South of Fifth property opens new spa, fitness center and restaurant as next milestone in major renovation
Marriott Stanton South Beach completed the third phase in its $22 million transformation marked by the opening of a new full-service spa, specialty fitness and training center, and an award-winning Japanese dining restaurant Azabu Miami Beach. These new additions follow the total room renovation in 2013, revamp to common areas last year, and the opening of Mexican restaurant Lolo’s Surf Cantina in early 2017. Formerly recognized as a hotel, the new amenities and overall elevated experience allowed the property to receive the official Resort distinction by Marriott International, Inc.
One of the only resorts on Ocean Drive with direct beach access, Marriott Stanton South Beach is a laid-back luxe retreat located at 161 Ocean Drive in the exclusive South of Fifth district of Miami Beach. The revamped 224-room resort offers the best of both worlds with serene surroundings directly next to a park and backed the by Atlantic Ocean, while still a short stroll from all the bustling city action. Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the prestigious New York-based architecture and design firm, led the property’s redesign and incorporated a relaxed, beach club vibe with midcentury modern décor and thoughtful nods to South Beach’s signature Art Deco style.
“Stanton’s beachfront location and coveted South of Fifth address have always set us apart, and we are proud to now have the resort amenities and innovative dining to further enhance the experience and attract new types of hip, trendsetting travelers,” says Mike Manzari, general manager of the property. “We can’t wait to greet new faces while welcoming back our loyal visitors who will enjoy the new and improved Stanton alongside the same friendly, down-to-earth staff and personalized service that we have always been known to provide.”
Phase three additions included:
Stanton Spa – Presenting 1,500 square feet of serenity overlooking the adjacent park with the ocean in the distance, the sea-inspired Stanton Spa complements the hotel’s existing midcentury modern design while incorporating natural, earth tones and organic elements. Body treatments are curated by Aroma Therapy Associates, the highly regarded London-based brand, while products are offered by THALGO, the leading skin care company featured in more than 20,000 top spas and resorts worldwide. Innovative massage, facial, scrub, and wrap treatments cater to a range of needs, including Hot Sea Shell Therapy, a massage using lava shells to tackle muscle tension; and Alpha Beta Firming Peel, a facial using LED light therapy from celebrity dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. NFC, a five-star amenity management provider, operates the Stanton Spa. Three new treatment rooms are designed to bring the beachside outdoors in, using textured jute rugs to resemble sand, a nautical color palette, and custom-made pieces as décor accents. Equipped for ultimate relaxation, the couple’s suite features a rain shower and deluxe soaking tub for use before or after treatments.
Fitness Center – Also operated by NFC, a new Fitness Center was built on property located directly next to the spa to complement well-being amenities. With a boutique, customized approach to guests, the Fitness Center offers targeted services designed for weight loss, sports conditioning, strength training and more, with personalized one-on-one sessions and specialty training also available. Additionally, regularly scheduled group fitness classes such as boxing and yoga are led by professional instructors and not only provide satisfying work outs, but also great entertainment as the classes take place on the white-sand beach or the sun deck overlooking the pools and sparkling Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Azabu Miami Beach – Conceived by Plan Do See’s Michelin-starred Sushi Azabu New York, the authentic Japanese dining experience brings a variety of gourmet selections to locals and resort guests alike. Led by Chef Masatsugu Kubo (Chef Masa), Azabu Miami Beach houses various concepts under one roof including a full-service dining room with 80 seats, an 11-seat hidden sushi counter called The Den where Tokyo-trained chefs serve Omakase only, and Bar Azabu, a classic-style cocktail bar featuring sakes and more than 40 imported whiskies. The overall experience will be an Izakaya dining style, where guests can order a variety of sharable dishes like Robata-grilled Yakitori, Japanese fried rice served tableside on a sizzling Tobanyaki grill, and other traditional fare such as Udon. Azabu Miami Beach is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and stays open until 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Den accommodates call-in reservations only at (786) 276-0520, Wednesday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (last seating is at 10 p.m.). Bar Azabu is open daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Rounding out the resort experience, Stanton features two pools and a chic sun deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, direct beach access with cabanas and lounge chairs for rent, and Lolo’s Surf Cantina, the park-side Mexican restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving authentic dishes created by Chef/Partner Richard Ampudia, a Mexico City native hailed as the “Godfather of Mexican Street Food.” Next to deliver, the street-accessible Starbucks will re-open in April 2018, following its complete upgrade as part of the renovation investment. Resort guests and locals will have convenient access to the brand’s signature brews, artisanal pastries and fresh juices.
