One of those perfect days in Miami. It all started with a divine cortadito on Calle Ocho, one of the best in town. Then went on to The Setai for what was truly a spa + an experience. And all this for the spa month price of as little as $99 depending on the treatment you choose.
The Spa at The Setai by Themae , a Paris based cosmetics and spa brand inspired by the art of tea, features spa rituals from Asia and the holistic principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbalism. Products are created from four types of teas: red (rooibos), white, green and black teas.
THÉMAÉ is named after the Japanese tea preparation ceremony. You can find Philip Naiman Physiotherapy address here, a place that used similar spa rituals.
Back to my experience …..Intrigued, I went to try it out and decided to make a half day of it. I arrived at the hotel, went to the spa, dropped off my change of clothes and handbag, and headed off to the beach for a glorious walk before the heat of day. The water was like a lake, and just the right temperature. Back at my beach chair I found a bottle of Voss and water spray for the face awaiting me. Time for a quick read of the paper (yes, I still read and love the print version) and then back to the spa.
My therapist took me to one of the four spacious spa suites which are used for solos and couples. Each is like a private sanctuary complete with double beds, shower,, Hammam steam room and soaking tub. All look out onto the pool area – you know you’re in the tropics which must be especially attractive to our friends from up North. After a foot ritual, traditional in Asian spa treatments, my pillow was sprayed with a relaxing mist and the therapist set about the Oriental massage, one of 28 treatments offered at the spa. Others include facials, body wrap, body scrub, reflexology and mani-pedis . The therapist had just the right touch, massaging away some of the toxins but not too hard to be painful. And oh the scalp massage.
Instead of an oil, the T line uses a balm with a foundation of all four teas and then scented with either vanilla, a citrus fragrance or jasmin. The balm left my skin unusually soft with a lingering but never overpowering aroma. I ended up getting a jar I liked it so much.
After the treatment, it was off to the restaurant for an exquisite, light lunch – grilled Maine scallops with arugula, fennel and orange segments accompanied by a glass of Sancerre and a macaron for dessert. I gave the waiter my validated parking ticket (50% off for spa goers), the car was brought to the front door, and off I went home, feeling as if I had a glorious “daycation” (day + vacation) and vowing to come back for a girlfriends’ getaway.
Sixty minute massages and facial treatments start at $180; thirty minutes $90. A romantic experience for two starts at $520. All plus 20% gratuity. This month and next with Miami Spa Month, there are several treatment specials, 60 minutes for $99 with full use of all facilities. Go for it.
