having built and formulated a spa line, it seems only natural to be thinking about the spa experience. would i someday want to open a spa? what constitutes a great spa? the vibe? the treatments? the location? heading down to miami to cash in reward points at a sweet resort was step one in this late winter adventure.

like many northerners, i hit a point each winter when i can no longer cope with the weather. my cut-off point is somewhere between the first and last day of april, when i become desperate for sun and sand. if nothing else, this yearly trip allows me to dream about a warm sunny climate while slogging through the post-holiday season. the holidays for our team is a three month ramp up, a four week sales frenzy and a two month replenishment/recovery. we all desperately need a break. this year’s trip was extra special in that i made it all about the spa experience.

the package i chose to experience was called “the miami reboot”. it begins with a hot steam followed by a lie down in the relaxation room where you can read a book or just unwind. everything about this part of the spa was stellar. i then went into a room where i was scrubbed with french green clay then packed in mud, which was then baked on until i was as stiff as a brick. very odd. good. but having been helped naked into a hot, dark shower by a stranger is a little weird. the scalp and neck massage was nice, and the paraffin treatment always feels good. the massage therapist’s reflexology abilities were amazing. at one point i think i floated out of my body. then the full body massage kicked me right over the moon. i was wasted and jelly by the time it was complete.

having spent a few dollars to get spa access each day was worth the money. when i could no longer take the sound of helicopter parenting from poolside, i would slip away to this cool, quiet world for a few hours and enjoy the serenity. being up and at the pool or beach each morning by 8am, the mid-afternoon break away from the harsh sun is a good thing. i could easily get used to someone quietly waking me after a nap every day with a pot of tea.

i’ve been to many places and experienced quiet a few spas but nothing yet compared to the vibe of this place. treatments fall in and out of fashion (this place had an oxygen bar where you could breathe and pay by the minute) so for me it becomes less about what was being offered as much as what would i want my spa to be?

about a year ago we spoke with representatives of the loews hotel in philadelphia about their spa. i’ve been using the gym/spa for more than ten years. i won’t bore you with my thoughts about what they do right or wrong, so much as state that i know for certain that i want to create my next venture within a fine, luxury brand hotel. it never worked out with the loews. we had different goals for the space.

if you have the chance to experience the miami beach edition hotel, by all means, do. the pools were wonderful. the private beach divine. the service staff responded to warm and gracious treatment in-kind.

you can check out my full review of the miami beach edition hotel here on trip advisor