July 27, 2009

US & Canada | US | Florida | Miami

Miami Spa Machine

By Sandra Ramani

Espa, Guerlain and Canyon Ranch are just a few big names changing the landscape of America's most body-conscious beach scene.
Originally published on March 3, 2008.

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Though Miami is better known for beauty of the plastic kind (since apparently, everything gets lifted here), Skin City has, unexpectedly, grown into a world-class spa destination. Having just scored some love from the Brits (CNT readers voted Mandarin Oriental, Miami, “No. 1 Urban Day Spa” in the US) and the first American ESPA, at Acqualina, the city is prepping for a veritable onslaught of spas. It starts with Guerlain’s first American outpost, opening this month at the new Regent Bal Harbour. The super-luxe facility features 15 treatment rooms, a “foot therapy” lounge and a limestone water wall. Signature services include the Guerlain Impériale Massage — a 90-minute, $250 promise of “profound serenity.” Hot on Regent’s heels though, Canyon Ranch unveils a massive “healthy living complex” on Miami Beach this summer. A 70,000-square-foot spa and wellness center offers rock-climbing walls, European-style thermal suites and front-row ocean views.

But, wait — even more healthy havens are on the way: a 45,000 square-foot David Barton Gym + Spa at the new Gansevoort South plus a spa at the new Mondrian South Beach open next month (stay tuned for the inside track on both). And with Kimpton’s Solé on the Ocean following this summer, you should be in very good trim for the first annual Miami Spa Month — four weeks of blissed-out promotions throughout July.