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But it's also the water that draws in visitors. Next to the Collins sidewalk, Art Basel artist Carole Feuerman's hyper-realistic acrylic sculpture "The Golden Mean" positions a diver preparing for a board jump upside down, an apt reference to the magnificent pool. The National's interior design elements give a sense of intimacy, discretion, and balance. Absent are crowds of guests milling around oversized lobbies or transiting en masse to outside activities. The late Art Deco European ambiance emphasizes graceful elegance and unheeded relaxation. Not surprisingly, the 152-room property has earned a position as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Hotels of America. It also garnered AAA Four Diamond Awards for the last two years. What is so refreshing are the many original design elements in the lobby: the corner dark mahogany concierge desk; an exquisite, creamy, undulating low ceiling next to the curved oak reception desk; the two silver Art Deco elevators; upholstered "barrel" chairs; and the over one hundred splendid, chrome geometric wall lights or sconces. "The National is a unique, Art Deco property. We attract travelers who both seek the close-by exciting South Beach life, but like to be away from it at the same time," says the always gracious General Manger Yaser Mohamad. Upstairs in the main tower, just off the sconce and leopard print carpet hallway, my Ocean View King (#1109) overlooks the pool, boardwalk, and beachscape. Gazing from the window in a Cleopatra settee, I can follow guests lolling in the palm-lined "infinity" pool or splashing around in the smaller Aqua Pool and Lounge (try their chicken quesadillas and blackened grouper sandwich) with adjoining hammocks before the boardwalk entrance. On the beach, chairs and towels are provided and umbrellas can be rented. Renovated in 2014, the Dray Family (hotels in St. Moritz and Jerusalem) decided to both update and focus on the 1940s Art Deco style. Some of the furnishings include: Kohler hand held and Rain Shower fixtures; Green Fig custom-made toiletries; Samsung 42" TVs; Crosley vintage radios and iDocks; 300-thread European satin cotton linens and bedding; and work desks with complimentary wireless internet. Parallel to the swimming pool lies the Cabana Building with 32 rooms and 4 suites. While the Tower rooms are small for historic reasons, the renovated Cabana