Fantastic design elements and spectacular views combine to make the Mondrian South Beach a destination experience

Interior designer: Marcel Wanders

Following the revolution in hotel design brought about by Delano Miami, Royalton New York, and Sanderson London is Mondrian South Beach Hotel Residences, the latest offering from the Morgans Hotel Group.

Conceived by award-winning Dutch design guru Marcel Wanders as Sleeping Beauty’s castle, Modrian South Beach is indeed a living fantasy for guests. The designer has turned traditional design elements on their heads to create dramatic spaces, which he has furnished with original pieces from his studio where he produces lighting, flooring, chairs, tables and sofas.

In a new venture for Morgans Hotel Group, Mondrian South Beach offers studio, one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses for both short-stay guests and hotel residencies. All feature more of the unique styling and custom detailing of Wanders, who combines a sophisticated colour palette of greys, golds, black and white with custom wall coverings and graphics, rugs and furnishings.

In the guest rooms and suites, open living spaces are uncluttered to maximise an expansive feel, further complemented by huge windows with stunning views over the ocean and Biscayne Bay.

Kitchen and dining areas feature walls covered in Delft tiles carrying motifs of Miami Beach, while bedrooms open on to bathrooms with oversized sinks and showers in a mosaic of clouds and sky. Wanders’ signature chandeliers are hung throughout the suites, with one that doubles as a showerhead.

In the four Tower Suites, each more than 280 sq m with a further 185 sq m of private terrace with views over the bay, custom baths and chic living spaces figure, each with oversized accents such as ornate columns and floor-to-ceiling artwork.

Living areas have also been created outdoors in lush gardens, with the hotel’s main swimming pool, also designed by Wanders, surrounded by lounging pillows. The gardens are hung with hammocks and landscaped into a labyrinthine trail leading to lounge areas, hidden pathways and ‘kissing corners’. A second-level terrace offers spaces for dining, private events and enjoying the spectacular sunsets, private cabanas with curtains of living foliage and an intimate bar.

Wanders has also turned his creative skills to the Mondrian’s Agua Spa, 370 sq m of unique design experience featuring a mirrored Bisazza-mosaic reception desk that scatters light across the space and a manicure area accessed by a hidden door.

The Asia de Cuba restaurant features a royal communal table, first introduced at the Asia de Cuba in New York, sitting on a custom-weave carpet. Overhead huge golden bells call diners to take their seats while crystal chandeliers sit inside the bells. Alternative seating comes in the form of deeply cushioned booths along the walls.

Golden chandeliers grace the Sunset Lounge bar, where onyx, jewel-cut stools are dotted between footstools and antiques, and gold-leaf wallpaper acts as a dramatic backdrop to an extra-long sofa.