Spas

Shore Club Miami Beach

The Shore Club in Miami Beach offers up the best of the Miami social scene and pairs it with a world-class spa. Where else can you find a poolside scene peppered with celebs and get a 60-minute deep tissue massage (Our personal favorite)? This luxury spa has it all!

Coming to Miami? Besides renting an exotic car in Miami, here are the top 3 spas to indulge in during your stay!

1.    Shore Club Spa
2.    The Standard Spa
3.    Soho Beach House, Cowshed Spa

Shore Club Spa Miami

Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji
This luxury resort opened in 2008 and is located on the private Fijian island.  It is the world’s first pressurized undersea resort and features 22 lavishly appointed guestrooms.  Each guest room boasts 270-degree windows for panoramic views of the sea around you.  Perks include access to a fleet of private submarines to explore reefs and a private bungalow accessible by sub only!  Weeklong accommodations at this luxury undersea resort start at $30,000 per couple if you want to get your James Bond on…or you could just indulge in an Aston Martin rental Miami for under $2,000.

The Trump Soho New York luxury hotel has recently opened its doors and unrolled the red carpet for celebrity guests and is making headlines.  True to Trump form, the Trump Soho NY adds distinction to the city skyline and provides an exquisite escape for guests.  Located in upscale Manhattan, this will certainly be a must-stay for those seeking the luxury hotel experience in the city!  Tip:  Make sure you make a quick call to us to secure the exotic car rental NY that best compliments you.

Whether you had a rough week at the office or are just stressed out from all the shopping on the Magnificent Mile on your vacation, Chicago has multiple world-famous spas to kick back and relax at.  Most spas will offer 30-40 different services, each offering their own unique way of relaxation.  For the purposes of this article we are going to focus on massages, more specifically the most expensive massage offered in the city.

When it comes to South Beach hotels, the Betsy Hotel certainly portrays poise and elegance, located in the famed Art Deco district on Ocean Drive.  This is a luxury hotel, upscale restaurant, lavish poolside bar and exotic garden spa all in one location.

There are 63 elegantly appointed rooms at the Betsy, all of which are private, beachside jewels with elaborate and creative design, and of course, every modern amenity.   The décor is decidedly tropical, yet not tacky.  A main attraction is the courtyard pool, where you can indulge in delectable specialty cocktails that will melt away your every worry.  Light fare is offered poolside.

We at Imagine Lifestyles love all that is luxury living, so when we heard about this ultra-luxe spa treatment, we decided to share it with our fans.  In Turks and Caicos, a new trend is cracking open-a Queen conch shell scrub. 

You can find this aqua exotic treatment at the Regent Palms in Turks and Caicos; just ask for a 30-minute Mother of Pearl body treatment. Queen conch shells are found in the shallows of the Caribbean and southern Atlantic seas where the waters are tropical and warm.  These mollusks have large shells lined with pink tinted mother-of-pearl. 

When you stay at Four Seasons, there is much more than a concierge approach to luxury to entice guests-there are also a handful of expert South Beach plastic surgeons who are available for a free consultation at the hotel upon request.  It is surgery in style for those who can afford this original and boutique approach to cosmetic surgery.

This is a fresh and innovative approach to protective privacy in the world of publicized cosmetic procedures for the rich and famous.  Guests of the Four Seasons are accustomed to pampering and the undivided attentions of the luxury hotel, and now those interested will have the secure privacy and attention of some of South Beach’s top plastic surgeons-sans media glare in the comfort of the hotel.

It is a sign that luxury evolves right along with technology, and as technology becomes increasingly invasive, concerns regarding privacy are being met with increased measures to guard against unwanted attention.  Four Seasons has taken a hands-on approach to the comfort of its guests, no matter what South Beach luxury they are in town to indulge in.

By choosing to meet with a qualified surgeon at Four Seasons, you are able to make an informed and smart decision regarding breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, body lifts, and more by asking questions and learning comfortably. Following your complimentary consultation, perhaps a relaxation session at the expansive pool surrounded by the Atlantic will help during decision time!  

To arrive in style, a luxury rental car is a must in South Beach!  Visit Imagine Lifestyles today to explore our expansive and impressive variety of exotic cars.

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals
 

Canyon Ranch is promoted as one of the best spas and wellness centers in the country, having two locations in Tucson, Arizona, and Lenox, Massachusetts well established.  A third location in Miami Beach has been in the works since 2005 and was built beachfront, where the old Carillon Hotel once was. The Canyon Ranch Hotel/Resort/Residences finally opened earlier this year, although you wouldn't know it. Canyon Ranch has been empty,  demographic faux pas or 21st Century Depression? Only time will tell.

WHat we do know is that Canyon Ranch has about 150 luxury suites on the hotel side, ranging from $300 to $1,800 a night. Canyon Ranch bills itself as "the first condo, luxury hotel and wellness spa of its kind!” While the 70,000-square foot spa is massive, we aren't convinced. Canyon Ranch strongly markets the holistic benefits of “a deeper wellness, a healing energy, where body meets soul" to draw in the health conscious rather than self-obsessed.  Having said that, at this point, Canyon Ranch wants anybody by any means. Point in case, the Miami Beach Canyon Ranch is the only one that allows alcohol. While the remote countryside Canyon Ranches in Arizona and the Berkshires remain serious detoxifying centers, the Miami location couldn't afford to do be alcohol-free. Canyon Ranch replied, " “Our beverage offerings are reflective of our beliefs,” the drinks menu intones. “Research indicates that alcohol, when consumed in moderation, can help people live long and well.” And their brand of alcoholic beverages are better for the environment: “100% organic spirits and beer, along with sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines free of artificial pesticides and fertilizers.” Believe what you want, we all know that Miami Beach is the place to party first and relax second. Canyon Ranch had to get on board fast or sink. The moral of the story is, you can get drunk off organic wine at the Canyon Ranch spa but you can't get a soda. The spa offers every service imaginable but it isn't much different from other spas on Miami Beach, just farther down Collins.

The Canyon Ranch Hotel is  over-designed to the point of being cheesy and reminiscent of a nice retirement home. The food is ultra health-conscious and calorically marked which we appreciate but it's just too little too late. If you want to really detox at a Canyon Ranch opt for one of the first two locations; if you want to party in Miami Beach pick a better hotel, like the Setai, Shoreclub or soon to open W Hotel. If you want to come to Miami Beach and not interact with any other living human-beings, besides hotel staff, then go to Canyon Ranch Miami.
 

Oh the power of going green! In this case, going green doesn't have anything to do with saving planet Earth, although saving Earth is helpful. Green is the color of the aloe plant which is said to be a plant with powerful healing abilities. Many health and beauty regimens consist of some aloe but one spa depends upon it. The Aloe-Spa Salute Per Aloe has just recently expanded into the Stated from Spain and Argentina. The Aloe spa has just taken up residency in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach, Florida. The spa centers around aloe but uses other natural ingredients such as, organic brown sugar, marine salt, green coffee, honey, green tea extract, açai extract, Andean volcanic clay, and pure caviar. While this spa sounds more like a place to eat rather than get a massage, it must be good. More people must love aloe then we thought because the Aloe spa just managed to expand in this economy. The Aloe spa offers services just like any other spa, massages at $120, facials at $130 and full body treatments starting at $150.

We wouldn't push aloe on anybody but will say that aloe has always taken the red, painful burn out of our sunburn. Maybe its a good thing the Salute per Aloe Spa is now in South Florida because seeing splotchy, sunburnt tourists is a daily affair. If you're not into the spa then wear sunblock because SPF really does prevent sunburn, wrinkles, leathery skin and skin cancer, duh.

Everybody's New Years resolution is to get back into shape after holiday binges. You will probably notice how the gym gets uncomfortably crowded for a few weeks, it usually dies down by February. In Miami, however, people stay fit and in the gym all year. With the gym being an everyday shrine in Miami, it was only fitting to build something outrageous.

David Barton has built the king of all gyms in the Gansevoort South Hotel. David Barton is somewhat of a South Beach celebrity, he is the man behind the Miami upscale gym. Building also in Chicago and New York, he has taken gyms to an all new high. Barton's modus operandi is helping South Beach, Chicago and New York "look better naked."

The Studio Sofield has helped him design the newest 45,000-square-foot big daddy, DBG gym and spa. The space features Italian chain-inlayed stairs, hand-stenciled walls, hanging sculptures and a metal lattice dome ceiling. The spa offers some very South Beach-ish inspired treatments like "The Cougar," an anti-aging facial. Plus, the "Hot Pants," a treatment to exfoliate, tighten and tone the derriere. The new DBG gym in the Gansevoort South kind of makes the other South Beach David Barton gym's look like garbage, maybe its time for some renovating. David Barton gym members can work-out at any location. However, if you are a member of DBG through the Flamingo Residencies that's another story. The Flamingo has a puny version of a David Barton Gym but like everything else at the Flamingo they shaft you. You cannot work out anywhere but there, you'll miss out on the bigger and better DBG. In short, the new DBG is stunning and sure to make every South Beach meat-head and model feel good this season.

The majority of jacuzzi's are pretty tacky-looking but we have found one that, miraculously, isn't. The Unique Base Jacuzzi by Carlo Urbinati is 21st century and sophisticated. The Unique Base Jacuzzi's name is fitting, it can be totally customized. The tub can be installed inside or out, built-in or floor standing, in any environment. Finally, freedom from those gross primitive tubs and less time consuming then having to design from scratch. From wood to mosaic laying, leather, or fabric, you can choose all parts on the Unique. Put one in the bathroom, on the deck or in the middle of the room if you want, the Unique Jacuzzi will help make it look good. Next time you come in from a hard ski, work-out, or day at work, you'll take a sumptuous soak and it won't seem so bad.  

Here we go, don't know what to get your billionaire boyfriend this holiday season? We do, it's the Derek Rose dressing gown known to the joe-shmoes of the world as a robe. Now this is no ordinary robe, it is a luxurious splurge for those of you that can still afford to splurge. Selfridges department store is unapologetically catering to the ultra-affluent people of the world with items like the Derek Rose dressing gown. For a cool $22,290, the robe is the priciest bed gear known to man. Why you ask, does a robe cost $22k? It's called Vicuna wool, one of the most exquisite and rarest types of wool in the world. A Vicuna is cousin to the Llama but produces much less but extremely fine wool. A Vicuna is an endangered species that now lives only in captivity in the Peruvian highlands and the animal can only be shorn every two years. Just think your man could wear it all Christmas day, heck he might wear it everyday to get his money's worth. Then again, if you're buying the Derek Rose dressing gown in the first place, money is obviously no object. He will probably wear it once or twice and then lose it in the closet but it's still a good idea for the man who already has everything!

The oh-so-popular Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is almost here and by here, we mean next week in Miami Beach (our hometown!). The 2008 sexed-up show will broadcast from the revamped Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. The Fontainebleau Hotel is one of the most legendary and architecturally stunning hotels on the Beach. Built in 1954, and originally designed by Morris Lapidus, the Fontainebleau was hailed as one of the most luxurious of its time.  

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach sits oceanfront at 4441 Collins Avenue, the hotel was purchased in 2006 by the restored Fontainebleau Resorts Firm.  Fontainebleau Resorts then set out to give the hotel a $1 billion dollar facelift over the next two years, taking vigilant care to preserve the circa 1950's design elements like the famous "staircase to nowhere." The renovated Fontainebleau will debut with a 40,000 square foot spa, two brand new towers (Chateau and Versailles), 15,000 rooms, 11 restaurants and lounges, three nightclubs and an oceanfront "poolscape" with several pools. Plus, iMac computers in the ritzier rooms. If that wasn't specific enough for you and you're into name dropping, then here you go... Just to name a few,  the Fountainebleau will feature: Gotham Steakhouse, Sprezza Italian restaurant, Hakkasan a Cantonese restaurant, LIV Nightclub, Blade Sushi bar and Glow the Pool Bar. Fun factoid, President elect  Barack Obama also stayed at the Fontainbleau Miami Beach on a recent campaign tour of South Florida. 

The remodeled and refashioned hotel brings us back to models and fashion. The Fontainebleau Hotel's behemoth grand opening will be kicked off by the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on November 14. A virgin to Miami Beach, the famed lingerie runway show will be taped and broadcast by CBS for the sixth year in a row. The show will air on Wednesday, December 3 at 10:00 - 11:00 P.M ET/PT on CBS for all those not in attendance for the actual show, which was by invite exclusively.

We look forward to seeing Victoria's Secret supermodels Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Marisa Miller, Miranda Kerr (also on this months issue of OceanDrive Magazine) and an army of other seductive Angels. Plus, Miami Beach will be flocking with celebs and games of whose who. Television audiences will get to see musical performances, red carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of the world's most eminent fashion shows a.k.a a totally commercialized circus. Past musical performances have been the Spice Girls, Justin Timberlake, Seal, Sting, and Mary J. Blige. This year Usher is rumored to be the main musical guest performance. Here's to hoping the $1 bill Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach looks as hot as the supermodels. We are keeping our fingers crossed and we will be there to keep you posted, you know you're totally jealous!

Haven't heard of the Yamu yet? Shame on you. The Yamu is a five-star hotel being built and designed by the General Hotel Management (GHM) company. If you aren't familiar with GHM projects then we don't know what rock you live under, this company has some of the most outrageous hotels and resorts around the globe. The Setai Hotel on Miami Beach, Florida is the first in America and may give you some bearing on just how insane their establishments are. The Yamu Hotel is on a private peninsula of Phuket's east coast and will raise the bar on previously held notions of privacy, tranquility and luxury.

There is always some anticipation when hotels of this calibre are set to open but the Yamu is highly anticipated. Hopefully the names Zecha, Gathy and Starck mean something to you. The world renown trio went into collaboration on this project in Phuket. Industry guru Adrian Zecha chairman and director of GHM Hotels and Aman Resorts, acclaimed architect Jean-Michel Gathy and French interior designer Philippe Starck are creating a hotel that is magnificent, we don't have words.

The Yamu Hotel will not encroach on surrounding natural beauty, thanks to the architectural genius of Jena-Michel Gathy. In keeping true to Thai spirit, Gathy constructed large outdoor living rooms, interconnected open rooms, and functionality between indoor and outdoor spaces. He accomplished his goal of intensifying natural beauty without disrupting existing nature.

The  interior 63 rooms overlook the limestone islands of the Andaman Sea. Interior designer Philippe Starck has also taken design cues from surrounding nature. Again he has created stunning accents and opulence that are of another world. Best known for being startling and sumptuous,  the Yamu will still be inviting in an elegant yet casual fashion as only Starck can do. We are convinced that the Yamu Hotel, graceful, sophisticated and timeless will breathe new meaning into the word vacation.

Not to mention featured facilities galore. The Yamu has a stunning 160-person restaurant that will serve Thai, Western, and Chinese influenced cuisine. A to die for spa and 100 metre swimming pool. Oh and, five glass cubes within the estate that will serve as a wine room with wine cave below, a cigar lounge, a chocolate room, a private kitchen and a designer boutique.

Around the hotel will be 12 privately owned Villa Estates, operated as part of the hotel when owners are away.  Each villa will have master pavilion with a lounge, a master bedroom, kitchen and maids' quarters. Plus, a 23.5-metre swimming pool, garden and outdoor showers.  The Club Complex at the Yamu boasts personal butlers, unsurpassed privacy, and convenient access to facilities, achieving the ultimate luxurious vacation environment.

Plus, Yamu Hotel projects out into Phang Nga Bay and has a private marina with 39 berths. There are 84 islands sparkling across the bay, plus several small private beaches, hidden caves and quiet anchorages. The privileged few who can afford to own and vacation at the Yamu Hotel and Residencies in Phuket, will experience unrivalled tropical beauty and marvelous marine life in sever comfort.

The Hotel, the Villa Estates and Club Complex, are infused with the visionary intellect of Gathy and Starck to achieve an extremely rare synergy of style and than run by the best. The chic Yamu Hotel doors will open next Summer, 2009. Private investment opportunities are available for sale, we recommend you hustle to. We are booking like tomorrow!