"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Any day you arrive at a hotel by boat is a good day, and the palms and lawns of The Fisher Island Club come into view as the ferry from Miami cruises ashore. With bright-orange terracotta roofs, the cluster of white cottages look like an island village, the larger buildings and villas peeping out from behind them. What's the backstory? The resort was built around an original 1920s-era mansion, once the winter estate of William K. Vanderbilt. Tell us all about the rooms. Any tips on what to book? Earth tones and warm textures dominated our Guest House Suite, a rare blend of luxury and coziness. The large bed was strewn with Italian Frette linens, and limestone walls and floors gave the space the feel of a Mediterranean villa. The room came with access to a golf cart for navigating the resort, and there was just the right level of technology to ensure convenience without sacrificing tranquility. Marble bathrooms, enhanced by Bulgari products, completed the experience. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The Wi-Fi is free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Casual options include Beach Club and La Trattoria; the former has elevated bar food and the latter offers a comprehensive romp through all of your Italian favorites. There's also Porto Cervo, which serves Italian fare, The Library's classic steak menu, and Garwood Lounge, a 1930s space featuring a live pianist. How did you find the service? Service meets the high expectations. Needs are anticipated, and there’s a welcome level of discretion and mindfulness about intrusion. What type of travelers will you find here? Older couples in linen suits and chic beachwear and some families taking weekend breaks. Overall, it's a well-heeled crowd escaping the city. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The private island feels much farther removed than the few minutes it takes to get here from downtown Miami; it's really its own neighborhood. Any other features worth noting? The original saltwater pool built by the Vanderbilts is attached to a handsome beach club, which gets especially busy around sunset. There's also a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a high-end fitness club with classes, and a spa. A beauty salon and a deli-style market complete the on-land amenities, and the island’s marina is poised to handle any nautical needs. Bottom line: Worth it? There’s no escaping the price tag here, but given the history of the mansion and the level of luxury and service, it feels right for a special occasion." - Paul Oswell
