Tag: hotels

Luxury, Wellness, and the Flavors of Mexico: My Unforgettable Stay at Etéreo, Riviera Maya

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In June 2025, I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days at Etéreo, the first Auberge Collection I’d stayed at since being at the Auberge du Soleil many years ago. Here’s a short account of my stay.

The Welcome

Imagine a world where you are greeted by a shaman who leads you through a Mayan welcome ritual; where wellbeing and self-love are manifested through a cleansing ritual, sound baths and flowing yoga; where your surroundings rest above mangroves, overlooking a beach, ocean with hidden cenote, and water features at every turn.

Thus, I found myself standing with my eyes closed and arms akimbo while being wafted with incense to chanting in Mayan. By Kevin. Kevin, as it transpired, is a resident shaman at Etéreo, an Auberge resort where I was to spend two days restoring my exhausted body and extenuated mind. (I should add that Kevin’s most un-Mayan-sounding name came from his mother’s favorite English radio show that she enjoyed before he made his entry to the world).

A short drive from Cancun airport, Etéreo lies in Kanai, near Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya. Kanai is a preserve where the ratio of building to land is limited, local materials are used in building, and water features predominantly in the design. Etéreo seems to float on a sea of green, a veritable ecosystem of tropical birds, iguanas, coatis (Mexican raccoons), and more.  

Aside from Kevin, my welcome crew included my guía, Richie, who was there to answer questions and deal with any requests I might have (easily conveyed via WhatsApp). Richie gave me my personalized itinerary for my stay, which, unsurprisingly for me, consisted primarily of the spa and culinary activities.

Suites and Studios

My room, an Oceanfront Studio with Plunge Pool, was perfect. Like all the accommodations at Etéreo, it overlooked the Caribbean sea. With 875 square feet, I had plenty of space for a king-size bed, big bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower with a view, and more. However, I spent most of my time on the generous terrace that included my very own plunge pool.

Rooftop studios and suites allow even more outdoor living space. Families can spread out in a two- or three-bedroom suite up to 3,900 square feet in living area.

My king-size bed faced the floor to ceiling windows and the view to which I cherished waking up. As I sipped my coffee, my plans for reading vanished and my book remained unopened. I was mesmerized by the view.

Experiences

You can be as busy, or not, as you like at Etéreo. For my part, a walk on the beach every morning, a swim, spa, curling up reading on my terrace, or lounging in my plunge pool worked really well.  Options abound from tequila tasting, culinary activities, a cacao ceremony, Mayan calendar reading, sunset rituals, kayaking to the underwater cenote, and beach activities. Take advantage of the Weekly Experience Calendar, particularly if you have the good fortune to be at Etéreo during the Holidays.

Of particular interest to me was the array of authentic culinary experiences, including the popular Cena de la Abuela, a Mexican heritage dinner with recipes from Etéreo’s chefs’ grandmothers.

For little ones, there is the Chavitos Kids Club, which is offered free of charge in summer, along with children’s meals. There’s a different theme daily and enough variety of activities to make you want to be a kid again.

Spa & Wellness

After settling into my gorgeous room, I scurried to the dedicated yoga studio to join my colleagues for the specially-arranged yoga class, only to find that they all ghosted me in favor of languishing poolside. Indignation gave way to gratitude as I enjoyed one of the best yoga classes I’ve ever had with the talented instructor, Jesús, all to myself.

The following day I participated in a sound bath with Jesús and one of the shamans. I must have enjoyed it. I fell fast asleep and, to the delight of those around me, woke myself up with my own snoring…

SANA spa at Etéreo has the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor space, as well as modern and Mayan-influenced treatments.  Enjoy the spa, exercise classes and fitness center as part of your vacation or book a curated four-day wellbeing retreat (through me of course!).

Authentic Mexican (And Asian…) Cuisine

As much as I travel and being married to a chef, to say that I would go back somewhere on account of the food seems a bit silly. I would go back to Etéreo because of the food. Chef Carlos Segura has got his act together, not only in the manifestation of his talent and passion for his craft, but also through the seamless and friendly service. When harmony is prevalent throughout front and back of house, you know you’re on to something.

The two main restaurants are Itzam, traditional Mexican, and Che Che, a blend of Asian and Mexican cuisines. Homemade guacamole pairs really well with a spicy tuna roll, as I discovered.   

At Che Che, we were treated to a Tacology session, a six-course tasting menu which included Octopus Chicharron, Creamy Lobster Adobo, Ahi Toro Taco, Pork Belly Cochinita, Wagyu A5 Taco, and dessert. Our welcome cocktail was a Juevebes, a Mexican version of the French 75 which just happens to be my favorite.

Having decided that hosting a tacology session would be a fabulous way to entertain, I requested a couple of recipes. Watch this space for my future podcast on that very topic, replete with the recipes that Chef Carlos Segura was kind enough to share with me.

Dinner at Itzam delighted with the regular menu that would please carnivores and vegans alike. Grilled marrow and braised beef, or lobster esquites to start for the former, chayote and beets tartare for the latter. I couldn’t decide what to have so my host suggested the tasting menu. My eyes have long been bigger than my belly so I had to go for it. Six courses later, I was full with chayote, ahi tuna, snapper, pork belly confit, short ribs, and churros with sea salt dulce de leche.

Do you wonder now why I would go back for the food?

Ready to go to Etereo?

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Whether you’re seeking deep rest, culinary discovery, or simply a change of pace wrapped in natural beauty, Etéreo delivers an experience that feels both grounding and extraordinary. If this magical corner of Riviera Maya is calling your name, I’d be delighted to help craft your perfect stay. Reach out to me to book Etéreo, secure exclusive amenities, and let me design a journey that’s as effortless as it is transformative. jayne@ilxtravel.com and 772-480-8621.

10 Reasons To Go To Etéreo

A Magical Mayan Welcome
Be greeted by a resident shaman and experience an authentic Mayan cleansing ritual the moment you arrive—setting the tone for deep relaxation and renewal.

Serene, Nature-Forward Setting
Etéreo “floats” above protected mangroves in the Kanai preserve, surrounded by tropical wildlife, calm waters, and lush greenery that instantly grounds you.

Spacious, Luxurious Accommodations
Oceanfront studios and suites offer expansive layouts, soaking tubs with ocean views, and generous terraces—many with private plunge pools you’ll never want to leave.

Personalized, High-Touch Service
Your own guía (guide) is just a WhatsApp message away to coordinate schedules, answer questions, and make your stay seamless and stress-free.

Wellness Experiences That Actually Restore You
Daily yoga, sound baths, curated retreats, and the SANA Spa blend modern techniques with Mayan traditions for deeply nourishing experiences.

A Wealth of Activities—If You Want Them
From kayaking to the cenote and sunrise beach walks to tequila tastings, cacao ceremonies, culinary classes, and sunset rituals, you can be as active or as mellow as you like.

Exceptional, Destination-Worthy Cuisine
The food alone is worth the trip. Chef Carlos Segura’s talent shines across Itzam and Che Che, delivering meals that blend tradition, creativity, and perfect execution.

Unique Culinary Experiences
Highlights like Tacology tastings and Cena de la Abuela provide a delicious way to explore Mexican heritage through recipes passed down by the chefs’ own grandmothers.

A Dream for Families Too
With spacious multi-bedroom suites and the Chavitos Kids Club (free in summer along with children’s meals), Etéreo is a rare resort that delights adults and kids equally.

Effortless Access, Total Escape
Just a short drive from Cancun airport, you’re transported into a sanctuary that feels worlds away—making Etéreo perfect for quick getaways or longer restorative stays.

Belfast’s Hidden Gem: Culloden Estate and Spa

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An elegant retreat just minutes from the center of Belfast

Set on 12 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and overlooking the Belfast Lough, Culloden Estate and Spa offers a country estate-feel a short drive from the center of Belfast. I really do mean a short drive. Culloden is 10 minutes from the George Best City Airport and about 15 minutes from the center of this thriving city. Read on to learn more about this hidden gem following my recent stay.

  1. A Blend of Gothic and Modern Style
  2. Suites and Rooms
  3. Dining and Restaurants
  4. Culloden Estate & Spa Exterior and Grounds
  5. Spa and Fitness Center
  6. Activities
  7. Book Culloden Estate and Spa

A Blend of Gothic and Modern Style

Built in the 1800’s as the official residence for the Bishops of Down, this five-star hotel now features 98 perfectly appointed rooms and suites. The main building’s public areas reflect a mélange of Gothic grandeur with high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and chandeliers, while the suites and rooms showcase modern luxury.  

Lest I sound like I’m writing a brochure, I have to tell you what I LOVED about Culloden Estate. It’s a rare hotel that can blend elegance and finesse with comfort and warmth. Culloden could write the book on this, never mind the brochure.

You won’t find a warmer welcome than you will receive at Culloden Estate and Spa, but you will find cozy nooks and crannies amid a sense of space as you explore.   Sit a while to read or enjoy the artwork in the drawing room. Plan to take afternoon tea in the delightful Bishop’s Parlour or cozied up to the window overlooking the grounds. Enjoy a tipple in the Lough Bar with its comfortable seating areas. Head to Vespers, the award-wining restaurant, replete with whiskey on the breakfast buffet. But more about that later…

Are you getting the picture? Culloden Estate and Spa offers a rural stately feel while being minutes from one of the UK’s most upcoming cities.  It is top notch and elegant, but with a relaxed and warming vibe. This is very much my kind of place.

Suites and Rooms

My travel partner and I stayed in the Bishop Suite, located on the corner of the top floor thus offering expansive views over the Belfast Lough through its large windows. The comfortable sitting room is the perfect spot to enjoy said views, although I know my husband would have been very happy to simultaneously watch the huge TV.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with hotel bathrooms. The Bishop Suite did not disappoint. The bathroom was huge with a large tub and separate shower, and plenty of heating, a much-appreciated boon in period properties.

The Bishop Suite is one of a variety of suites at Culloden Estate and Spa. If your budget allows, I strongly recommend making the upgrade to a suite. We were so comfortable that we didn’t even want to leave. So, we ordered room service the first night and watched movies.

We slept with the curtains open to enjoy the sunrise over the Lough. The Bishop Suite is a true haven within a haven.

Dining and Restaurants

Culloden Estate and Spa’s main restaurant is Vespers, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the latter, there is a perfectly curated eight-course tasting menu that screams “locally sourced” with County Fermanagh beef and lamb, Kilkeel scallop, wild North Atlantic turbot. But that is true of every meal because Culloden takes provisioning very, very seriously.

From the “regular” lunch and dinner menu to the ample breakfast spread, your food will not have traveled more than two hours to reach you. Just to clarify, I’m not saying that the kitchen is really slow but rather, with only six counties in Northern Ireland, any locally sourced products will not have traversed far to get to your plate.

Breakfast is served buffet style and includes a full Irish,* breads, fruit, smoothies, kippers, charcuterie and more. And it’s local. There is actually a booklet on your breakfast table detailing each of the purveyors, right down to the oats for your porridge.

Speaking of oatmeal, a bottle of Bushmills Irish Whiskey sits right next to the tureen in case you want to pep up your porridge. This could be particularly helpful during cold winter months (I was brought up to add a spot of whisky to my tea on freezing cold mornings. It didn’t always go down terribly well on the school bus).

Culloden Estate is known for its afternoon tea and we were delighted to partake of the Mother’s Day version. I’m a bit of a stickler because I used to own a tea room and I still teach afternoon tea history and etiquette classes to children and adults. Culloden’s hit all the spots with a variety of loose-leaf teas (and Prosecco) to accompany the fayre. I recommend taking tea in the Bishop’s Parlour, or a window seat overlooking the grounds if you can nab one.

The other dining venue is the Inn at Cultra, located on the grounds, so you get the feel of actually going out to the pub. It’s warm and welcoming with elevated pub grub and classics, including an excellent Sunday lunch. There is also an à la carte breakfast menu if you aren’t up to Vespers’ buffet. The Inn at Cultra is very popular and books up fast so consider making a reservation.

Head to the Lough Bar in the main building for a night cap, or an aperitif before dinner at Vespers. This comfortable spot offers a lighter menu which is also available on Room Service.

With two restaurants offering three meals a day, as well the afternoon tea and bar services, you are not going to be stuck, other than for choice, when dining at Culloden Estate and Spa.

* A full Irish breakfast consists of bacon, bangers (sausages), eggs, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and black pudding, all dished up with toast. Nothing will set you up better for a day of exploring Belfast and the Antrim coast.

Culloden Estate & Spa Exterior and Grounds

The grounds of Culloden Estate and Spa are a destination in their own right, offering sweeping vistas, world-class art, and luxurious indulgence. We took a leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens, yet I could easily have sat with a good book for an hour or two while quietly enjoying the view.

As you follow the winding paths, you might be surprised by the occasional sculpture from the “Art & Soul” outdoor exhibition, a captivating permanent feature presented in collaboration with Gormleys Fine Art. Each piece is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape with the goal of creating a harmonious and inspiring dialog between art and nature.

We were there about a month too early for the Bollinger Champagne Garden, which runs from May to September. Imagine relaxing in the stunning grounds, savoring a glass of “Bolli” while munching on a selection from the gourmet “Posh Pizza” menu: the perfect way to idle away a glorious afternoon.

Spa and Fitness Center

Speaking of idling away, the spa was a huge draw for me, as always. We were there one of the busiest weekends of the year (Mother’s Day), but my travel partner scored the last spot for a treatment and enjoyed an 80-minute Bamboo Joint Release Experience. I was a little worried that they were going to flagellate her with bamboo, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. The bamboo is used to assist with stretching and joint release. The treatment got a thumbs up.

I enjoyed use of the spa facility which is complimentary for hotel guests. The thermal suite includes a pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and experiential shower. There’s also a state- of-the-art work out room and complimentary exercise classes that include yoga, Pilates, spinning and circuit training. Personal training and fitness assessments are available by appointment.

A cute café, Zest, rounds out the facility serving a light breakfast and lunch. I joined the yummy mummies in a glass of Prosecco as I whiled away the time.

Activities

Whether you are tracking steps or not, a walk along the Belfast Lough waterfront is well worth the effort. Exit Culloden’s grounds and walk past the tony homes of Cultra village, and you are there in minutes. There is a dedicated path along the water’s edge so enjoy a jog or a walk with beautiful views as you take in the fresh air.

You’ll find yourself by the Royal Belfast Golf Club in no time. There are wire cages over the path to save you from being wacked in the head by an errant ball. One wonders how many people were decked before that change was made…

Culloden Estate and Spa is a perfect base to explore Northern Ireland where all the major sights are within a two-hour drive. The rugged beauty of the coast attracted visitors long before scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed there. Yet, do the tour; relive the days of salmon fishing at the Carrick A Rede rope bridge; visit Giant’s Causeway; discover the resurgence of Irish whisky; learn how to smoke salmon or bake authentic soda bread. If you want to track down your ancestors, that can be arranged too.

When you’re done with all that, take a full day or two at Culloden to enjoy the spa and the grounds.

For golfers, you are a three-minute drive from the Royal Belfast Golf Club and the concierge will set up a round for you. Be sure to book well in advance though. Technically, Culloden sits in the village/suburb of Holywood (pronounced Hollywood) which is home to its own golf club and, more famously, Rory McIlroy.

Speaking of celebrities, Van Morrison lives “around the corner” in the enclave of Cultra. Allegedly he breakfasts at Culloden most days but doesn’t like crowds. Consequently, I didn’t see him the busy Mothers’ Day weekend I was there. However, that gives me an excuse to go back to Culloden for a discreet sighting of the reclusive Van the Man.

Book Culloden Estate and Spa

Culloden Estate and Spa is the only Virtuoso property in the Belfast area. This means that when you book through me, you’ll have exclusive amenities, including a complimentary afternoon tea, the fabulous breakfast described above, and an upgrade if available.

Be sure to include Belfast in your next trip to the Emerald Isle. If you don’t, you’re missing out. I would be delighted to help you plan your perfect trip. Call me at 772-200-3956 or email jayne@ilxtravel.com.

NOUS Santorini: A Spacious Retreat Minutes From The Action

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Santorini welcomes over 2 million visitors a year, including up to 10,000 cruise passengers a day during peak season. NOUS, which aptly is the ancient Greek word for Mind, provides the perfect sanctuary for those who want to experience the uniqueness and beauty of this idyllic Greek island, while escaping the potential crowds. And NOUS Santorini does the escape thing really, really well. Situated in the village of Mesaria, NOUS is five minutes away from airport and ten minutes from Fira (Thira), the island’s capital, and a 20-minute drive from Oia to where everyone flocks to see the fabled sunset.

  1. The Biggest Pool You’ve Ever Seen
  2. Artfully Decorated Rooms
  3. Foodie Paradise
    1. The Pool Bar and Restaurant
    2. Elio’s Italian American Chophouse
    3. Wine Cellar and Vitamin Bar
  4. The Largest Spa on Santorini
  5. Getting Around from NOUS Santorini
  6. Book Now

The Biggest Pool You’ve Ever Seen

What strikes you first on entering the grounds at NOUS is the sense of space, a rare commodity at hotels in Santorini’s main towns. Every effort has been made to keep the property harmonious with the landscape, a fact echoed by the water feature that runs from the top of the steps down to reception, a gentle cascade for the eyes and the ears while you gaze at the Aegean Sea beyond the property. As you reach the bottom of the steps to enter reception, you get your first glimpse of the NOUS’s masterpiece and centerpiece – its one-hectare pool that requires a panoramic setting to photograph its entirety.

Check-in is conducted in the lobby lounge from the comfort of a sofa while the staff come to you to complete registration. You are given a WHATSAPP number to text for any eventuality. I used this for real emergencies like running out of the SPF 50 sunscreen that is provided in each room and to get help with my luggage. Responses were very prompt; I began to wish more properties would do this.

Artfully Decorated Rooms

The selection of rooms at NOUS is vast, and a large number of suites have their own pool. Of 119 rooms, 41 are pool suites and 17 pool bungalows.  Garden units are amply spaced and the terraces are huge. You’re not on top of your neighbor at all, with the rooms set out like a European village because, well, you’re in Europe.

My pool suite was a dream. I had a large living room with kitchenette and glass doors leading to the ample pool deck. The bathroom was spacious with a huge walk in shower and plenty of closet space (lack thereof being one of my beefs when I’m traveling). The large bedroom also had a view of the pool and the Aegean Sea beyond. I should add that this was not a postage-stamp pool; I had space to swim comfortably.

I saw several categories of room while I was there. Of course, the pool suite was my favorite. It worked for me and one more person, had my husband been traveling with me. The suite would actually accommodate four if the sofa bed were used, although a pool bungalow or a 2-bedroom suite would work great for larger parties. If I weren’t in a pool suite, I’d pick a garden superior room. These come with a huge shady terrace, expanding your living area into a great indoor-outdoor space.

NOUS is part of YES! Hotels whose owner is an avid art collector. Each room at NOUS has a special piece of artwork specific to the space it is adorning.

Foodie Paradise

The Pool Bar and Restaurant

If breakfast is supposed to be the biggest meal of the day, you’ll have no trouble meeting that goal at NOUS Santorini. The Pool Restaurant and Bar serves the best breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen, this could well be fueled by the fact that there is an onsite bakery that puts out a phenomenal variety of baked goods. There’s also a wide selection of cheeses, yogurts (Greek, of course) and cold cuts that one would expect with a Continental breakfast. And real honey that you spread off the comb. I mean, who does that?

The buffet has a good selection of hot items, and there’s an extensive a la carte menu too. I was really happy to see plenty of vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free. Since Greek coffee is phenomenal, I didn’t have to skip on my daily latte with almond milk.

Both breakfast and lunch can be taken inside or beside the legendary pool. The lunch menu features small plates, salads, and superlative entrees. My party dined on a memorable selection of dips, freshly baked breads, Santorini salad, chicken bao buns, fresh fruit, flat breads, grilled shrimp salad, mini tacos, and mushroom skioufikta.

Elio’s Italian American Chophouse

After my huge lunch at the Pool Bar and Restaurant, I didn’t think I’d ever need to eat again, but dinner was planned at Elio’s Italian American Chophouse where we headed for focaccia, Sicilian Shrimp in lemon sugo, Carne Cruda Piemontese, Eggplant Parmesan, Zucchino Crostini, and Tomato Panzanella. Those were the starters… The difficult decision after that was choosing between Branzino, Delmonico steak, or Lobster Tagliolini Fra Diavolo. (I went with the Delmonico). Dinner was complemented with a flight of Santorini wines delivered by the delightful resident sommelier.

Wine Cellar and Vitamin Bar

NOUS’s wine cellar is the perfect spot for private dinners and small receptions. Enjoy a tasting of local wines from the expert in-house sommelier. For healthy fare, head to the Vitamin Bar, located by the spa. Here you’ll find a selection of salads, juices and smoothies made with local ingredients. The Vitamin Bar is also a great place to grab a cup of Greek coffee.

The Largest Spa on Santorini

The spa at NOUS is the largest on the island. Besides five treatment rooms with outdoor spaces, including a couple’s room with private jacuzzi (shown above), there is a sauna, steam room, fitness center, and outdoor yoga area. The water theme continues to prevail with the stunning indoor-outdoor pool, by which the relaxation area is located. Dedicated to a holistic approach, the spa offers a variety of treatments at prices which are very reasonable for a 5-star resort.

Getting Around from NOUS Santorini

YES Hotels

From NOUS Santorini, you can easily get to Fira (10 minutes), the archeological site of the ancient city of Akrotiri (20 minutes), and Oia (20 minutes). A lovely afternoon out is a tour of one (or two) of Santorini’s famed wineries followed by dinner in Oia to watch the sunset. Alternatively, how about a private sunset cruise? I can arrange any of these for you to enhance your NOUS Santorini experience.

Book Now

NOUS Santorini is a Virtuoso property, which means that when you book with ILX Travel, we are able to take extra great care of you by procuring exclusive amenities. Please contact me for more information: 772-200-3956 or jayne@ilxtravel.com.

Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel: A Full-Service Wellness-Focused Resort in the Heart of Miami Beach

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As a wellness travel consultant, I’m always excited to visit a new property. With the wellness travel market growing exponentially, as travelers seek to continue their healthy habits on the road or use their vacation time to reset, wellness-oriented properties are popping up all over the place. In some cases, this means adding a spa or fitness facility to an existing location, for others it means creating an environment that is truly focused on wellness; its raison d’être.

Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel falls into the second category, yet that hasn’t always been the case.  When I first posted from the property, the reaction was along the lines of “Is that the place I remember from the Sixties? The Seventies? In my case, it was from the early Nineties when I lived up the road (Collins Avenue) in Bal Harbor. I would drive past the Carillon twice a day heading to and from my office. The Carillon is an institution on Collins Avenue, and a beautiful one at that. While having undergone renovations, many of the original features have, thankfully, been kept. I was thrilled to see the collection of memorabilia in the bar lounge curated from past visitors and the hotel’s archives.

The Largest Spa on the Eastern Seaboard

Fast forward to 2024 and the Carillon boasts the largest spa and wellness facility on the eastern seaboard at a massive 70,000 square feet. This includes a hydrotherapy circuit with nine hot and cold thermal experiences; over 75 weekly group fitness classes, including Pilates reformer (at no additional cost); a stunning oceanfront fitness floor; and a two-story climbing wall.

The array of spa treatments ranges from functional to integrative, traditional to touchless. I experienced two of the latter hands-free treatments, V.E.M.I. and halotherapy. My travel partner enjoyed The Oriental, based on ancient Chinese massage therapy aimed at balancing the body’s yin and yang.

There are 28 treatment rooms so if you are doing a girls’ or guys’ weekend, there is plenty of room to accommodate all of you for treatments.

As a huge fan of water-based treatments, I was in my element (pun intended) in the Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuit, a collection of suites from which one moves one to the next, stimulating circulation and rejuvenating the body as you go. The thermal suites include the herbal laconium (my favorite), crystal steam room, Finnish sauna, an igloo shower, experiential rain showers, vitality tub, thermal loungers, and foot spas. For descriptions of each of these features, please click here.

Best yet, the Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuit is open to all hotel guests for no additional cost.

Luxury All-Suite Accommodations

As a guest you will enjoy spacious luxury all-suite accommodations that feature one- or two-bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and separate living room. I’m a big fan of separating workspace from sleep space, especially when I’m traveling on business. With two of us in the suite, there was plenty of room to plug in when we needed so we could labor away while enjoying the view from floor to ceiling windows. (For the best views of the expansive beach, book a corner suite as shown in the photo below. Equally stunning views are available from the open plan kitchen and living area.)

Bedrooms can be configured with king or twin queen beds, which are the star of the show. This was my first experience with a Bryte Balance Smart Bed, which I got to program to my own preference of firmness. (If two of you are sharing the bed, you each customize your own side).  Every morning, I received an email telling me how I had slept the night before, not only how many hours, but also how fitfully.

The spacious spa -inspired bathrooms feature a large soaking tub, shower with a double head, vanity, make-up station, and a separate loo. And a scale, which is handy if you want to track your progress. After three nights at Carillon and taking full advantage of the facilities, I was down another pound on my current weight loss journey.

Each suite contains an ActivePure advanced air filtration and surface purification system which was developed by NASA and is proven to kill pathogens and contaminants. I can’t think of many places that go to such lengths to make sure that you are sleeping well and breathing good air.

As you can see, Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel checks a lot of boxes – superlative fitness facility, excellent spa, spacious accommodations – so what about dining?

From Casual to Michelin-Starred Dining

I loved the convenience of the Corner Store, located in the lobby. This is a great source for smoothies, juices, fresh baked goods, and grab-and-go healthy meals. There is also a decent selection of beer and wine and snacks, should you want to put together an impromptu wine and charcuterie tasting. (For the record, I do that often when traveling if I don’t feel like eating dinner out).

I should add that there is a Publix supermarket literally across the street. With a very functional kitchen in the suite, we were able to enjoy salad and sushi when we didn’t feel like going out. In-room dining is another option, featuring items from the Corner Store and the Strand’s varied menu. The latter is a fine-dining restaurant located off the hotel’s lobby, with plenty of indoor seating and a large terrace overlooking the beach. The menu is largely Mediterranean with plant-based and gluten free options. We shared a tuna bowl, short rib fagottini, and quinoa. For dessert, we went to the very comfortable cocktail lounge for chocolate martinis. In case I forget to mention it again, the bar staff are awesome.

As you walk into the Strand’s bar, you’ll see a large double door on your left. It could almost blend into the decor because it completely belies what is behind. Open the doors to what was the Carillon’s private dining room back in the day and you are entering a magical space. The Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt is a Michelin-starred dinind experience limited to only 18 guests at a time. The menu is based on Chef Brandt’s foundation in classical fine French and Asian cuisines. A 10 course tasting sourced from local producers excites the senses at $250 per person with $125 chef-selected wine pairing.

For The Non-Wellness Minded

What if you’re not interested in the wellness component? The litmus test for me is whether or not I can take my husband, who will not participate in any spa treatments, and you will never catch him in a fitness center unless he has accidentally taken a wrong turn.

He would have no trouble lounging under an umbrella on the 750 linear foot beach or by the cabana pool, enjoying food and libations from the Seaglass Café. He might decide to work on his tan by the adults-only saltwater rooftop Atlantic pool.  He would love dining on the patio or inside at The Strand, and may even treat himself to the exquisite tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Tambourine restaurant.  He would enjoy the full bar (great cocktails – big thumbs up to the Flores gin and tonic, a blend of Hendricks Flora Dora Gin, elderflower tonic, and orange bitters) and comfortable lounge. He would love the spacious accommodations, the views, and being able to relax and watch his favorite TV shows.

Special Summer Offer

Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel fits the bill whatever your interest – spa relaxation and rejuvenation; tailored goal-specific wellness programs; weekend getaways, business trips for folks who don’t want to get out of their healthy routine on the road, or anyone who wants to enjoy a beachfront getaway with spacious accommodations, fantastic facilities, delicious dining, and all that Miami Beach has to offer.

Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel is a Forbes 4-star resort and AAA Four Diamond Award, and a Virtuoso property, which means I can extend special amenities to you, including an upgrade when available, early check-in and late check-out, $100 resort credit for use in the spa or restaurant, $30 breakfast credit per person. Better yet, take advantage of the current summer promotion and get your 4th night free.

For more information, or to book your stay at Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel, please reach out to me at jayne@ilxtravel.com or 772-200-3956.