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
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.
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.
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.”
“I love the peacefulness of the rooms,” says Dirand. One of his favourite locations? The relaxation area at the Spa.
All of Le Sirenuse’s dishes are designed to take you on a journey to Italy through flavours, ingredients and aromas.
“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.”
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.”
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.”
“I love the peacefulness of the rooms,” says Dirand. One of his favourite locations? The relaxation area at the Spa.
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.
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.”
Dirand believes he accomplished his goal of taking The Surf Club forward thanks to the Four Seasons partnership.
All of Le Sirenuse’s dishes are designed to take you on a journey to Italy through flavours, ingredients and aromas.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
In the past, the Surf Club hosted fashion shows directed by Elizabeth Arden.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Enjoy an impeccable white sand beach – 900 feet (274 metres) long – at the Hotel, not far from distinguished Bal Harbour shopping and Miami nightlife.
Overlooking the ocean in Florida, Le Sirenuse Miami has the same spirit as the Amalfi Coast.
New Year’s Eve, 1930: the first celebration at the legendary Surf Club, in the space that is now Le Sirenuse Miami.
The result, Dirand says, bridges two worlds: the fun of the past and a contemporary sense of peace.
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