Miami Beach, FL – The iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, a landmark of luxury and celebrity since its grand opening in 1954, is embarking on one of its most ambitious transformations to date: the addition of a sprawling water park designed to redefine family-friendly entertainment in South Florida. This extensive renovation of its 22-oceanfront-acre property signals a strategic pivot for the resort, aiming to blend its renowned sophistication with dynamic, multi-generational experiences for a new era of travelers. [2, 12, 16]
Construction for the new aquatic attraction is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with an anticipated completion by 2027. [2, 14, 15] Throughout the phased building process, the hotel and its existing pools will remain fully operational, ensuring minimal disruption to guests. [2, 12]
A New Era of Aquatic Thrills and Family Fun
At the heart of this redevelopment is an impressive water park featuring a total of eleven new water slides, meticulously designed to cater to all age groups. This includes six high-thrill slides for adults and teenagers, alongside five dedicated slides for children. [2, 3, 14] A standout feature promises to be a towering 120-foot water slide, poised to be one of the largest drops in the United States. [2, 3, 14, 15] This ambitious scale surpasses other notable regional attractions, such as the 60-footer at the Tidal Cove water park in Aventura, which shares ownership with the Fontainebleau. [12, 16]
Beyond the exhilarating slides, the project entails a significant overhaul of the resort’s pool deck. While the overall surface area of the pools will remain consistent, the configuration will be reimagined. The current ten pools will be reconfigured into five new pools of varying depths and purposes, complemented by two hot tubs and an immersive kids’ play park featuring interactive water features and shallow dipping pools. [2, 3, 14, 15, 16] The new layout will include distinct zones, such as an adults-only area with upgraded cabanas and premium seating, and a dedicated children’s adventure zone. [15]
Strategic Vision: Broadening Appeal and Economic Impact
This multi-million-dollar investment by Fontainebleau Development, the Soffer family-controlled real estate and hospitality group, represents a conscious effort to broaden the resort’s market appeal. [4, 12, 19] Jeffrey Soffer, chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development, emphasized the vision: “This is a milestone moment for Fontainebleau Miami Beach and our vision for what a modern resort destination can be. With the addition of these new attractions and amenities, we are creating a fully integrated, large-scale family-focused experience unlike any other in the region.” [12, 14, 17]
The move comes as luxury hospitality trends indicate a growing demand for multi-generational travel experiences, where guests seek resorts offering comprehensive amenities for all ages. [12, 15, 22] Brett Mufson, President of Fontainebleau Development, noted the increasing number of families residing in Miami year-round, underscoring the need for local, family-friendly destinations. [12] By catering to this expanding demographic, the Fontainebleau aims to increase average guest stays, attract more bookings during traditionally slower weekdays, and open new avenues for corporate family events and group travel packages. [15]
Job Creation and Community Access
The economic implications of this development are substantial for South Florida. The project is projected to generate up to 500 new jobs, spanning various sectors from construction to ongoing operations. [2, 3] These new roles will include ride attendants, certified lifeguards, food and beverage staff, and guest services personnel, stimulating growth across hospitality, operations, and maintenance sectors. [2, 4, 14, 15]
Crucially, the new water park will not be exclusive to hotel guests. Following a model similar to Tidal Cove, the Fontainebleau water park is designed to be open to the public. [2, 13, 16] While specific pricing for day passes has yet to be announced, the resort will introduce day cabanas equipped with televisions and lockers, allowing non-guests to enjoy the new amenities. [2, 3] A representative for the property stated, “While the new pool experience is designed first and foremost for resort guests, we anticipate developing programs that allow for local access as well.” [13, 25]
Preserving History While Embracing the Future
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, designed by the visionary Morris Lapidus, has been an architectural icon since 1954, hosting legendary figures from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley and appearing in numerous films and television series. [13, 16, 17, 21, 23] Recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, the resort has a long history of adapting and renovating to remain at the forefront of luxury hospitality. [10, 15, 21] This latest transformation is a testament to its ongoing evolution, aiming to balance its high-end branding with playful, accessible amenities. [15, 17]
As with any large-scale development in a densely populated and environmentally sensitive area, concerns about increased water usage, noise, and traffic are often raised. Fontainebleau executives have addressed these proactively, stating that the project will incorporate water-recycling systems for slides and pools, as well as sound-buffering landscaping. These measures are intended to minimize environmental and community impact while adhering to city sustainability goals. [15]
With construction set to begin and an application submitted to the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board for review, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is poised to make a monumental splash, ushering in a new era of luxury family entertainment and cementing its status as a multifaceted destination for visitors from around the globe. [2, 14, 16, 17]
