Inspired by the city’s yachting heritage and beachfront location, architect Kobi Karp has brought clean contemporary lines and a curved silhouette to the all new Four Seasons on the Atlantic coast of South Florida…
Fort Lauderdale, also known as ‘the Venice of America’ with its network of beaches and boat canals, is a modern and tropical city that provides the perfect backdrop and inspiration for Four Seasons Hotels and Residences Fort Lauderdale, a modern reflection of the classic yacht club and coastal lifestyle. In the two-storey lobby, an eclectic mix of international travellers checking in, long-time locals stopping by for a drink, and families toting a picnic basket on their way to the beach intersect in a series of spaces created by Tara Bernerd & Partners. Here, the Riviera lifestyle marries with the freshness and elegance of mid-century modernist design – an atmosphere that resembles an era when frolicking in the sun first put Florida on the holiday map.
The hotel shelters 189 guestrooms and suites. With marine-inspired details throughout, from recessed ceilings and wraparound shelving to brass lamps and polished wood finishes, there’s a mid-century aesthetic that pairs classic pieces. The result is modern and airy, with a fresh take on classic themes that makes one immediately comfortable in every room, and every space.
The jewel in the crown is the Birch Oceanfront Terrace Suite, named for local legend Hugh Taylor Birch, who gifted miles of Fort Lauderdale beachfront for the enjoyment of all. With generous indoor and outdoor space which includes a fully furnished terrace with direct ocean views, it’s a great choice for friends travelling together, families on holiday or even couples who just want a bit more space to themselves.
“Like a picture-perfect postcard, the newest Four Seasons in our growing global portfolio will create an unmatched luxury lifestyle experience – from design to service, and everything in between,” said Christian Clerc, Four Seasons President – Hotels and Resorts. “We are setting the stage to experience one of America’s most beloved seaside communities in an entirely new way. Working closely with Nadim Ashi of Fort Hospitality, our visionary owner partner of three additional Four Seasons hotels and residences, we are continuing to raise the bar for luxury hospitality along the South Florida coast.”
Like the gleaming deck of a super yacht, the Ocean Sun Deck is home to two horizon-edge pools and the hotel’s signature dining experience, Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale, all fashioned by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. There’s a serene pool, and one more playful, fringed by lounge chairs and daybeds with sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean. Outdoor spaces are brought to life with tropical palms and greenery by Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design, framing the hotel’s ocean vistas while also creating a sense of privacy.
With an oceanfront destination that sets the scene for memorable dining, Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale is where eastern Mediterranean meets coastal cuisine in an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and fun. Here, Restaurant Chef Brandon Salomon, a Long Island native most recently from the kitchen at Florie’s by Mauro Colagreco, presents flavour-rich small and large plates designed to create connections through food exploration by sharing spreads and mezzes, coastal seafood selections, wood-smoked meats and fish around the table.
Flowing down to the first level, Honey Fitz – the name bestowed to the presidential yacht by John F. Kennedy – continues seamlessly from the lobby as an inviting and relaxing space for gourmet coffee creations and colourful handcrafted pastries by Pastry Chef Christina Kaelberer by day. As the sun sets, natural wines, grower champagne and cocktails that renew American classics, along with accompaniments both savoury and sweet, are a prelude to the evening ahead. Hotel guests can also enjoy drinks and food poolside, or choose in-room dining. An additional restaurant concept overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard is anticipated to debut in autumn 2022.
Putting wellness and relaxation on the agenda, the Spa at Four Seasons is a sanctuary where holistic remedies meet modern innovations. Taking the inspiration of Fort Lauderdale’s ubiquitous waterways to new depths, the Spa Dream aqua bed by Lemi offers the opportunity to float on a warm water mattress enveloped in a glow of chromotherapy while enjoying one of the body treatments from “The Waves” menu, including scrubs, wraps and options that combine body and facial treatments. A full menu of facials incorporates results-forward techniques, technologies and products by Pietro Simone, QMS Medicosmetics, Tammy Fender, Sodashi, and JetPeel. A complete spa journey, guests can sample industry-leading skincare partners in the experiential boutique before relaxing in soothing lounges with salt-wall saunas, aroma steam rooms and ice fountains. A beautifully appointed full service salon is also available, along with the 24-hour, fully-equipped fitness centre with motivating ocean views.
Alongside the design led accommodation and F&B offerings, the new Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale brings expertise, exceptional cuisine, and charismatic personality to all events. Meeting planners can also consider the benefits of sun-lit spaces offering inspiring ocean views along with an outdoor beachfront terrace, and plenty of ways for attendees to spend down time, just moments away from the city’s best shops, restaurants, marinas and entertainment.
Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts