By Maha Chaudhry
Photographry by Nikolas Koenig, Nitzan Keynan,
Liz Clayman & Tina Sargeant
There are some places where you notice the design right away, and then there are places where you feel it first. Tampa EDITION is definitely the latter.
From the moment you walk in, everything just feels intentional. The greenery, the lighting, the way the spaces open up all come together in a way that feels sophisticated but still really inviting. It all comes together in a way that feels effortless.
It also has this interesting balance. At times it feels very Tampa. Clean, elevated, and calm. Then there are moments where it gives you that Miami rooftop energy. A little more social, a little more vibrant. It felt like a reflection of a more modern Tampa.
A Stay That Naturally Flows
My stay moved at a pace that felt well-balanced, with each setting offering something different without ever seeming disconnected.
I started my first evening at Azure, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant led by Chef John Fraser. The menu draws from his Greek heritage, focusing on coastal, Mediterranean flavors that come across as light and fresh. The setting itself is both indoors and outdoors, with an airy, relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in.
I would recommend the branzino and the Mediterranean sampler, which included fresh hummus, sautéed eggplant, flavorful grape leaves, and more. It was the kind of meal you can take your time with, especially as the sun starts to set and the overall ambiance softens around you.
From there, I made my way to Punch Room, which felt like stepping into a completely different mood. It has more of a luxurious speakeasy vibe, with a cobalt blue aesthetic layered against rich wood tones. The cocktail menu centers around punch, with drinks inspired by different regions and offered as either cocktails or mocktails.
It feel is sophistication in an intimate setting. The kind of place where you slow down and truly enjoy the experience of being there.
The next morning, brunch at Market at EDITION felt like a reset. Inspired by the Italian coastline, the ground-level setting is open, modern, and welcoming. It has a family-friendly energy, with the option to sit indoors or outside, which adds to that easygoing atmosphere.
Everything came out generous and satisfying, yet still elevated. The Manzo e Patata stood out right away. The steak was cooked precisely, and paired with the potatoes, salsa verde, and scrambled eggs – it just worked.
I also had the fusilli with spicy vodka sauce and stracciatella, which was rich without being too heavy. The crispy artichokes with lemon aioli to start were light, crisp, and hard to resist.
That night, dinner at Lilac became the highlight of the stay. As a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef John Fraser, it reflects his European training and Mediterranean influences through a more refined, ingredient-driven approach.
I chose the seasonal tasting menu, and a few dishes really stood out. The white asparagus velouté and the scallop carpaccio were both memorable, each one delicate yet full of flavor. Even the dessert felt thoughtfully executed. The chocolate walnut crémeux ended up being my favorite.
The dining room itself is elegantly intimate yet open, which makes the entire experience elevated while still remaining comfortable.
To end the night, I went to Arts Club, where the energy shifts again. The concept blends craft cocktails with Asian-inspired shareable dishes, all set within a multi-room layout that feels immersive.
Each room has its own character, but the one we spent the most time in leaned darker, with leather textures and a more intimate atmosphere. Overall, the venue had a slightly retro vibe, layered with different design elements that made it feel dynamic. It was the kind of place you would go with a group of friends on the weekend, where the night naturally continues.
Slowing It All Down
The spa was one of the most memorable parts of my stay. It feels removed from the rest of the hotel, offering a more holistic approach that blends global techniques with modern skincare.
I booked a signature facial using Yon-Ka Paris products, and it was exactly what I needed. It leaned more into relaxation than intensity, making it easy to fully disconnect.
What stayed with me most was what came after. The lounge felt personally curated, like a quiet extension of the treatment. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, which made the experience feel even more thoughtful.
There was a selection of teas and healthy treats, along with lounging beds featuring sheer curtains you could open or close for added privacy.
It wasn’t just relaxing. It felt like a true pause, and the ideal way to end my stay at the hotel.
A Sense of Place
What stood out most to me was how everything connects.
The greenery throughout the property gives it this soft, almost garden-like atmosphere, which balances out the more polished design. You move from one setting to another, from calm to social, from quiet to vibrant, and it never feels like a transition you have to adjust to because it just flows.
There is always something happening. The hotel hosts a range of events throughout the month, from wellness experiences to seasonal gatherings, offering a balance between more intimate moments and more social settings.
It also works for different reasons depending on why you are there. For locals, it is an easy weekend escape without ever having to leave the city. For travelers, it offers a way to experience Tampa in a setting that captures where the city is right now. Polished, evolving, and still very much inviting.
By the time I left, it was not any one moment that stood out more than the others. It was how it all came together. The atmosphere. The pace.
