Relaxation Riches

 

While the ritzy Miami neighborhood of Bal Harbour is best known as a shopping mecca for high-end fashion, spa enthusiasts will also find much to rave about thanks to the new Remède Spa at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort (Miami Beach, FL). The lavish 11-treatment-room spa is a perfect addition to the affluent address and the perfect sanctuary to recover from a day of power shopping at the nearby Bal Harbour Shops. “I think our location, signature treatments, and design make the spa truly stand out,” says spa director Sonie Boyce. “The luxury of having the shops directly across the street and the serenity of the ideal beachside location give spa-goers a distinct experience that is as fashion-forward as it is tranquil and rejuvenating.”

With interiors designed by renowned design firm Yabu Pushelberg, the spa picks up where the resort leaves off with custom furnishings and finishes. The dazzling design features a soothing neutral color palette complete with chartreuse accents. Marble floors and walls speak to the sophisticated luxury that surrounds spa-goers, as do the glass etchings on the shower doors, the mosaic tiles in the sauna, and the eye-catching artwork in the reception area. A highlight of the spa is its Couples Treatment Room, which includes a soaking tub for two, separate treatment areas, and a private rain shower. Heated floors and cashmere throws found at the pedicure stations add to the overall sense of luxury. Spa-goers will especially love the Champagne and truffles served after every service.

Because of the property’s illustrious oceanside setting and temperate climate, spa-goers needn’t feel compelled to spa indoors. Instead, they can opt to enjoy treatments from the comfort of their guest rooms or private balcony overlooking the ocean. In fact, Remède’s “Spa Without Walls” program allows them to experience spa treatments anywhere on property. “The spa also offers private cabanas for a serene outdoor spa experience,” says Boyce. “An extension of the spa, these exclusive outdoor poolside cabanas allow guests to achieve ultimate relaxation while immersing themselves in warm sunshine and cool ocean breezes.”

The spa’s indulgent treatment menu with a host of enticing services sets the stage for pure pampering, which is exactly what most guests desire. “The menu was inspired by the destination and offers luxurious experiences that can’t be found anywhere else,” says Boyce. For example, guests can opt for the decadent Bal Harbour 24-Karat Designer Facial ($275, 90 minutes), which incorporates rare Hungarian Moor mud, a gold sugar scrub, and gold oil. The Bal Harbour Brilliance Massage ($225, 75 minutes) is an energy-driven treatment that relies on powerful crystals to help balance the chakras and release blocked energy pathways. Although most guests gravitate toward the 90-minute Remède Customized Massage ($105, 30 minutes; $180, 60 minutes; $265, 90 minutes), Boyce finds the Sacred Nature Organic Facial to be a harder sale because it doesn’t deliver the instant results that the 24-Karat and customized facials do. Most treatments rely on products from Laboratoire Remède, which was created by a team of French and Swiss chemists. The line combines innovative technologies with effective ingredients to produce real results.

With 25 full-time and 10 part-time staff members, the spa is able to accommodate approximately 110 guests each day. According to Boyce, spa-goers are looking for bespoke, luxurious spa experiences when they visit. Retail, which makes up 9 percent of spa revenue, is less of a priority. Boyce’s biggest challenge to date is the fact that not all of Remède’s treatment rooms have showers. However, this isn’t stopping her and her team from aiming to achieve Forbes five-star status for the spa. In the meantime, they are certainly raising the bar on luxury in a town already known for its affluence. 

 

Owner: Starwood Hotels

Spa Director: Sonie Boyce

Opened: January 2012

 

CLIENT BASE

65% female

35% male

 

SPACE

14,000 square feet;

11 treatment rooms

 

OFFERINGS

aromatherapy, body treatments, couples’ treatments, energy work, eyelash extensions, facials, fitness, hand and foot treatments, makeup application, massage, microderma-brasion, nailcare, outdoor treatments, prenatal services, reflexology, salon services, waxing, yoga

 

MOST EXPENSIVE OFFERING

Bal Harbour Restorative Gold Package ($1,575 per couple, 5 hours), which includes the Bal Harbour Body Wrap, the Bal Harbour 24-Karat Designer Facial, the Micro-Exfoliating Pedicure and the Anti-Aging Manicure, and a Gold Body Set gift

 

SIGNATURE SERVICES

Bal Harbour Body Wrap ($275, 90 minutes); Bal Harbour Brilliance Massage ($225, 75 minutes); Bal Harbour 24-Karat Designer Facial ($275, 90 minutes); and Body Buff, Bath & Coral Gemstone Massage for Two ($830 per couple, 2 hours)

 

PRODUCT LINES

Bliss, Essie, Laboratoire Remède, OPI, Privé, Redken

 

EQUIPMENT

ECHO2Plus, Oakworks, Silhouet-Tone, Technogym

 

ARCHITECT

The Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership (Miami)

 

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Yabu Pushelberg
(New York City)