Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach

 

Aquavana
Aquavana offers water therapy, thermal cabins and soaking tubs.

 

Sun-soaked and sea salt-strewn oceanfront, an elaborate health and wellness program and a short drive to the South Beach action, the all-suite Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach has it all—and can back it up. How? The hotel and spa has more than a hundred health and wellness staff offering treatments in everything from Chinese medicine and exercise physiology to life management, physical therapy and nutrition.

The spa, helmed by Director of Spa & Fitness Charlotte Prescott ([email protected]), has more than 70,000 square feet of space and 54 treatment rooms. Guests unwind with Canyon Ranch’s signature facial, Your Transformation, or two of the most requested treatments, the Muscle Melt for Road Warriors or the Abhyanga Massage.

We also hear that the Aquavana comes with an impressive array of soothing waters, thermal cabins and soaking tubs—guests can wander from one experience to the next, alternating between the cool and warm waters. Be sure to also tell guests about the Crystal Steam Room, which is set apart for infusions of aromatic essential oils and refracted colored light, as well as the Experiential Rains, a three-storm shower experience in Atlantic Storm, Caribbean Monsoon or Polar Mist. Other unique offerings include Herbal Laconium, a warm, gently humid ceramic room boasting fresh herbs, a starlit ceiling and igloo ventilated by gusts of cool air; and three Arctic Mist experiences—menthol, mint and eucalyptus—heightened by twinkling fiber optics and a pebbled floor.

 

A one-bedroom oceanfront suite
A one-bedroom oceanfront suite includes a deep soaking tub.

International Flair: Highlighting treatments hailing from every corner of the globe, the spa also serves up Ashiatsu Deep Barefoot Massage, De-Stress Chakra Ritual, traditional Turkish Hammam Bath Ritual and Ayurvedic Herbal Rejuvenation.

For clients with their families in tow, Canyon Ranch has special young adult treatments for ages 14-17. Brides-to-be will also blush: the spa offers such in-room group treatments as the Pedicure Party and the Champagne Toast/Day Spa package.

Because the spa is so sought-after, Prescott recommends booking treatments at least two weeks prior to your client’s arrival. Agents can contact Program Advising Manager Jessica Fishman ([email protected]) to book anything spa-related. Canyon Ranch Miami also has a two-story, indoor rock-climbing wall and conducts 40 complimentary fitness classes per day, sure to keep guests fit as a fiddle while on vacation.

 

Advisor Insight

Wendy Burk, CEO of Travel Dynamics Group Inc., loved her experience at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach. “Arrival at the property is indeed a treat,” she says. “Canyon Ranch offers the five-star deluxe atmosphere, and it’s oceanfront with a dynamic, warm and friendly staff. You are a short drive from the action of South Beach and the fabulous shopping and activities of the vibrant city—a perfect balance! The attention to detail in the accommodations was outstanding. It feels like a home, and we were quickly welcomed as such. The width and breadth of the offerings were over the top; two nights were not enough time to take in all the varied activities at the resort. The spa facility offered relaxation and tranquility upon entering, especially the Aquavana Thermal Suites. I also had the Four Hands Massage, which was rhythmic in flow and very relaxing; the service is over the top.”

 

Canyon Ranch isn’t all about the spa, however. Luxe accommodations abound in the form of One- and Two-Bedroom Suites, with such amenities as full kitchens with Miele appliances and bathrooms with Italian glass tile mosaics and deep soaking tubs. Top View: The one-bedroom Intracoastal Suite faces Miami and, its namesake, the Intracoastal Waterway. We also recommend the two-bedroom Atlantic Pool suite with ocean views. 

Note: The hotel fills up quickly for such events as Art Basel, the ING Miami Marathon and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.  Luxury travel advisors should book at least one month out during those times.

Dine Time
We hear the Chilean sea bass, artichoke fries and Devil’s Horseback (bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Maytag blue cheese) served at the Canyon Ranch Grill are swoon-worthy. Be sure to book guests a table two days in advance; pick one by the windows facing the ocean where clouds and gulls drift by.

Head Concierge Chauncey Sullivan ([email protected]) can help organize customized VIP experiences, including voyages on a private yacht, a romantic dinner for two at Italian hotspot Il Gabbiano or opera tickets. While Canyon Ranch refers all of its golf-seeking guests to La Gorce, Normandy Shores and Westin Diplomat, serious competitors are sent to Doral to play the infamous Blue Monster course. Sullivan has a word of advice: Book clients’ stays far in advance during the holiday season, December 15-February 28.