As the new year begins, we are all full of the same good intention of a New Year, New Me. Healthier me, detoxified me. As we lavishly celebrated the holidays, a cleanse definitely calls in a as a necessity to reboot this "new me."
As you will get started at home with green smoothies and switching coffee with green tea, The SPAcialist selected for you the best luxury spa treatments to accompany you to live up to this good resolution.
The list of the many benefits of detox include: higher energy, stronger immune system, assist with weight loss, glowing skin and anti-aging benefits, better breath, healthier hair, clearer thinking, and overall improved sense of wellbeing....
The SPAcialist comes back in its most healthier state after exploring for you 3 Detox Treatment in Iconic Miami Spas!
- Detox Cleanse @The Standard Spa
- Carillon Body Cleanse @Carillon Miami Wellness
- Reboot @ The Miami Edition
Different criteria were considered: Detox Potential, Best Value and Overall Spa Experience.
Challenger #1 : Detox Cleanse @The Standard Spa
65 minutes - $165
Description from spa menu: "We all know the signs – extreme fatigue, dehydration and indi- gestion – now we know the cure. This dynamic therapeutic massage will increase circulation, expel toxins, restore balance and reduce muscle aches and pains. Complete with custom aromatherapy oils, body brushing and belly massage."
DETOX POTENTIAL:
The treatment itself was very pleasant and I zoned out for a while. My therapist had excellent hands, and explained precisely the treatment to me, starting with a DRY BODY BRUSHING with exfoliating gloves to exfoliate and activate microcirculation.
He highlighted that the treatment included an ABDOMINAL MASSAGE and checked that I was comfortable with this. It was definitely a highlight as the abdomen is where the whole body detoxification system is contained, hence the importance of diet when detoxifying. It is the last part of the massage, after the therapist has worked on your full body to move the toxines towards the abdomen.
My therapist also explained that this massage would be FASTER and LIGHTER in pressure than a regular massage. The speed is meant to provoke heat, which increases blood circulation and the light pressure to stimulate the lymphatic circulation, both modality enhancing the movement towards the elimination of toxins
VALUE AND OVERALL SPA EXPERIENCE:
The Standard Detox is at $165 for 60mn which is aligned with what other properties offer. You can book your treatment online and choose your therapist. Spa Treatment grants you access to outdoor hydrotherapy playground and infinity pool. The view on the bay is as stunning as they say.
A pillow was used as bolster, not sure if it was on purpose but it felt very comfy, I'm usually not a fan of regular bolsters that feel too high for me.
THE SPA ITSELF AND AMENITIES. Considering the price as it is presented by many locals as the best spa in Miami I came with high expectations . It feels generally old and in much needed of renovation. A lot of tiles were missing from the sound shower,
Locker rooms made me travel...back to school. The lock of my locker did not work, and it took 15mn to get a spa attendant to assist me, who herself acknowledged that a lot of lockers have issues. It took her 4 tries before finding me one that works. Not so much for the relaxing experience.
HELP ME FIND A WAY... I had to ask all the questions to the spa front desk, as to where to go, when to go and what kind of amenities were offered in the spa... No spa attendants in locker rooms, the hammam is used as a waiting area. I guess once you are familiar with the place it just makes sense, but for a first time visit more explanation would be appreciated. I was very surprised by the absence of staff in the overall spa structure. I generally missed the LEVEL OF SERVICE AND LUXURY TOUCHES. No food or juice or tea options. Treatment rooms are very basic in terms of setup (Detail: My robe was standing under the air conditioning during the treatment and was freezing when I put it back on. There was no quilt to cover me just one sheet).
What is called the INDOOR HYDROTHERAPY PLAYGROUND did not impress me as much in originality and innovation as on the website: Hammam (hot marble stones where you can lie down, where you can wait to be picked up for your treatment, or use to relax in between Steam room and Sauna. There are also soaking tubs, a scrub room, sound shower.
Haaa The CO-ED thing. You either love it or you don't. Great for a spa day between friends or your SO, not as comfortable for a me-day on your own. And I am not modest.
Challenger #2: REBOOT @ THE EDITION MIAMI
90 minutes - $250
Description from Spa Menu: "Travel recovery or undo the excesses of Miami nightlife steam shower, clay body mask with infrared sauna, hair and scalp treatment."
DETOX POTENTIAL:
The PROTOCOL and the treatment itself were a big miss. Great on paper, with a a high detox potential. Not as much in reality. The mud application took at least 20 minutes and was not comfortable at all. I was cold and sticky when transitioning to supine position. The therapist was not familiar with the shower and I figured out myself where the hot water was. I did not get the steam shower as described on the menu, just a regular shower. The whole process took way too long and cut into my massage. My therapist had good hands, it is a shame though that the movements were too repetitive.
I did receive the benefits from the treatments but at the price of my relaxation. I recommend coming back once the therapists have been trained properly.
NO ABDOMINAL MASSAGE. Certainly the biggest miss. How can your body detox and reboot without working on the abdomen? I asked my therapist who told me he was not allowed to, which as working in the spa industry I know that abdominal work is allowed, under guest's request.
VALUE AND OVERALL SPA EXPERIENCE:
THE SPA ITSELF is gorgeous, surprisingly after going through the small front desk. Locker rooms were simple but elegant. The relaxation area feels like a Moroccan lounge and is HUGE.
The LEVEL OF SERVICE is flawless. The spa attendant makes sure all of your needs are met while waiting for your treatment. They have different options for tea, I went for the green tea and ginger, to start my detox, served on my personal tray with honey on the side.
The TREATMENT ROOMS are spacious and luxurious.Loved the LUXURY TOUCHES. Eye pillow, my robe was in the hot cabby so I enveloped in this warm cocoon when the treatment was finished...The sheets and face cradle cover were the softest ever.
The SCALP MASSAGE combined with the INFRARED SAUNA are the highlight of this treatment, incredibly relaxing, I completely let go and disconnected.
The AMENITIES are limited to a steam room, which unfortunately was not as steamy and hot as it should be, I even got cold and had to take a hot shower. The access to hotel pool is not included in the price of the treatment.
CHALLENGER #3 - Carillon Body Cleanse @ CARILLON MIAMI WELLNESS RESORT
50 minutes - $165
Description from Spa Menu: "Purify and cleanse body and mind with this deeply relaxing treatment. A dry brush exfoliation activates the body’s natural elimination process. Next, detoxifying essential oils are applied to key lymphatic zones. You’ll be enveloped in a patented seaweed gel and the soothing comfort of our specialty steam capsule to further promote cleansing and relaxation. A refreshing rain shower is
followed by an application of moisture-rich cream leaving you restored and renewed."
BEST DETOX POTENTIAL CHOSEN BY THE SPACIALIST:
The combination of DRY BODY EXFOLIATION (also at The Standard and The Edition), application of DEEP CLEANSING SERUM on my lymphatic zones and CONTOURING MASK (mud for The Edition) while the STEAM CAPSULE (infrared Sauna + shower at The Edition) works on sweating the toxins out of my body really made me feel like I was completely cleansing my body.
Loved the touch of giving a "MINERAL SHOT" at the end of the service to enhance the detoxification process, something different from the traditional tea or water.
Interesting enough, this treatment is offered as part of a a Cleanse Program offered on property, that combines powerful herbs, nutritious and detox food along with a fitness class and Carillon Body Cleanse Spa Treatment.
BEST VALUE AND OVERALL SPA EXPERIENCE CHOSEN BY THE SPACIALIST:
It says it all in the name. The CARILLON MIAMI WELLNESS RESORT, previously Canyon Ranch, is worldwide famous for its largest South Florida thermal experience. The variety of options is almost overwhelming: in addition to the traditional hydro-tub, steam room and sauna, you will also find experiential rains, herbal laconium, foot spa, and an igloo.
Aside from the amenities, every little ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND GUEST SERVICE made my treatment a memorable spa experience. Hot towels on feet and facial pressure points as an introduction to the treatment, eye pillow, all comfort checks... (music volume and channels are changeable), the knowledge of therapist that talked to me about the brand and products used (Phytomer line from the beautiful coast of France). The protocol was very smooth and the steam capsule experience was something new and out of this world, especially combined with a scalp massage. I can say I completely zoned out. I loved when the showers turned on to refresh my body just when I started getting hot. In addition, the therapist showers you to remove the remains of the body mask, I felt completely pampered and not doing anything from beginning to end was really relaxing.
The Carillon Body Cleanse is a 50mn treatment at $165. The Reboot is $250 for 90mn, includes the same modalities as the Carillon Body Cleanse (Dry brushing, detox mud and equipment with scalp massage) and includes a 30mn massage (which would cost you an extra $85, so $250 for 80mn at The Carillon). Considering amenities and pool access (only Steam room and no pool access at The Edition), The Carillon Body Cleanse appears to be the best value.