Top 10 Spas in South Florida

by Paul Rubio

Rain or shine, a trip to the spa is always rewarding. The potential release of compacted stress sometimes is the only thing that saves us from internal combustion. And, of course, we all love to be pampered. The following spas are the crème de la crème of Florida’s oversaturated spa industry.

1. Canyon Ranch, Miami

It’s only natural that an entire enclave dedicated to mental and physical wellness would offer the best in spa services. The spa menu is the most comprehensive in the state. The Muscle Melt for “Road Warriors” is the ultimate in pleasurable pain, with 80 minutes of deep tissue exploration through powerful hands and warm compresses. Free use of the massive Aquavana thermal suite exposes your body to a contrast of hot and cold temperatures, from relaxation in the freezing “igloo” to rain massages in the corridor of “experiential rains.” This is more than a spa treatment; it’s an entire day of bliss. 6801 Collins Avenue, (305) 514-7000, Canyon Ranch Miami Beach

2. The Spa @ Mandarin Oriental, Miami

With breathtaking waterfront views and palatial amenities, the VIP treatment suites are an extraordinary experience even for global spa authorities. But the true secret to success is the dedication and prowess of the resident therapists and the signature treatments. The Spa has designed most of its own menu blending highlights of Thai, Balinese, Ayurvedic and Chinese methodologies. 500 Brickell Key Drive, (305) 913 8332, www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/spa

3. The Spa @ Icon Brickell/Viceroy Hotel

A spa fairy tale come to life, Philippe Stark’s wellness masterpiece takes the spa experience to another dimension of fantasy and seduction. The white maze of indulgence climaxes in the glass paneled Victorian library towering over Key Biscayne, where floors transform into relaxation pools, furniture rises from the water, and the vanguard, oversized chandelier sways and mesmerizes patrons.  The quality of the spa treatments matches the grandeur of the architecture and infrastructure. 485 Brickell Avenue, (305) 503-0369, www.viceroymiami.com/spa

4. Spa Atlantic, The Atlantic Hotel, Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s first true luxury hotel is still at the top of its game. Most notably, the 10,000-foot spa is beautiful and fabulous, with top masseurs offering simple, traditional treatments without all the spa jargon and fluff. The unpretentiously glamorous ambience and back to basics focus on core spa services is a breath of fresh air in a deceitful spa world of unsatisfying treatment concoctions and broken promises. Spending your afternoon at the hotel pool, peering over the Atlantic Ocean makes this feel more like a daycation than just a spa service! 601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., (954) 567-8020, The Atlantic Hotel

5.  The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Hotel and Spa

Towering over Sebastian beach, the latest addition to the Ritz Carlton chain fuses understated luxury and modern beachfront elegance, a fresh approach to the traditional style of the Ritz. The hotel’s spa is a welcomed first class pamper palace, surprisingly the same price as cheesy spas in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale. Seasoned professional therapists transport you to a state of utter relaxation through their magical hands in grand, meticulous treatment rooms. 1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, (954) 465-2300, www.ritzcarlton.com

6. The Grand Spa, Fort Lauderdale

Small and intimate, tucked into the back of a gay guesthouse, the Grand offers traditional spa services and more innovative ones such as Jack Black body wraps and some of the most indulgent massages ever. Masseuses exhibit firm and utter command of their extreme strength. Professional and personable staff caters to personalized needs. 539 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 630-3000, The Grand Resort and Spa

7. The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes

Measuring a 40,000 square feet, the colossal pampering palace features the prowess of over fifty therapists. One of the spa’s latest inventions, the Eco-Rooftop Hammock Experience, utilizes techniques of traditional Thai and shiatsu massage and reflexology. As you sway back and forth, cradled in your open air, rooftop hammock, your massage therapist lies underneath your chrysalis releasing kinks, tension, and stress using primarily foot strength, bringing you to a calm, reflective place, a momentary mental and physical Zen. 4012 Central Florida Parkway, (407) 206-2400, Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes

8. The Standard, Miami

The Standard Spa recognizes that your body is a shrine and should be treated accordingly. In a hypermodern setting of body, soul, and Miami Beach, the Standard promotes holistic indulgence and encourages communal, shared rituals of traditional bathhouses with an outdoor hydrotherapy playground. The creative spa menu focuses on interdisciplinary treatments that customize traditional and innovative techniques to your body’s needs. 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, (305) 673-1717, The Standard Hotel

9. Bliss Spa, W Fort Lauderdale

Predictably good, the W Fort Lauderdale’s Bliss Spa is the latest outpost of the hotel chain’s flagship spa. Much like the hotel, the spa décor and staff are young, fun, and fresh. All treatments are performed with amazing Bliss products and leave patrons re-charged and ready to conquer the world…or the beach at least! 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, (954) 414-8200, Bliss Spa @ W Fort Lauderdale.

10. Agua spa, Mondrian South Beach

Mondrian’s spa is a boutique designer spa, featuring the genius of Marcel Wanders as the backdrop for decadent Milk and Honey treatments or simpler classics. The spa is a surreal work of art that draws the funky, the fashionable, and the jetsetter to savor personal indulgence and later experience Miami’s sexiest sunsets by the pool. 1100 West Avenue, (305) 514 1950, Mondrian South Beach