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Forbes
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Inside The Miami Hotel Where Beyoncé Stays And Madonna Performs
Celebrity favorite Faena Hotel Miami Beach celebrates a decade of decadence. Faena Hotel Miami Beach As Faena Hotel Miami Beach celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, it still defies expectations. Its red-saturated design radiates drama. Showstopping art includes Damien Hirst's glass-encased 10-foot-tall gilded wooly mammoth skeleton standing guard in the courtyard. Its world-class restaurants are helmed by well-known chefs. The property even has its own theater inspired by European grand opera houses. Ever since Argentine visionary Alan Faena opened his first property, Four-Star Faena Buenos Aires, in 2004, he's focused on building culture and entertainment hubs with hotels at their center. His third project, the 120-room Faena New York, will be an important addition to the brand when it debuts in August overlooking the High Line. As the Miami Beach outpost celebrates a decade of over-the-top decadence, we revisit the mold-breaking hotel. Faena Hotel Miami Beach is rich in color and confidence. Faena Hotel Miami Beach The Miami Beach hotel looks like the setting of a Baz Luhrmann movie, given its rich colors and more-is-more sensibility. That's because the Elvis and Moulin Rouge! director and his wife, Catherine Martin, an Academy Award-winning costume designer, helped Faena bring his visual ambitions to life — a maximalist masterpiece that might make Jay Gatsby blush. The drama begins in the 'Cathedral' entryway, where gold leafing coats the ceiling and massive pillars like divine armor. Lining the walls is Buenos Aires artist Juan Gatti's The Way to Futopia , eight large-scale, site-specific murals. Gatti, who designed the graphic art for Pedro Almodóvar's films, depicts the Faena mystique through religious and tropical imagery that explores themes of love, war, knowledge, passion and nature. His work sets the stage for what's to come elsewhere on the property. Mixed in with this bold art and design are art deco vestiges of the building's former incarnation as the Saxony Hotel in the 1950s and '60s, when Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Elvis frequented the hot spot. Hallways, for example, have terrazzo flooring, curved edges and rounded doorways that provide a stately counterpoint to Faena's flamboyance. Damien Hirst's Golden Myth stands out at Pao by Paul Qui. Faena Hotel Miami Beach Food and Drinks The culinary options alone are worth a visit to Faena. At Four-Star Pao by Paul Qui, it's easy to get dazzled by the shiny gold dome ceiling or Damien Hirst's Golden Myth , a bronze and gold leaf unicorn with half its muscles and tissues exposed that stands above the booths. But the real showstoppers are the Filipino chef's plates of flavorful Asian fusion cuisine, including kinilaw , a fresh Filipino version of ceviche with Key West snapper, heart of palm, coconut milk, coconut vinegar, apple and grapefruit; grilled eggplant that gets a flavor makeover with brown butter, parmigiano reggiano, mustard seed caviar, pickled mushroom, eggplant miso, English pea and beetroot; and addictive crunchy fried chicken coated in sweet chili sauce and topped with jalapeño and Thai herbs. And for dessert, the savory-sweet corn ice cream sando is a must with gooey Mexican cajeta (similar to dulce de leche) and garrotxa cheese. For a more exclusive experience, try Qui's El Secreto Omakase, a hidden jewel box of a space that glows in black and gold. There are only six seats and two nightly seatings Thursday to Saturday for tasting menus that are dictated by the seasons and the whims of the chef. Los Fuegos By Francis Mallmann showcases the South American chef's live-fire grilling. In the red and leopard-print dining room, start with the wood-oven empanada, stuffed with shredded beef, and move on to the chicken salad, which gets smoky flavors from wood-fired free-range chicken and roasted lettuce. It's also topped with hazelnuts, bookmark-sized slices of Parmigiano Reggiano, fried shallots and a hazelnut-pistachio dressing. Or go for the succulent angus skirt steak with Criolla sauce and chimichurri. Los Fuegos By Francis Mallmann's bold dining room. Faena Hotel Miami Beach If you're there on a Sunday, don't miss the asado. Made for a minimum of two people, the carnivorous feast trots out family-style platters of rib-eye, branzino, chorizo and more, along with sides like crispy artichoke and roasted sweet potato. You can watch it all being cooked in a towering, metal tree-shaped barbecue grill with everything from pineapple to leeks to meat hanging over the fire pit in the center. If you want a drink, the bar adjoining Los Fuegos, The Living Room, continues the animal-print-and-red aesthetic and serves Faena Spritzes (Absolut Elyx Vodka, G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut Champagne, Aperol, hibiscus and rose water) to a dressed-to-impress Miami crowd. For a more exclusive atmosphere, the speakeasy-like Saxony Bar hides within the hotel. The late-night bar looks like it's out of Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby , with the venue coated in shiny black and gold. Get some fresh air outside at Tree of Life, an underwater fantasy with columns covered in shells and the bar's teal tiles showing red coral, crabs and other aquatic life. Tierra Santa Healing House is the ideal setting for a facial. Tierra Santa Healing House Spa-ing and Swimming The hotel's Four-Star spa, Tierra Santa Healing House, drew inspiration from a beach house in Punta del Este on the Uruguayan coast, but don't expect a beach shack aesthetic. The vibe is as vibrant as the rest of the property: rainbow hues saturate the stone chandelier and the carpet in the spa lobby, and vivid patterns of cherry red and teal cover the relaxation lounge and treatment rooms. Come an hour before your service to start your pampering in the white-marble-filled wet spa, whose facilities include a waterfall shower, a eucalyptus steam room, a sauna, an ice chamber, a tepidarium with heated stone loungers and one of the largest hammams on the East Coast. And nosh on tropical bites like star fruit and rambutan while sipping peppermint tea. The 22,000-square-foot space incorporates shamanic therapies (like the one featuring pranic healing, palo santo incense and sound bowls) and modern services (Biologique Recherche's Triple-Lift Advanced Facial). We opted for the Ábrete Corazon Cacao Relaxing Massage, a soothing 60-minute session that uses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich cacao to banish stress. Find more oases outside, where an art deco-inspired geometric pool is lined with red chaise lounges and palm trees. Or opt for the 100,000-square-foot strip of sand fronting the hotel. Sit under the red-and-white-striped umbrellas, and beach butlers will cater to your every need. Everyone from Madonna to Mrs. Maisel has performed at Faena. Faena Hotel Miami Beach Theater The luxury hotel anchors the Faena District, a city-designated six-block area along Collins Avenue that includes Faena Bazaar, a luxury shopping mall, and Faena Forum, a 43,000-square-foot, circular events space, both designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning Rem Koolhaas. One entertainment venue is inside Faena Miami Beach: an intimate 150-seat theater bathed in crimson. It's the only Miami hotel with a working theater. Open year-round, the stage has hosted the likes of Madonna, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys and Bon Jovi. The Amazon Prime series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel also shot scenes there. However, the theater also stages original productions. Its latest is a reimagining of Carmen that mixes flamenco, cabaret, fire arts, cirque nouveau, live music and the stylings of Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Bita from Andalucía, Spain. The hotel's suites are nothing short of enthralling. Faena Hotel Miami Beach The Rooms Like the rest of the hotel, the 179 rooms eschew boring and beige in favor of riveting and red. In a suite living room, a large artwork with a red blimp that says, 'God Bless La Florida' hangs over a red velvet sofa. Gold palm trees serve as lamp bases. And in the bathroom, gray herringbone tile covers the walls, while teal herringbone coats the floors. Of course, there are requisite touches of crimson, from the Tierra Santa bath products to the round ottoman next to the inviting deep-soaking tub. A standout is the 14,507-square-foot, two-story Faena Penthouse — one of the largest in North America with five bedrooms, three kitchens and nine bathrooms. Beyoncé and Jay-Z have stayed in this opulent space, whose full-sized living and dining rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach and a piano, and a sprawling terrace sits under the big 'FAENA' letters at the top of the building that glow gold at night. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester Forbes 6 Breathtaking New York City Rooftop Bars By Spencer Whaley
Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Faena Hotel Miami Beach review: the city's most dazzling designer pad
Renowned Argentinian hotelier Alan Faena never knowingly underplays his design hand, so the interiors of this much-loved Miami Beach hotel exude outrageously theatrical The Great Gatsby glamour. Its public areas shimmer with acres of gold leaf, lipstick-red velvets and leopard-print fabrics that create a 24/7 party-time ambience. But this place is about substance as well as style, so there are 179 exquisite — and, thankfully, more subdued — bedrooms, exceptional restaurants with slick service, an impressive spa, world-class cabaret performances in its own belle époque theatre. It also features incredible art, including the £9 million Gone But Not Forgotten installation by Damien Hirst — a three-metre high mammoth skeleton sprayed gold, guarding the hotel's cool pool and its peachy stretch of icing sugar-white beach. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 9/10While the bedrooms continue the signature pillar-box red colour theme, the in-your-face campness of downstairs is softened by art deco wood panelling and retro furniture, zingy turquoise velvet drapes and carpets, pretty coral-print cushions and leather armchairs. Indulgent touches include brushed gold fixtures, bespoke bed linen and goose-down pillows, and the bathrooms have turquoise houndstooth tiles and covetable Carrara marble, though you will need to trade up to a suite if you want a bath tub. Every bedroom has a balcony and the oceanfront ones have knockout views. Score 9/10 Its flagship restaurant is Los Fuegos, the first North American outpost from the South American open-fire specialist Francis Mallmann. It's carnivore heaven, with irresistible wickedness such as wood-fired beef tenderloin with the creamiest of potatoes in a truffle beef jus, and unforgettably succulent racks of lamb with aubergine and mint yoghurt. Breakfast is also served in Los Fuegos, where there are plenty of oat, egg and avocado dishes as well as meaty options. Seafood lovers will prefer the imaginative fusion of European and Japanese at Pau by Paul Qui, a James Beard Award-winning chef. Its signature dish, called Unicorn, features sea urchin and sweet corn pudding and is as delicious as it looks. Qui also oversees the six-seater El Secreto Omakase dining room for authentic Tokyo-style sushi. At lunchtime, you can get basics such as burgers, poke bowls and pizzas around the pool. • Discover our full guide to Miami• More of the best hotels in Miami Score 9/10The Tierra Santa Healing House spa is a welcoming South American-inspired sanctuary of vibrant colour, flooded with light thanks to its location on the third floor. Its candle-lit hammam is one of the largest on America's east coast and its shaman-inspired rituals are supremely relaxing, while results-driven facials are delivered by A-list therapists using the cult french skincare range Biologique Recherche. There's also a well-equipped gym, a hair salon and daily yoga and meditation classes on the beach. The Faena Theater, which wouldn't look out of place in a film from Hollywood in the Fifties, stages cabaret, dance and live music performances. The pool also exudes retro glamour with red-and-white striped umbrellas and muslin-draped cabanas. Score 8/10Faena's masterplan didn't stop at his extraordinary hotel: he has created his own art district in the surrounding blocks. Across the street is Faena Forum, which showcases groundbreaking art works and Faena Bazaar, which is home to upmarket arty designer stores. Price room-only doubles from £537Restaurant mains from £35Family-friendly YAccessible Y Susan d'Arcy was a guest of Faena Hotel Miami Beach ( • Best things to do in Miami• Discover our full guide to Florida
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Faena Residences Miami, Faena's First Standalone Residence
The pool at Faena Residences Miami. Binyan Studios When Faena Hotel Miami Beach opened in 2015, it transformed the city's luxury hotel scene by introducing the city to a new level of five-star hospitality fused with a bold mix of art, culture, and cinematic design. Instantly recognizable by its signature red accents, gilded details, larger-than-life artwork, and theatrical flair, the hotel quickly became known for its glam nightlife, elevated cuisine, and sumptuous spa services in a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that blurred the lines between hotel, theater, and cultural institution. The Miami Beach property marked the second opening in the brand's portfolio. Founder Alan Faena, the Argentine hotelier and real estate visionary, first launched Faena Hotel Buenos Aires in 2004. In addition to future hotel openings, including the highly anticipated Faena Hotel New York, the brand recently announced its first-ever standalone residential scheme: Faena Residences Miami, located within rapidly transforming Miami Riverfront in downtown Miami. "As we transformed Miami Beach into a global hub of art, culture, hospitality, and design, we now embark on a new journey, one that promises to create a groundbreaking cultural epicenter along the Miami River," Alan Faena exclusively tells Forbes. Just as the Faena Hotel Miami Beach reshaped six blocks of Miami Beach's Collins Avenue, the forthcoming Faena Residences Miami will reimagine the city's evolving riverfront, a new vertical neighborhood centered on immersive culture, unique dining, curated retail, and waterfront experiences designed for a new generation of global residents. Faena Residences Miami allows brand devotees to live a full-time Faena lifestyle. A rendering of a living space. Binyan Studios Set to open in 2029, Faena Residences Miami is the final architectural work by the late and notable architect Rafael Viñoly. There are two glass-clad towers rising 60 stories each, which are connected via a sculptural Sky Bridge on the upper levels, marking a striking new addition to Miami's ever-evolving skyline. The project includes 434 residences within these two towers, with interiors envisioned by Faena Design Studio alongside London-based Bryan O'Sullivan Studio (BOS). The design aesthetic pays homage to the brand's identity with muted red tones, layered textures, and expressive detailing but reimagined through a timeless lens suited for residential living. 'The soul of Faena will be reflected in every detail of this project,' he says. 'From the macro to the micro, every corner is given the same thoughtfulness and attention to detail. From the 80-meter-long murals designed by Juan Gatti to the smallest touches within the space, everything is crafted under the Faena way with intention and love.' A rendering of the tower. Binyan Studios In true Faena fashion, the development will include 45,000 square feet of amenity space dedicated exclusively to year-round cultural events, performance venues, and wellness. Most of this programming will be located in the Sky Bridge. In addition to the building's many amenities, residents will be able to enjoy waterfront living, private boat tours, and walkable access to the Brickell City Centre, offering the perfect mixture of cosmopolitan living with a tranquil waterfront lifestyle. Units range from one to four bedrooms with layouts spanning 700 square feet to 3,300 square feet. Pricing will range from $1.3 million to $10 million, and sales are currently underway. Larger lofts and penthouse units will be introduced closer to the opening.
FACT
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Celebrity favourite hotel Faena is opening in Wadi Safar
Faena Hotels can be found around the world, from Buenos Aires to Miami Beach. Now, the celebrity favourite will be opening Faena Wadi Safar on the outskirts of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The brand has welcomed A-list names and is famous for its artistically curated hotels and festival-inspired events. The lavish Faena Wadi Safar will have 130 rooms and 20 branded residences. Parts of the hotel will overlook the Royal Equestrian & Pop Club and boast direct views of the 27-hole championship golf course and wadi. Faena properties around the world draw inspiration from their local surroundings. The Faena Hotel in Wadi Sadi will have desert views and be surrounded by palm trees. The aesthetic includes shades of beige and brown and traditional as well as contemporary features. Faena was founded in 2000 by Len Blavatnik and Alan Faena. The hospitality brand has hotels across the world, most notably Faena Buenos Aires and Faena District Miami Beach. Faena Red Sea Resort will be its first development in Saudi Arabia. The hotel is part of the Red Sea Global developments, and focused on creating one-of-a-kind hospitality experiences, which combine the best of wellness, entertainment, art and dining. Over the years, the brand has garnered A-list fans, including Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Director Baz Lurhman once said: 'Alan Faena does in reality what I try to do in movies and theatre, that's why we connect. Faena Miami is like a movie but it is real.' Check in with FACT for the latest things to do in Saudi Arabia. GO: Visit for more information.
