Ship Shaped
Dock, dine and unwind: yacht-inspired design, Michelin menus and sun-soaked spaces await at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
Guests arrive in the airy lobby
If this winter has taught us anything, it’s that cold can be relentless and snow has no sense of occasion. But while the weather remains stubbornly unpredictable, a sunny escape doesn’t have to be. There’s something comforting about passing the last gray slush pile on the way to the airport, knowing a three-hour flight stands between you and Fort Lauderdale—Miami’s quieter neighbor, which has spent the last several years shedding its spring break reputation in favor of something more sophisticated.
The arrival of the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences made that case when it docked in 2022. Miami architect Kobi Karp designed the 22-story curved tower with the city’s identity in mind, its white exterior a nod to the superyachts that glide through South Florida’s waterways, of which Fort Lauderdale has more per capita than nearly anywhere on earth.
Inside, British designer Tara Bernerd takes that idea and runs with it, though not in the way you might expect. There’s no kitschy nautical theme here. Instead, she layers references: a little Riviera polish, a touch of Gio Ponti geometry and enough Floridian ease to keep things from feeling overly styled. Triangular cut travertine floors set the tone in reception, their pattern an unmistakable Ponti homage, before the space opens into Honey Fitz—named for JFK’s presidential yacht—an all-day café that transitions to an evening cocktail lounge, all brass sconces, midcentury armchairs and custom rattan.
The beach setup includes full service in the sand
That same language carries into the guestrooms and suites, where the midcentury sensibility is softened by a palette drawn from sea and sky. A wraparound architectural shelf in polished walnut—echoing the lines of a Chris-Craft yacht—anchors the generously scaled rooms, complemented by rattan-accented headboards, brass reading lights and striped rugs in navy and cream. Sliding doors open onto private terraces with views spanning Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, best enjoyed with a slow, room-service breakfast.
Pool loungers enjoy views of the Atlantic.
On the third floor, designer Martin Brudnizki—another Brit, and the mind behind theatrical interiors at London’s Annabel’s and New York’s The Fifth Avenue Hotel—brings a notably edited hand to the sun deck, which includes two pools that overlook the Atlantic. The modern yacht club aesthetic includes loungers, cabanas and umbrellas in chic blues, whites and warm woods.
Evelyn’s award-winning and inviting dining room.
Evelyn’s artful smoked octopus.
Brudnizki’s touch continues at Evelyn’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Named for Fort Lauderdale socialite Evelyn Fortune Bartlett—former owner of the storied Bonnet House and its legendary gardens—the dining room channels old-world glamour while maintaining a relaxed, indoor-outdoor vibe.
In the kitchen, Chef Brandon Salomon brings a playful approach to his Mediterranean program, finishing baba ghanoush with edible flowers and adding a hit of harissa to the shrimp cocktail. The tasting menu is the move, offering a full sweep of the kitchen’s standouts—from truffle hummus and smoked octopus to wood-fired skewers and whole grilled branzino, presented tableside with entertaining fanfare.
Neutral rooms make for calm retreats
Complementing Evelyn’s is MAASS, chef Ryan Ratino’s restaurant, named for early 20th-century architect Gustav Maass. There’s a full dining room, but the 12-seat chef’s counter is the main event—offering a closer look at the open-fire kitchen. The experience is immersive and intimate, with a few fun turns (the foie gras “Nutter Butter” is a highlight). Just be sure to save room for a hazelnut shaved ice, an elevated frozen riff for Ferrero Rocher fans. Like Evelyn’s, MAASS has earned Michelin recognition, giving the hotel a rare two-for-two.
After securing your dinner reservations, the rest is easy: direct beach access, a spectacular spa (book the Ebb & Flow massage) and a layout that suits a range of stays, from families to friends to couples. From your lounger in the sand, your treatment table or your pool cabana, that sad snow will be the last thing on your mind.
fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale