Pamper palaces
For when you just want to relax — Miami Beach caters to the rich and not- so- famous.
Room rates are heart- stopping, but these pamper palaces are jaw- dropping. So if you’re thinking about that once- in- a- lifetime luxury vacation, do it in style and worry about the mortgage when you get home.
Depending when you go, however, there are some amazing discounts to be had …
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami
If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, be Queen ( or King) for the day and check into the Mandarin Oriental’s five- star holistic spa where the treatment rooms are bigger than most people’s living rooms. Then float down to the waterfront beach, wiggle your toes in baking- powder- like sand and the rum- meister can deliver innovative concoctions to your beach bed. Or sidle up to the bar and choose from 250 martinis divided into categories such as sweet, tangy, naughty but nice, and oddballs while taking in views of Miami’s skyline and Biscayne Bay. www. mandarinoriental. com/ miami
The Ritz- Carlton, South Beach
With swanky suites ( Julian Lennon reportedly bought one here) and the Dilido Beach Club— literally on the beach— this restoration of the original 1953 Morris Lapidus- designed Dilido hotel in the heart of the Art Deco district deserves its four stars. The tanning butler strolls the pool deck and beach from 11 a. m.- 3 p. m. armed with suntan products, eyeglass cleaner and Evian spritzer in his custom- made holster. Miguel applies oil to guests’ hard- to- reach areas— the back, neck and shoulders. “Everyone loves the tanning butler, even straight guys,” he says, laughing. Need energizing? Go for a ‘ Rhythm massage’ at the 16,000 square- foot Four Star Spa. Your masseuse cranks up the sound system and rubs mojito oil— in Latin salsa time — over your limbs. www. ritzcarlton. com 786- 276- 4000
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Smack in the heart of South Beach, Loews recently had a $ 50 million facelift, including 790 stylish rooms and suites. Poolside pampering begins at noon. As soon as the cabana guy preps your chaise longue, it’s time for an Evian mist. And every hour you get a special treat, from suntan misting and cucumber slices for your eyes to aloe misting when it’s time to hit the bar or visit their new Sobe Scoops ice cream shop and Splash boutique. Your biggest decision of the day will likely be where to dine — the hotel boasts seven restaurants and bars including Sushi Sobe and the famous Emeril’s Miami Beach. Adults can opt for Aquafit and beach yoga. Heck, you may never leave the building. www. loewshotels. com