Set in the heart of Miami Beach, Agua spa demonstrates that you can find tranquility in the center of a bustling metropolis. The Delano, which bills itself, ‘the next generation of urban resorts’, has developed its brand of Agua Spas (also in London at The Sanderson Hotel and next year in Santa Barbara at The Mira Mar Hotel) as a sanctuary for the mind and body.
Simplicity reigns supreme at Agua. “Philippe Starck’s design, which includes all white curtains and circular patterns, has a calming effect,” says Spa Director Jenna Ward. The spa, which includes a Bath House, rooftop Solarium, Sauna, and Meditation Room, has a very Moroccan/Greek feel to it.
Agua adopts a simple, almost Zen-like approach (in a very Latin/Mediterranean atmosphere.) This spiritual theme is evident in everything from the simple décor to the spa’s menu of services. “There is no hard core “spa routine” feeling, instead there is a flowing relaxing feeling created by the environment and décor,” says Ward.
Unlike The Delano’s Lobby, a grand area with towering columns, enormous billowing curtains, and oversized furniture, Agua aims to give its guests a very intimate experience. Ward says, “The furniture and size of the spa create an intimacy which feels very personal—as if you are in someone’s elegant home.”
A day at Agua is a treat. After flowing through the grand lobby, up a red paneled elevator to the penthouse, you waft over a seamlessly white matte floor to be greeted by an attendant, dressed in all white, at a white lacquered wood and marble reception area. After you’ve checked in, you are given a white waffle robe and slippers to change into.
Then, you are instructed to have a seat in one of three areas: the lounge, an area with big overstuffed chaises and lots of glossy magazines, steam room, a simply designed room that has comfortable wooden sunning lounges instead of your typical blue tile banks, or rooftop Solarium, a Mediterranean blue and white sunning area where you are free to go au naturel.
Upon visiting Agua spa, be prepared. There are many services to choose from. Agua offers many “package deals.” A few of these include: the Caspian($245.00),a Massage, Basic Biologique facial, Body Scrub, and Specialty Bath; Lake Como($160.00), a Mini-facial, Mini-massage, Body Scrub, and Soothing Bath; the Nile($345.00), Basic Biologique facial, Massage, Full Body Mud Mask, Body Scrub, and Specialty Bath.
If you’re still stumped, take a hint from Madonna, Donatella Versace, and Donna Karan. They swear by the Milk and Honey Massage. Agua’s “signature” treatment is Ayurvedic-based and sure to please. Although you probably won’t see them during your stay, Hollywood’s A-listers flock here. “We have a long list of celebrities. We try to create privacy for them,” says Ward.
In keeping with their spiritual philosophy, Agua has a complete “energy program.” Ward says, “The premise is to help your body function to cleanse and purify from the inside out.” Energy services include: Reiki, Multi-dimensional massage, Traditional Thai Bodywork, Reflexology, and even a holistic facial(that includes a 30 minute lymphatic drainage massage.)
It’s all in keeping with the new trends toward spirituality in spas. “More people are starting to take more care of themselves. Work on their stress levels,” says Ward.