Room service, Mandarin Oriental Miami
Yin. Yang. Up. Down. Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax. Repeat.
That was the instruction from my spa therapist at the Mandarin Oriental Miami‘s spa during my Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Treatment (MOSST). I needed a quick getaway alone – away from the laundry, the dirty dishes, the emails, the dust bunnies… I grabbed a cheap flight on JetBlue and headed to Miami. A good night’s sleep, warm bath and one spa treatment later and I was a new woman.
My Saturday in Miami started with a cup of coffee on the balcony of Room 816 at the Mandarin. I highly recommend this hotel to travelers – the price is right and every room has a balcony or terrace, making it an ideal Miami getaway. My spa appointment wasn’t until 11 a.m., but the request you arrive an hour early to check-in, fill out forms and enjoy the relaxation room before your treatment. With two hours to spare, I opted for a run along Brickell Key to start to day.
Spa time, Mandarin Oriental
At 10 a.m. I checked into the spa, showered, cuddled up in my spa robe and made my way to the relaxation room. Having just come in from a run I was famished, and thrilled to see the relaxation room had cups of almonds and bowls of fresh fruit to snack on. I munched on my healthy snacks while I filled out my forms.
Are you tired? Yes.
Are you constipated? No.
Are you worried? Always.
Are you happy? Overall, yes.
Do you put others needs in front of yours? Most of the time.
Are you creative? Yes.
Are you … are you… are you…
The questionnaire went on for a page but the questions actually do serve a purpose. The MOSST is a customized treatment that varies based on the individual. What’s more, the questionnaire is set up to focus on your present emotional state. The answers you have today might not be the same answers you have in a month, thus each treatment is different.
My therapist met me at 11 a.m. and took me upstairs to one of the ‘treatment suites.’ The suite was the size of my apartment in Boston with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Miami Bay. There was a bathtub, a shower, a massage table and a changing room, and the entire room was filled with orchids and scented candles. Simply put: If tranquility had a home, it would live in this room. I placed my feet in the foot soak tub, which featured bubbles and rose petals, and immediately fell into a state of relaxation. The Chinese foot soak is a traditional way to start any Asian therapy treatment and I can understand why – the foot soak helps release toxins from the entire body, forcing you into a more relaxed state of mind.
My therapist reviewed my forms and declared I was “fire” – one of the five Asian elements (fire, metal, earth, wood, air). Fire people, I’m told, hold the world in their hearts. We’re creative, passionate and giving people. We have an enormous capacity ofr love and intuition. We’re sensual and generous, but hold our emotion in our hearts. We are easily concerned and have trouble sleeping, and we commonly have problems with asthma, allergies and liver complications. Listening to her tell me this was like having someone read into my entire DNA and yet, it was somewhat comforting.
We choose oil scents that complimented my mood and moved to the massage table. An hour later, I was walking on clouds.
My spa session ended and I made my way back to my room, poured myself into a hot bath and took a deep breath. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat.
The lesson: Solo travel can be intimidating, but the result is nothing short of rejuvenating.
It sounds like a heavenly trip. For those in Boston, the Mandarin Oriental Boston’s Spa is, hands-down, the best spa in the city. The staff is gracious and intuitive and the facilities (crystal steam room, mood shower, relaxation pool) are oustanding. In short, a perfect spa experience in the city.