Style File: James Royal Palm Hotel

WSVN -- Nothing like rows of royal palms to make a grand entrance, and that's just what the new James Royal Palm Hotel has done in South Beach.

Patrick Hatton-GM, James Royal Palm: "We tried to pay homage to the Art Deco style of the hotel. You'll know you are in a James, but you'll also know you're in South Beach."

The hotel was built in the 1930s, but the James brand has given it a fresh face lift while keeping a retro look.

Locals can drop by the Green Bar Coffee Bar for South American java and tasty pastries.

Patrick Hatton: "Green Bar Coffee Bar is a pour-over coffee concept. Our barista pours 270-degree water over the coffee beans and brews it before your eyes."

At night, sip cocktails before dinner at the swank James Club.

When it comes to dining, there are two hot new restaurants at the hotel. For those obsessed with Chef Kris Wessel from Red Light Restaurant, check out his new place at the James called Florida Cookery.

Kris Wessel, Chef & Partner, Florida Cookery: "Some of the lesser eaten or rare products found here in South Florida will be the highlights of the menu."

He's not kidding about this Everglades-type experience. Expect oyster empanadas, conch fritters, oxtail, wild boar, and even frog legs.

Kris Wessel: "Don't be scared of the frog legs. They won't jump off the plate. They are delicious. They taste like chicken."

Or how about some authentic roti?

Kris Wessel: "Rotis are West Indian. Caribbean island cultures eat these stuffed with goat, chicken or shrimp."

For all the spa lovers in town, you must check out the Renew Spa where salt will rub you the right way.

Patrick Hatton: "The concept is built on the healing powers of salt. When you're on the table, there is a Himalayan rock feature salt under your face, getting healing positive ions from the Himalayan rock salt."

There are salt-infused treatments and rubdowns with heated bamboo sticks. You will definitely want to snag a spot on their fourth floor terrace overlooking the ocean, where you can relax before or after a treatment.

Patrick Hatton: "The terrace will also feature a salt bar, where you can do a self-exfoliation."

Acting like we are on vacation all the time? Well, isn't that why we live in South Florida?

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

THE JAMES ROYAL PALM

1545 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 604-5700

www.jameshotels.com/miami/

FLORIDA COOKERY

www.florida-cookery.com

RENEW SPA

(786) 276-0291