One of the nicest things about Americana is the freedom to dine either inside the restaurant, amid all the Lapidus design touches, or alfresco on the garden terrace, with a beautiful view of the elevated infinity pool and the Atlantic Ocean. The pool is noteworthy for being the only pool on South Beach with unobstructed views of the ocean. As mentioned above, another highlight of the pool (depending on your mood) might be a glimpse of the only known tanning butler in the world who works the pool deck and the beach in designer swimwear from 11am to 3pm Friday through Sunday. Even if you're not inclined to test that tanning butler's wares, there is always plenty more to see at the pool. There are two VIP alcoves, each with a king size bed behind retractable drapes and roman blinds. Daytime guests to these beds are treated to lunch and spa treatments. The VIP day beds go for $200 per day, while 10 double chaise lounges with overhead canopies, pillows and retractable blankets go for $50 per day. There are one hundred and fifty oversized lounge chairs throughout the pool deck, which, once again, is reminiscent of the pool deck on a luxury liner. A roving martini, bloody mary and mimosa cart patrols the pool deck on weekends so guests needn't get parched or disturb their lounging. Another unusual feature of the pool is the synchronized swimmers. Five modern mermaids provide a wonderful, Esther Williams-style synchronized swimming performance every Saturday at 4pm.

Even if you choose not to eat overlooking the pool there are still plenty of treats for the eyes. The Ritz has secured a $2 million dollar art collection, on permanent loan from Diana Lowenstein Fine Art. The collection features artwork inspired by both the Art Moderne and MiMo styles. This collection contains artwork from over a dozen European and Latin American established and emerging artists, as well as original pieces by seven artists. The Ritz Carlton, South Beach also has a collection of 26 painted photographs of Amazon fauna by Dario Basso. You can see Basso's work showcased on the wall of the Lapidus Lounge, just beside the entrance to Americana.