Truth be told, we needed some time to unwind. Traveling to Miami for three full days of meetings, my associate Olivia Falcione and I were desperate for 60 uninterrupted minutes of spa time on our third day in the southern Florida city.
Our arrival to Miami hadn’t been quite so peaceful. Disregarding our gut instincts and eschewing our normal travel habits, we made a last-minute decision to check our luggage when we arrived at Philadelphia International Airport for our night flight to Miami International. It was nearly 9 p.m., after a full workday, our suitcases heavy and laden with materials for our meetings, and it was a direct flight. It seemed unlikely something could go wrong. Murphy’s law. Lesson learned.
Our luggage arrived a day after we did, and we spent our first day in South Beach early-morning shopping for work clothes before a full day of back-to-back meetings. We arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach late at night on our second day, relieved to finally be reunited with our bags.
Following another day of meetings and driving, we once again returned to the welcoming 5-star hotel for our early-evening spa treatments. After checking in, we were escorted through the mood-lit, dark marble spa to the spacious locker room to change out of business clothes and slip into the comfort of luxe spa robes.
The spa feels a world away from the chaotic nature of South Beach. It proved a true oasis from the frenetic pace of the city and of our business trip and offered a respite to recharge at a much-needed moment. The spa’s elite menu of La Maison de Beauté Carita treatments complements a comprehensive list of European wellness and beauty rituals. The award-winning spa features 14 treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, a salon and two couple’s suites. Fitting to the location, the ocean inspired many of the available treatments, while the exclusive Rhythm Massage brings the culture of Miami into the treatment room with Latin-inspired music.
The spa caters to pregnant women (must be in the second trimester), offering four prenatal treatments. All this was welcome news to Olivia, a mother-to-be. Her 50-minute Mellow Mama massage, performed as she lay on her side, included a stomach massage. Using techniques and products curated to be safe for those expecting, the massage increases circulation, alleviates tired muscles and reduces water retention. As Olivia noted, she was so relaxed she fell asleep during the experience.
Other mother-to-be treatments include the 75-minute Smoothie, a moisturizing massage; the 50-minute Healing Hour, specifically designed for women in the fourth trimester; and Belly Bootcamp, a 50-minute treatment performed in four stages, which is also recommended post-birth to tighten loose skin.
A variety of treatments are available for spa goers at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. The 13 massage options range from the typical therapeutic and neuromuscular to four-hand, astro balance and lymphatic drainage massages. Manicures, pedicures and hair services join other luxury, specialized treatments and experiences; treatments for men and those with children and teens in mind round out the menu offerings.
I chose one of the spa’s cleansing and wellness therapies, the Taste of the Tropics Body Treatment. Designed to help get bodies beach-ready (which I doubt mine will ever be!), the treatment draws inspiration from the spa’s signature Mango Guava candle. The smell in the room instantly put me in a beach-y state of mind.
Mango and guava are incorporated into the scrub for their therapeutic, restorative benefits. Mango is rich in vitamin A, and its powerful antioxidants restore skin elasticity and moisturize dry skin. Guava has vitamins A, B and C to detoxify and fight free radicals.
My favorite aspect of scrubs, ironically enough, is after the treatment ends, when the lingering effects are evidenced by the shine and feel of my skin. Scrubs prove so beneficial and do a wonder restoring and rejuvenating the skin.
Overall, our time spent at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach was a soothing experience. From the décor to the expert staff, guests can breathe a sigh of relief, secure in the knowledge that every wish, whim and necessity will be met during their visit. From the speedy valet service to the bell staff ready to go above and beyond, a smile greeted our every request.
Encompassing the history of the area, the hotel is housed in an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark building. Its convenient location boasts an oceanfront infinity pool, The DiLido Beach Club and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
As we checked out of the spa, hesitant of that jolt back to reality, we were left with small parting gifts to remind us of our serene visit. For me, the signature mango guava candle that inspired my treatment — a perfect antidote, now that I’ve returned home, to a busy day whenever I want to escape, at least in my mind, to the tropics. And for Olivia, one of the first gifts for her little bundle of joy — a branded rubber ducky and a bib inscribed, “I had my first massage at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.” The perfect added touches to cap off our already-memorable experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
South Beach Spa
1 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 786 276 4090
ritzcarlton.com
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis