Faena is what happens when Argentine hotelier Alan Faena and director Baz Luhrmann are turned loose on a beachfront property with an unlimited budget. The result is theatrical maximalism at full volume — Damien Hirst's gilded woolly mammoth in the pool courtyard, a working red velvet cabaret theater on the property, gilded golden columns, ornate ceiling murals, and a service ethos that takes "Argentine hospitality" extremely seriously. Rooms are large and ocean-facing, with private balconies and bathrooms that take "luxury" past the point of subtlety into honest spectacle. The beach is one of the best stretches on Miami Beach — wide, clean, with cabanas. Polarizing as a design choice; loved by guests who appreciate that someone fully committed to a vision.
Faena is what happens when Argentine hotelier Alan Faena and director Baz Luhrmann (designer Catherine Martin) are turned loose on a beachfront property with an unlimited budget and a mandate to skip subtlety. The result is theatrical maximalism at full volume — Damien Hirst's gilded "Gone But Not Forgotten" woolly mammoth sculpture in the pool courtyard, a working red velvet cabaret theater (the Faena Theater) on the property, gilded golden columns lining the lobby, ornate ceiling murals by Argentine artist Juan Gatti, and a service ethos that takes Argentine hospitality extremely seriously.
Rooms are large (450+ sq ft for entry-level), ocean-facing, with private balconies, marble bathrooms with separate tubs and rain showers, and a level of finish that doesn't exist at most Miami luxury hotels. The beach is one of the best stretches on Miami Beach proper — wide, clean, with attentive cabana service.
The on-property dining is excellent (Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, the steak-and-fire restaurant; Pao by Paul Qui; and the Casino, a clubby supper club for late-night). The Tierra Santa Healing House spa is one of the best in Miami.
Rooms start around $900-1200/night in season (December-April), $500-700 in summer. Polarizing as a design choice — the maximalism is not for everyone, and some find it overstated. But Faena is loved by guests who appreciate that someone fully committed to a vision and executed it at the highest level of craft.
Why stay here
- ✓Beachfront cabanas
- ✓Pool
- ✓Faena Theater (cabaret)
- ✓Tierra Santa spa
- ✓Multiple restaurants (Los Fuegos, Pao, Casino)
- ✓Full gym
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Pet-friendly
Good questions
How far is Faena from South Beach?+
Faena is on Mid Beach (35th Street area), about 10 minutes by car or rideshare from South Beach proper. Quieter than SoBe at night but easy to access the South Beach scene when desired.
Is the theater open to non-guests?+
Yes — the Faena Theater hosts public shows (cabaret, music, comedy) several nights a week. Show schedules and tickets are at faena.com. Worth attending even if you don't stay.
What about the dress code?+
Faena leans formal compared to South Beach beach hotels. Pool and beach dress is casual; restaurants and theater shows expect resort wear or smart casual.
Is the property suitable for kids?+
Yes, but the property is most popular with adult couples. There's no kids' club, but the beach and pool work for older kids. Babysitting available through concierge.
