patience paid off with safari adventures and picture-perfect beaches – and time to discover more about each other while exploring.

Map of Africa

Upon arriving at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Robert and Marcy were immediately struck by the landscape. “It hasn’t changed for thousands of years,” he says, “and there you are, at this permanent, modern Lodge that’s wonderfully authentic. It’s perfect for adventure – and romance.”

“We learned that a group of zebra is called a ‘dazzle,'” says Marcy, dazzled by the animals’ unique patterns. “They add quite a bit of colour to the great migration.”

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“We spent time here looking out for wandering elephants,” Robert says. As Marcy enjoyed a cool bath at the Spa in the Serengeti heat, she was struck by something else: The sound of silence.

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In the middle of the day, most animals seek shelter from the sun. “I enjoyed seeing Marcy take the front seat for a mid-afternoon break between safaris,” Robert recalls.

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For dinner outdoors, Four Seasons staff hung candlelit lanterns in the trees. “It felt very private,” Robert says. “But we also felt that we were out in this vast wilderness.”

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“Witnessing this was to realize we had truly made it to the Serengeti,” Marcy says. “The plains reach all the way to the horizon, and the animals live by the movement of the sun.”

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Robert and Marcy enjoyed a Hot Air Balloon Safari at sunrise. They needed a little luck: “The balloons only set sail if the winds are cooperating,” he says. “When the timing was right, the crew sprang into action.”

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One of the Lodge’s restaurants, Boma Grill, takes its name – and a ritual – from the traditional circular homes of the Maasai. “On certain nights, tribe members are invited to perform the traditional welcoming ceremony one receives at a rural boma,” Robert says. “There’s lots of singing – and impressive jumping!” Watch the Maasai’s adumu dance here.

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The Discovery Centre at the Lodge is run by a Maasai tribesman. “He was happy to let us know about the culture that continues to this day,” Marcy says.

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“Sitting here felt like we were guests dining in the home of the wildlife,” Robert says.

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On the Ultimate Safari Adventure, the couple spotted all of the Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses and buffalo – in their natural habitat. The Lodge’s drivers made it possible, Robert says: “They were extremely helpful and friendly.”

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It takes a skilled driver to find the Serengeti’s wonders. “Some days, you think you’ll see nothing,” Robert says. “Then, all of the sudden, there are 2,000 zebras walking out of a forest.”

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Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

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Map of Africa

Although you’re still in Africa when you arrive in Seychelles, it seems a world away from the Serengeti. “Everything about it is different,” Robert says.

He and Marcy were delighted to explore this new world, including Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Robert, a seasoned traveller by this time, says, “It’s easily one of the most spectacular resorts I’ve ever stayed in.”

*Note: Travel from the Serengeti to Seychelles includes a bush plane flight from the Serengeti to Nairobi, where guests stay overnight before departing on a short flight to the island. Consider the Safari Unplugged offer to experience the best of both worlds. 

Grand Anse beach near the Four Seasons Seychelles

Although Anse Source d’Argent is the best-known beach on Seychelles, Robert recommends Grand Anse, a 30-minute drive from the Resort. “It was our favourite,” he says, and it has an unusual appearance. “The water – which was clearer than any pool – lapped on metallic-looking rocks.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Robert Michael Poole stands on a ledge at Four Seasons Seychelles

“From our room, we could see other bungalows, yet our room was still completely private – and romantic,” Marcy says. “And this photo was thrilling to take!”

Photo courtesy of Marcy Yu

Clock in Victoria, Seychelles

The couple left the Resort only once during their stay – “It was almost too romantic to leave,” Robert says – but they did spend some time in Victoria, Seychelles’ capital city. Its clock tower was brought to the city in 1903: “It stands elegantly amidst the tropical surroundings,” Marcy says.

Photo courtesy of Marcy Yu

Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria, Seychelles

Travellers in Victoria really can’t overlook Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, named for the Hindu god of safety and prosperity.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Marcy Yu walks the edge of her private infinity pool at the Four Seasons Seychelles

It felt like summer every day Marcy and Robert stayed in the Seychelles – perfect, considering every room has its own infinity pool overlooking Ansa la Liberte. “Having paradise outside your window when you wake up is one thing,” Robert says, “but a dip in the pool, too? Truly out of this world.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Blogger Marcy Yu swings on a beach at the Four Seasons Seychelles

“When we walked down from the villa to Petit Anse Beach, we knew we were about to enter a spot fit for a fairy tale,” Marcy says. “We wanted to hang around for as long as we could.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

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Map of Africa

After romantic stays in the Serengeti and Seychelles, Robert and Marcy weren’t sure what to expect at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius. What they discovered, however, was just right. “We both found the experience there to be quite calming,” says Robert. “Although travelling is the ultimate relationship test, we found exactly what we were looking for.”

A private villa pool at the Four Seasons Mauritius.

“We loved the tranquil gardens and relaxed atmosphere of the villas,” Marcy says, “ideal for lazy Sundays, Mondays and all days.” The Resort’s villas are filled with natural light and look out on gardens, mountains or the ocean.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Marcy Yu at the Four Seasons Mauritius hotel pool

“We had a blast capturing images around the Resort,” Robert says. “The palm trees perfectly frame paradise.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

A fresh fruit stand in Mauritius.

Marcy got her daily vitamins from freshly picked coconuts on the beach.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Private villas at the Four Seasons Mauritius.

“There’s something especially soothing about a massage above the water,” says Marcy. “Here I am – stepping out in style, I might add – after much-needed time at the Spa.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

A resident tortoise at the Four Seasons Mauritius.

“We made a lot of new friends at the Resort,” Marcy says. One of her favourites? A tortoise believed to be more than 100 years old. Take a look at other wildlife you can meet at Four Seasons hotels and resorts, from hatchlings in Punta Mita to parrots in Hawaii.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Men play golf at the Four Seasons Mauritius

Robert and Marcy describe the Resort as a golf player’s dream. While planning your own visit, discover amenities that go beyond the greens.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

A private beach at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

“We loved this private beach at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita,” Marcy says. “The backdrop – mountains in the centre of the island – was perfect for our getaway.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Marcy Yu in her suite at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

“Our room felt like our home away from home,” Marcy says. “After a day of adventure, I loved the light and airy space of the villas. They’re both cosy and romantic.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Watersports Centre at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

“We had to make time to get out on the water,” Robert says. And at the Water Sports Centre at the Resort, “it was difficult to decide which toy to play with first!”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Take your own starry-eyed tour of Africa and the East Indian Ocean

Seychelles Hotel & Resort

Now and Then: Dive Into the Legendary Surf Club

Posted on by Scott Masters Pierce

In the late 1920s, business mogul Harvey Firestone sailed past Surfside, Florida, aboard his yacht, the Marybelle. Enchanted by this breathtaking stretch of golden beach and blue-green waters, Firestone – along with friends Carl Fisher and Irving Collins – immediately began dreaming about what it could become: a refuge for stars seeking to escape the limelight. On New Year’s Eve, 1930, the Surf Club was born.

Dynamic guests, including Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra, flocked to the legendary members-only club. Away from the flashbulbs of intrusive cameras, they enjoyed lively evenings of cocktails, couture and even black-tie boxing. During the day, they sunbathed in assured privacy beside its world-famous pools. Occasionally, they kayaked in them.

The pursuit of merriment went on for more than nine decades, but the Surf Club closed its doors in 2013. Four years later, Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, has brought Firestone’s idyllic refuge back to life.

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

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This is a combination of a world-class developer, architect, designers and culinary talent. – J. Allen Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons

Today, the original structure is the heart of the property. It contains Lido Restaurant and Champagne Bar, the Hotel lobby, a seating area and elevators to the guest rooms connected by the main corridor and ballroom, originally dubbed Peacock Alley. Three 12-storey towers surround the original structure, and house 77 luxury guest rooms and 119 Private Residences. For these, minimalist Joseph Dirand designed sleek and seductive interiors.

“From the moment I arrived here, I was captivated by the beauty and narrative of The Surf Club, and the opportunity to be part of a place so rare and inspiring,” says Daniela Trovato, the General Manager of the Hotel. She is keen to respect the strong heritage at the heart of The Surf Club, allowing its unique spirit to flourish through ownable new experiences while ensuring the quality of service The Surf Club and Four Seasons is known for.

Explore the Surf Club – then and now – through these photos.

Beyond this diver from the 1940s stands the Surf Club’s original structure with its signature tower. Today, you may enter the building to view a Michele Oka Doner installation inspired by the Surf Club’s past.

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Relax in or beside any of the Surf Club’s three pristine pools, open sunrise to sunset, surrounded by the shade of coconut palms and sea grape trees.

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The former ballroom, once part of Peacock Alley, houses today’s Le Sirenuse Miami and Champagne Bar. “The inspiration comes from Surfside,” says Joseph Dirand, designer of the Hotel. “The interior and exterior come together, creating a very natural space.”

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At Le Sirenuse Miami, Executive Chef Jose Gamez’s menu is designed to please everyone – “paying tribute to the Surf Club’s original values while keeping the travellers of today in mind,” he says. “Our guests can experience a new type of cuisine every night of their stay without ever having to leave.”

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“I love the peacefulness of the rooms,” says Dirand. One of his favourite locations? The relaxation area at the Spa.

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In the past, the members-only club provided a playground for those seeking to escape the limelight. Here, a group of men gear up a race car with requisite Firestone tires.

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The lobby of the Hotel showcases Dirand’s signature style. “The colour palette is the same as the landscape,” he says. “It’s not trying to express a style as much as it’s expressing the location. It gives off a sophisticated mood.”

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Dirand believes he accomplished his goal of taking The Surf Club forward thanks to the Four Seasons partnership.

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All of Le Sirenuse’s dishes are designed to take you on a journey to Italy through flavours, ingredients and aromas.

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“I’ve walked every inch of the Surf Club,” architect Richard Meier says. “Every place I’ve met someone – from the Penthouse down to the kitchen – they’re all so happy to work here.”

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Dapper staff of an earlier time tended to guests such as Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Elizabeth Taylor, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Frank Sinatra, Tennessee Williams, Joan Crawford and Liberace.

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Winston Churchill used to do watercolours here. Now, anyone can enjoy painting a similar view from the comfort of their room in the new towers.

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One of the Surf Club’s iconic drinks, the Mangreva, has been revived at Le Sirenuse. “You automatically want it when you’re relaxing in your beach chair and see it passing by,” says Bar Manager Jon Curiel.

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In the past, the Surf Club hosted fashion shows directed by Elizabeth Arden.

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The rather romantic idea of preserving the club prompted Sersale’s investment. But finding the right architect, designer and partner in Four Seasons was “the icing on the cake,” he says.

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Today, Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar has a seasonal cocktail menu. Bar Manager Jon Curiel and his team’s drinks pay tribute to the restaurant’s Italian roots. His recommendation? The Hint of Wood, which has floral, citrus and spicy notes.

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In the 1930s, Surf Club members indulged in cocktails on the Promenade for Cabana Row. Today, you can look forward to 40 modern cabanas, with air conditioning and private showers, at the site of the cabana pool.

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Le Sirenuse Bar Manager Jon Curiel strives to maintain the Surf Club’s legacy: “I want to create a similar ambiance that sets the stage for a completely memorable experience. Guests have the freedom to enjoy an evening – exactly the way they want it.”

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Enjoy an impeccable white sand beach – 900 feet (274 metres) long – at the Hotel, not far from distinguished Bal Harbour shopping and Miami nightlife.

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Overlooking the ocean in Florida, Le Sirenuse Miami has the same spirit as the Amalfi Coast.

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New Year’s Eve, 1930: the first celebration at the legendary Surf Club, in the space that is now Le Sirenuse Miami.

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The result, Dirand says, bridges two worlds: the fun of the past and a contemporary sense of peace.

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Enter a new era of glamour

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