Mandarin Oriental, Miami in Downtown Miami, Florida

Julie Register, Your Guide to Spas, visited this hotel spa in Florida in March 2003

I put the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami on my list of spas I wanted to visit when it opened in 2001, shortly after I visited the Oriental Spa in Bangkok, Thailand. I was even more interested in going there when I heard the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami offered E'SPA treatments and products.

Photo Index Click HERE for photos of the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami Click HERE for photos of Guest Accommodations at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami Click HERE for photos of the Mandarin Oriental, Miami and Brickell Key Mandarin Oriental, Miami Click HERE for photos Things To Do In and Around Miami Contact Mandarin Oriental, Miami • Address: 500 Brickell Key Drive Miami, FL 33131 • Phone: (305) 913 8288 • Fax: (305) 913 8300 • Email: momia-reservations@mohg.com • Web Site: www.mandarinoriental.com E'SPA • Web Site: www.espainternational.co.uk

I had my first introduction to this outstanding spa line during a trip to Scotland in 2002. My trip to the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami materialized in March 2003, and I was not disappointed!

The Spa...Facility

The primary reason I wanted to visit the Mandarin Oriental, Miami was the 15,000-square-foot, tri-level spa. There is a lot I like about the spa including the soft lighting and Asian-inspired decor incorporating bamboo floors, striking accents, fresh flowers and numerous water features. My favorite element, however is accessible from the glass elevator near the spa entrance - the entire third floor where there are six spa suites much like those I experienced (and loved!) throughout Thailand. These spacious, split-level, self-contained sanctuaries each feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Biscayne Bay, private marble showers and a relaxation area. The Oriental Suite features a Thai massage mat and large whirlpool bathtub. The Mandarin Suite also has a tub. The Couples Suite has treatment tables for two. These suites are unique in the U.S., and I highly recommend experiencing a treatment in one. For an extra-special treat, reserve an additional half hour before and after the treatment to relax in the suite.

While the use of a spa suite eliminates the need to use the locker rooms, you don't want to miss the steam and sauna in the Men's and Women's Relaxation Lounges on the first floor. During my visit, the steam was infused with E'SPA's Energising aromatherapy blend containing the essential oils of English Peppermint and Rosemary to clear the head, activate the senses and generate a sense of well being; Eucalyptus Globulus to improve the memory and increase mental performance while being mentally relaxing; Litsea Cubeba with a subtle aroma of Lemongrass that is naturally refreshing; and Lavender oil which can be beneficial for the treatment of fatigue. In addition to smelling fantastic, the steam was uplifting and stimulating. According to the staff at the spa, inhaling essential oils like this provides almost immediate results whereas using them topically on the skin can take 20 minutes or longer to be effective.

Also found on the first floor of the spa is the reception desk; the Chi Studio where tai chi, yoga, pilates and Thai Massage Academy classes are held; a make up studio; manicure and pedicure stations; men's and women's locker rooms; water wall; 10 treatment rooms - one with a hydrotherapy tub; and a Spa Boutique. I had especially looked forward to the Spa Boutique. Since this spa has been the only one in the U.S. selling E'SPA products, I loaded up with my favorites to take home. These favorites include the salt scrubs and candles. The mineral sea salts in the salt scrubs exfoliate the skin and the essential oils leave it silky, moist and wonderfully fragrant. The Relaxing Salt Scrub is designed to leave the skin feeling warmed and smooth. It contains the essential oils of Rosemary (good for circulation, tired muscles, skin irritations, memory and headaches), Clove (antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, invigorating, stimulating, warming), Cinnamon (antiseptic, pleasant scent) and Bay (antioxidant, ant microbial, exotic aroma). This scrub is great before bedtime. The Invigorating Salt Scrub is cooling and leaves the skin feeling tingly fresh. I use this first thing in the morning. It is especially refreshing in the hot days of summer. It contains menthol and the essential oils of Grapefruit (vibrant, zesty and revitalizing), Lavender (good for the skin, fatigue, sleep, tension) and Lime (refreshing). My favorite candle is the Soothing fragrance with Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli to help relax and unwind.

The second floor of the spa houses the Fitness Center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, steppers, cross-trainers, rowing machines and cycles overlooking the pool and Biscayne Bay. Each piece of cardiovascular equipment has a personal television and headset. Resistance equipment and free weights are also available. In addition, personal trainers can help you make the most of your workouts. There is a lovely walking path that encircles Brickell Key and, while the fitness center at the spa offers treadmills and ellipticals, you are missing a beautiful walk in the fresh air if you don't try the walking path at least once during your visit.

Near the spa entrance is an outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool and whirlpool also overlooking Biscayne Bay.

The Spa...Treatments

A spa experience cannot be fantastic based on the facility alone, but add the outstanding E'SPA treatments to this beautiful facility and you have something truly outstanding. E'SPA was involved throughout the build and pre-opening phases of the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami and recruited and trained the spa staff. The exclusive E'SPA treatment rituals have been designed to be luxurious, yet totally caring experiences. Blending elements from around the world, the treatments are meant to be holistic and "are as much for the inner-self and mind as they are for the face and body."

The spa offers massage (mandarin hot stone, jet lag reviver aromatherapy, traditional full body with aromatherapy oils, deep tissue, Thai, shiatsu, stimulating hip and thigh, pre and post-natal for new beginnings), salt and oil scrub, marine hydrotherapy bath, E'SPA envelopements (detoxifying algae, nourishing mud, oshadi herbal, purifying hot linen), facials (luxury aromatherapy, regenerating aromatherapy, aromatherapy, purifying, rebalancing aromatherapy), manicures, pedicures, E'SPA holistic hand/foot and nail treatment, waxing, make up and express treatments. The Signature Treatments, of course, are what makes the spa stand apart. They all start with a welcoming foot ritual and include:

Ayurvedic Holistic Body Treatment — Begin with a welcoming foot ritual, then enjoy a full body exfoliation scrub, face cleanse and finally an Ayurvedic Marma massage of the energy centers of your face and body, releasing tension and restoring vitality. To finish, float away with a chakra massage of the head and scalp. (1hr 50 min)

Optimal Release — Free-flowing joint release and massage to relax the mind and body. Individual to each client, joints are mobilized and muscles stretched to improve suppleness and movement. This all-encompassing treatment includes a welcoming foot ritual, skin softening exfoliation and face cleanse. (1 hr 50 min)

Balinese Synchronized Massage — Paradise is achieved by combining stretching and rolling movements with long deep stokes using herb infused oil. Two therapists work in harmony to help you reach mental and spiritual bliss. Begin with a welcoming foot ritual, body exfoliation and follow with a vital energy point massage of the face, body and scalp. (1 hr 50 min)

TIME RITUAL
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami has launched the concept of booking TIME. Instead of selecting a treatment at the point of booking, you can simply choose to book a ritual for a number of hours. The TIME RITUAL is defined by a natural course of events: Welcome, Purify, Nurture, Balance and Bliss. The amount of time booked will determine how many stages can be experienced, and to what extent. The ‘Welcome’ will ascertain what treatments will be blended; ‘Purify’ is to cleanse, by salt and oil scrub, spearmint body polish or a hot herbal linen wrap; ‘Nurture’ is by a body envelopment with either fresh algae, warm marine mud or oshadi body wrap; ‘Balance’ can incorporate an express face cleanse, Indian scalp massage, shirodara, hot stones or pouring of warm oil over the body prior to any style of full body massage; and ‘Bliss’ culminates the treatment with Ayurvedic tea, a rest or aromatherapy bath in a private suite. (Two-hour minimum)

I had the Time Ritual in one of the spa suites. My therapist, Liz, escorted me to the suite from the Women's Relaxation Lounge. She invited me to sit in a chair and drink tea, while she washed and massaged my feet. We talked about what I wanted to get out of my Time. We decided on an 80 minute massage which would be a combination deep tissue, Swedish, marma and hot stone. This would be followed by mini facial and pink mud hair treatment. One of the other touches I hadn't seen since Thailand was a bowl under the face support of the massage table which held a beautiful flower floating in water. The massage was excellent and much needed. The facial and the pink mud treatment added a little extra touch of pampering. The pink mud is a combination of red and white clay, watercress extract and apricot kernel. I, for one, particularly enjoy the Time Treatment (I had my first in Scotland). It requires a therapist who is fully trained and skilled at all treatments offered in the spa, but it really allows a completely individualized treatment "prescription" and maximum flexibility. E'SPA is the only spa line I know that offers this.

The Spa...Packages

At the time of my visit, the following packages were available:

Additionally, countdown programs for your wedding and for your vacation are available.

The Spa...Cuisine

The spa cuisine menu was designed by Chef Michelle Bernstein of the hotel's AAA five-diamond restaurant, Azul. She also co-hosts The Food Network's Melting Pot. Spa Packages Includes a choice of two courses and a bottle of Evian water. Additional courses or beverages are charged separately.

Starters	Main Course	Dessert
Miso Soup with Tofu and Scallions Linestone Lettuce, Watercress, Vegetables with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette	Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna Chow Chow with Spicy Marinated Vegetables, Young Red Potato and Wasabi Sour Cream Grilled Chicken Breast with Peppercorn Soy-Vinegar Broth, Tomato, Jasmine Rice Vegetarian Pad Thai with Rice Noodles, Bean Sprouts, Scallions and Garlic	Fresh Fruit Sorbet Medley

The Spa...Thai Massage Academy

Introduction	Benefits	About the Instructor
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers exciting and educational classes in the art of traditional Thai massage for both spa professionals and those simply interested in learning about this body work. The Spa’s new Thai Massage Academy will take you on a comprehensive journey involving touching, stretching and rolling motions designed to evoke relaxation and detoxification of the body. The Spa’s flexible classes are offered in the intimate and tranquil Chi Studio. Students, couples and singles are encouraged to enroll to receive certified training by professional instructors in this ancient form of healing.	Believed to be over 2000 years old, Thai massage was developed as a therapeutic method of healing the sick and injured. This unique type of massage applies pressure on the energy lines of the body, aimed at harmonizing and energizing. Benefits of Thai massage include increased mobility, blood circulation, muscle relaxation, mind and body concentration and detoxification of the body.	A native of Thailand with more than a decade of experience in Thai massage, Ms. Jongrak Intatha instructs all massage classes. Having practiced her consultation throughout Europe, India, Canada and the United States, Jongrak continues to share her passion for Thai massage through her teaching methods. The Thai Massage Academy allows you to learn the history and traditional Thai massage techniques in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Jongrak is a certified CEU provider by Florida Board of Massage Therapy, certified by the ITTA Association and a certified Thai instructor at The Old Medicine School of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Hotel

While technically downtown, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is on its own little island - literally. Cross the bridge to the 44-acre Brickell Key, and you'll find yourself on one of Miami's most prestigious commercial and residential locations. With its distinctive fan-like shape, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is one of the first buildings you see on the key. It's Miami's only AAA Five Diamond hotel. It features 329 luxurious guestrooms including 31 suites, a tri-level holistic spa, comprehensive fitness center, infinity-edge swimming pool, a brand new white sand beach, Lobby Lounge, M-Bar ( a martini and champagne bar) and two outstanding restaurants that overlook Biscayne Bay - AAA Five Diamond Azul, the hotel's signature restaurant offering innovative cuisine from talented chef Michelle Bernstein and Café Sambal, a casual Asian restaurant offering a Sushi and Sake Bar.

Guest Rooms

The room I stayed in at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami (#1710) was outstanding. The balcony offered spectacular views of both Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.I particularly enjoyed the opulent Spanish marble bathroom with plush bathrobes and slippers, Molton Brown bath amenities, separate shower and deep tub from which I could enjoy the TV or views out of the window. The room featured a high ceiling, 27" TV, Bose wave sound system, a comfortable sitting area and desk, mini-bar and safe, dataports, dual phone lines including a cordless phone, welcome amenity and more. Each night, I found an orchid blossom and inspirational saying on my pillow (i.e. "The future belongs to those who believe in teh beauty of their dreams."...Eleanor Roosevelt). The brilliant white, extremely soft, Frette sheets were heavenly to sleep on. It was a very, very comfortable room.

Photos copyright 2003, Julie Register
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