An Artistic Surfer's Oasis Beckons at Miami’s New South of Fifth Hotel

Below Miami’s famed South Beach lies a gem of a neighborhood still undiscovered by the common throngs of tourists and party-seekers that descend upon Miami year-round. South of Fifth, or SoFi for those who love an acronym, is home to some of Miami’s hippest restaurants, as well as beloved local joints, like the 100-year-old Joe’s Stone Crab. It goes without saying that the neighborhood’s beaches are gorgeous, too. While most of Miami’s hotels are art deco stalwarts that line the ocean from Bal Harbor to South Beach, Life House’s South of Fifth is a 26-room boutique hotel housed in a gorgeous 1930s Tudor landmark, only a couple of short blocks from SoFi’s beautiful beaches—a refreshing change of pace for those who visit Miami often. 

It’s hard to miss the bright stucco exterior, gabled roof, and cheerful fringed sun umbrellas that greet guests as they arrive at the hotel. A lush garden wraps around the hotel entry, where guests can bask in the sun, enjoy a morning coffee, and relax in oversized wicker chairs surrounded by tropical vegetation. Once inside, guests find themselves in the midst of what feels like a chic friend’s living room—welcoming, and yet superbly decorated. There’s a charming fireplace, record player, shelves dotted with vases and artworks off to the right, and a long reclaimed wood table for communal dining and gathering over cocktails in the center. Off to the left, Pretty Swell’s wooden bar glistens in the sun, while behind the bar are stained-glass shelves and walls with timber paneling, a nod to the hotel’s Tudor-style architecture. Framed photos of local surfing legends hang on the wall near the entrance to a flower-filled romantic dining terrace, perfectly lit by string lights in the evening. The hotel appeals to all senses, including that of smell - the hotel’s signature scent of cedarwood and patchouli wafts through the halls.

Each Life House hotel is inherently inspired by the story of its neighborhood, and Life House, South of Fifth draws specifically on the local surf culture that emerged around a coveted Miami surf spot off of Fifth Street. Each of the guest rooms (some of which can easily accommodate groups of friends or families) feature Marcel Breuer-esque chairs, vintage minibar fridges, Le Labo bath products, and personal eclectic touches. Sunset hues like sienna, amber, and jade are reminiscent of an artist’s cottage by the seashore. 

The restaurant Pretty Swell also takes its cues from the local surf community, as well as iconic surf spots around the globe. The bar is a laid-back escape that features sustainable wines, snackable tacos,  and cocktails with a touch of the ‘70s. The all-day menu is plant-forward featuring local fare. Breakfast is especially worthwhile, with a lineup of toasts - avocado, carmelized banana, smashed berry, and smoked salmon - that guests only wish they could recreate at home.

Founded in 2017, Life House hotels have a knack for finding just under-the-radar locations for its boutique hotels, which are geared toward travelers who are hoping to enjoy a more authentic travel experience, nestled amongst locals. Their other Miami property, Life House Little Havana, features a lush garden rooftop that overlooks the city’s Cuban neighborhood and has become an instant hotspot. Further north along the East Coast, Life House will open properties in the Berkshires just in time for summer.