Miami Beach has a reputation for being loud, flashy, and occasionally a little bit superficial. You know the vibe—neon lights, thumping bass, and enough marble to pave a small country. But right there on 23rd Street and Collins Avenue, 1 Hotel and Homes Miami Beach stands as a weirdly beautiful contradiction to everything South Beach usually stands for. It’s huge. It’s expensive. Yet, somehow, it feels like a giant, driftwood-scented exhale.
Walking into the lobby isn't like walking into a hotel; it’s more like entering a high-end greenhouse that happens to have a bar. There is moss everywhere. Real moss. The air smells like a specific blend of cedar and lemon that they actually sell in candle form because people get so obsessed with it.
If you’re looking for the gold standard of "eco-luxury," this is it. But let’s be real: sustainability in a massive oceanfront resort is a tricky claim to make. Is it actually green, or is it just really good marketing? Honestly, it's a bit of both, but they do go further than almost anyone else in the zip code.
The Design Philosophy of 1 Hotel and Homes Miami Beach
Most developers in Florida want to build glass boxes that fight the environment. 1 Hotel and Homes Miami Beach took a different path by reclaiming an existing structure—the old Gansevoort and Perry buildings—and stripping them down to their bones.
The aesthetic is "Nature, but make it chic." You won't find plastic water bottles here. Instead, you get filtered water taps in the rooms and glasses made from recycled wine bottles. The hangers in the closets are made from pressed cardboard. Even the room keys are small circles of reclaimed wood. It feels tactile. It feels intentional.
Reclaimed Wood and Living Walls
The sheer volume of organic material is staggering. We're talking about 160,000 square feet of beachfront property that uses Florida-sourced woods and stones. The "living wall" on the exterior isn't just for Instagram; it helps with insulation and air quality.
Inside the residences—because remember, this is a hybrid of a hotel and permanent homes—the kitchens feature Bosch appliances and white quartz countertops. But the real flex is the flooring. It’s often reclaimed timber that feels soft underfoot, a massive departure from the cold, hard tile found in most Miami condos.
What it’s Actually Like to Stay (or Live) Here
Let's talk about the pools. There are four of them.
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The rooftop pool is the one you see on social media. It's adults-only and offers a 360-degree view of the Atlantic and the Miami skyline. It’s stunning. But it can also be a bit much. If you want actual peace, the center pool is where the families hang out, and the cabana pool offers a slightly more secluded vibe.
Service is... interesting. In a city where service can be hit or miss, the staff here generally tries hard, though the sheer scale of the property means things can get slow during peak season. You’re staying at a place with over 400 rooms and nearly 150 private residences. That is a lot of people wanting avocado toast at 10:00 AM on a Saturday.
The Resident Experience
For those who actually buy into 1 Hotel and Homes Miami Beach, life looks a bit different. You get your own entrance. You get a private lobby. You basically get the perks of a five-star resort without having to check in at a front desk.
Owners have access to a dedicated "Director of Residences" who handles everything from grocery stocking to dinner reservations at Watr, the rooftop Japanese-influenced spot. It’s a turnkey lifestyle. You can literally walk out of your unit, hand your keys to the valet, and fly to New York knowing your plants will be watered and your apartment will be secure.
The Food Scene: More Than Just Salad
You’d expect a "green" hotel to serve nothing but kale. While there is plenty of kale, the food program is surprisingly robust.
- Habitat: This is the main restaurant. It focuses on "farm-to-table," a phrase that is overused, but here they actually try to source locally from Florida farms. The open kitchen makes it feel lively.
- Watr at the 1 Rooftop: This is the big draw. It’s high-end sushi and seafood with a view that is hard to beat anywhere in the world. The Poke bowls are great, but you’re really paying for the atmosphere.
- The Sand Box: Casual poolside dining. Think tacos and burgers.
- Neighbors: A quick-service cafe for when you just want a decent latte and a croissant before hitting the beach.
The influence of chef Tom Colicchio was a big part of the early brand identity here, though the culinary leadership has evolved over the years. The focus remains on seasonal, minimally processed ingredients.
Is the Sustainability Legitimate?
Critics often point out that running a massive, air-conditioned tower on the beach is inherently "un-green." They aren't entirely wrong. However, 1 Hotel and Homes Miami Beach uses a high-tech HVAC system that optimizes energy use based on occupancy. They compost food waste. They use low-VOC paints and eco-friendly cleaning supplies that don't dump harsh chemicals into the ocean.
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Compared to the neighboring hotels that still use single-use plastics and high-flow showerheads, the 1 Hotel is lightyears ahead. They’ve proven that you can be "sustainable" without making guests feel like they’re at a hippie commune. You still get plush linens (organic cotton, of course) and a massive rain shower. You just don't feel as guilty about it.
The Bamford Wellness Spa
If you're into wellness, the spa here is a legitimate destination. Carole Bamford’s philosophy is all about organic luxury. They use rhythmic massage techniques and products that are actually good for your skin. It’s not cheap—nothing here is—but it’s one of the few spas in Miami that feels genuinely restorative rather than just a place to get a quick facial.
The Reality of the Location
Being on 23rd Street is a strategic win. You’re far enough north to avoid the absolute chaos of Ocean Drive and the Clevelander, but you’re close enough to walk to Lincoln Road or the Bass Museum.
The beach club is wide and well-managed. They have these signature "1" umbrellas that are impossible to miss. The sand is groomed daily, and the waitstaff will bring you drinks directly to your lounge chair. It’s the quintessential Miami Beach experience, just slightly more refined.
Addressing the Price Tag
Let’s be honest. 1 Hotel and Homes Miami Beach is expensive. Rates for a standard room can easily climb over $1,000 a night during Art Basel or boat show weekend. Even in the "off-season," you're looking at a premium price point.
The residences are even more of a commitment. We are talking about multi-million dollar investments. People pay it because the brand has managed to cultivate a "tribe." It attracts people who care about the environment (or at least want to look like they do) and have the capital to live a high-design lifestyle.
Misconceptions to Clear Up
- It’s not a quiet library. People think "nature-focused" means "silent." It’s still Miami. The rooftop gets loud. The lobby is a scene.
- It’s not just for vegans. You can get a steak. You can get a stiff drink. It’s about balance, not deprivation.
- The "Homes" aren't just timeshares. These are deeded condos. People own them outright. Some owners put them in the hotel’s rental program, but many live there year-round.
Practical Steps for Visiting or Investing
If you’re planning a trip or looking at the real estate market here, keep a few things in mind.
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For Travelers:
Book at least three months out if you're coming during the winter. If you want the best views, ask for a high floor in the "Oceanfront" category. The "City View" rooms are nice, but you’re overlooking Collins Avenue, which can be busy. Also, download the 1 Guide app—it’s actually useful for ordering room service or chatting with the concierge without picking up a phone.
For Potential Owners:
Look closely at the HOA fees. They are high. That’s the price you pay for the 1 Hotel amenities and the LEED-certified maintenance. Check the rental history if you're buying as an investment; the hotel's brand recognition ensures high occupancy, but the management take is significant.
For the Eco-Conscious:
Take the "Seedlings" program seriously if you have kids. It’s one of the few hotel kids' clubs that actually teaches children about nature and recycling rather than just sticking them in front of a movie.
Final Perspective on the 1 Hotel Legacy
The 1 Hotel and Homes Miami Beach changed the conversation in Miami. It forced other developers to realize that "luxury" doesn't have to mean gold-plated faucets and velvet curtains. Sometimes, luxury is just a really well-made wooden bench, a perfectly filtered glass of water, and a view of the ocean that hasn't been obscured by tacky branding.
It’s a massive operation that somehow maintains a soul. Whether you’re there for a weekend or a lifetime, it serves as a reminder that we can have nice things without completely wrecking the planet in the process.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Calendar: Avoid the peak of Spring Break (March) if you want the "wellness" side of the hotel; aim for late October or early November for the best balance of weather and price.
- Dining Strategy: Make a reservation for Watr at sunset at least two weeks in advance. It’s the most competitive table in the building.
- Pack Light: The hotel provides high-end, organic toiletries and even robes you’ll actually want to wear. Save the suitcase space for something else.
- Explore the Gym: Anatomy at 1 Hotel is one of the best hotel gyms in the country. It’s a 14,000-square-foot facility that puts typical hotel "fitness centers" to shame. Use it.
This property isn't perfect—no massive resort is—but it’s a significant step toward a more thoughtful way of traveling. It proves that you can have your Miami party and your green conscience too. Just bring your credit card and a sense of chill.