Make Note: The spa at Miami’s One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, which once operated under the Guerlain Spa banner, is now being managed internally by the resort. Here’s why you should check it out.
The 10,000-square-foot spa has 10 treatment rooms, where, we hear, the most requested treatment is the Oceanic Beauty therapy (appropriate, considering the resort’s location on the Gold Coast). The treatment begins with a hydrotherapy bath, tailored to each guest’s needs by a bath butler. After a soak, the butler escorts guests to the relaxation area for a little down time and some herbal tea. The whole treatment concludes with a massage accented with European oils. Note: Request Carla for this treatment. Special Requests: The Spa also offers teen facials and teen massages for young adults ages 12 to 17. Spa bookings need only be made 24 hours in advance.
The spa director is Daniela Papetti, but we advise contacting the spa’s front desk manager, Yuri Reyna ([email protected]; 305-455-5411), with questions.
Après spa, head back to your two-bedroom Premier Suite, which, we hear, are the resort’s top accommodations, situated on higher floors. Tip: For peerless luxury, ask about the Penthouse, which offers private butler service.
If you are looking for a great meal, make your way to ONE Kitchen, the resort’s restaurant. We hear the ONE Burger and snapper en papillote are the must-have dishes here. Note: Be sure to request a table on the terrace overlooking the ocean inlet. Reservations should be made one week in advance.
Want the best of the best in shopping? The resort is located steps from the famous Bal Harbour Shops. Request a Mercedes transport for the ultimate luxe experience. The Buzz: Restaurater Stephen Starr (of Buddakan and Morimoto fame) will be opening a 200-seat Japanese restaurant in 2011 at the Bal Harbour Shops.
The boutiques at Bal Harbour Shops carry a menu of one-of-a-kind items (think the Cartier-designed “Diamond Love Cuff,” which is comprised of 43.3 carats and priced at $500,000).
Getting There: Guests can fly into Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Opa-Locka Executive Airport and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, each just 20 minutes away. Arriving by private helicopter? Land your chopper just one block from the resort on Hallover inlet.
Tip: Miami heats up during Art Basel, tennis’ Sony Ericsson Open, the South Beach Food and Wine Festival and the Ferrari Challenge. Travel advisors should keep these events in mind before booking. For any and all queries, contact Managing Director Florent Gateau ([email protected]; 305-455-5400).