Miami Beach’s iconic Fontainebleau hotel is embarking on one of its most ambitious transformations to date, with plans to introduce a sprawling water park featuring 11 slides, including a towering 120-foot attraction, to its renowned pool deck. This significant undertaking marks a strategic pivot for the luxury resort, aiming to attract a broader demographic of families while maintaining its signature opulent appeal. [3, 4, 7, 9]
Since its grand opening in 1954, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has been synonymous with glamour, hosting celebrities from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley and serving as a backdrop for legendary films like Goldfinger. [3, 4, 9, 10, 12, 25] Owned and operated by Fontainebleau Development, led by Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer and President Brett Mufson, the hotel has undergone several major renovations over the decades, including a $1 billion overhaul in 2008 that added two new towers. [5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 39]
A Strategic Evolution Towards Family-Friendly Luxury
The decision to integrate a large-scale water park represents a conscious effort to broaden the hotel’s appeal beyond its traditional clientele of high-spending partygoers and business groups. Miami Beach leaders and major hoteliers are increasingly recognizing the need for a more inclusive identity, attracting families and daytime visitors who seek experiences beyond the city’s nightlife. [4, 6, 8] This move positions the Fontainebleau to fill a notable gap in the market, catering to high-net-worth families accustomed to the extensive water parks found at Caribbean or Orlando resorts. [24]
Jeffrey Soffer stated that this is a “milestone moment for Fontainebleau Miami Beach and our vision for what a modern resort destination can be,” emphasizing the creation of a “fully integrated, large-scale family-focused experience unlike any other in the region.” [4, 7, 8, 10]
Unprecedented Aquatic Attractions
The planned water park will dramatically reimagine the outdoor pool deck. It will feature a total of 11 waterslides, with six designed for adults and teenagers, and five specifically for children. [3, 7, 11] The centerpiece will be a colossal 120-foot-tall water slide, anticipated to be one of the largest drops in the United States, placing it in an elite category alongside attractions like Summit Plummet at Walt Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Waterpark, which also stands at 120 feet. [3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 22, 23]
The existing pool area, currently boasting 10 pools, will be reconfigured to include five new pools, two hot tubs, and an “immersive kids play park” or “children’s interactive play park.” [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11] While the iconic Bowtie pool, measuring 11,770 square feet, will remain unchanged, the overall design aims to create distinct zones for both adult relaxation and vibrant children’s activities. [3, 6, 11]
Beyond the slides, the redevelopment will introduce luxurious new cabanas equipped with televisions and lockers, making them accessible even for day visitors. Enhanced poolside bars, upgrades to the famed La Côte Restaurant, and three signature bars will complement the aquatic offerings, alongside reimagined programming blurring the lines between chic beach lounging and family entertainment. [3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 24]
Construction and Economic Forecast
Construction for the water park is slated to begin in early 2026, with an estimated completion by 2027. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11] Fontainebleau Development has assured that the hotel and its existing pool facilities will remain fully operational throughout the phased construction period, minimizing disruption to guests. [3, 4, 8, 11]
Permitting is a crucial step, with an application already submitted to the Historic Preservation Board for the extensive renovation of the rear yard and pool area. The application is currently under review by city planners. [3, 4, 6, 7, 24]
The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region. Fontainebleau Development anticipates the creation of up to 500 new full-time and part-time jobs across various sectors, including ride attendants, lifeguards, food and beverage staff, and guest services personnel. [3, 5, 7, 8, 24, 26] This influx of a marquee family attraction is projected to invigorate the local economy, boosting activity in retail, restaurants, and transportation, and helping Miami Beach compete more directly with other popular warm-weather luxury destinations. [24, 26]
Open to the Public: A Community Asset
Notably, similar to the Tidal Cove Water Park at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa (also developed by Fontainebleau Development), the new Fontainebleau water park will be accessible to the general public, not just hotel guests. [3, 4, 9, 10] While specific pricing and admission conditions have yet to be announced, this public access strategy underscores the resort’s commitment to community engagement and positions the water park as a significant new tourist attraction for the city. [3, 4, 9, 10, 24]
This visionary expansion is a testament to the Fontainebleau’s enduring legacy of adapting to evolving travel trends while steadfastly upholding its reputation as a premier luxury destination. It represents a bold redefinition of family-friendly luxury in South Florida, promising a dynamic, multi-generational experience for visitors and a substantial boost to the local economy. [4, 6, 8, 24, 26]
