Local Expert
Hal Peat
Hal Peat is a travel journalist who has covered destinations and topics across North America, Europe and the Caribbean region for the past 12 years. His work has appeared in a wide variety of…
Hal Peat is a travel journalist who has covered destinations and topics across North America, Europe and the Caribbean region for the past 12 years. His work has appeared in a wide variety of both print and online media on both continents.
More
Review Articles
Canyon Ranch's approach to healthful living and wellness are well enough known far beyond its landmark locations in southern Arizona and Massachusetts. While other spa resorts and retreats offer the range of treatments, activities and facilities that might provide an inner/outer mind and body makeover, it was Canyon Ranch which pioneered much of the holistic concept in spa resorts in the Eighties and whose own brand of products and services, along with its own special sense of environment and design, that have kept drawing the most well-conscious to unwind, rejuvenate and recharge.
Their newest location at the northern end of Miami Beach promises to establish its own identity and following in the region just as its sister locations have already done. Built on a six-acre oceanfront site originally home to the late 1950s historic Carillon Hotel, now restored and preserved as part of the resor, the new Canyon Ranch Miami Beach opens its doors to guests in November 2008 with 150 luxury guest suites -- but it's the signature Canyon Ranch Spa, a 70,000-square-foot facility with spa, wellness and fitness features, that is likely to be the magnet drawing south Florida residents and health-conscious travelers alike to its doors. The luxurious European-inspired Aquavana thermal spa facility features a Finnish sauna, hydro spa, herbal sauna, crystal steam room, ice igloo, reflexology basins, heated lounges and experiential shower-cabins. With some 44 treatment rooms onsite, along with separate men's and women's dressing rooms and relaxation lounges, guests can take full advantage of the Canyon Ranch body treatments; therapeutic massages and bodywork; mud, salt, aromatherapy, seaweed and Ayurvedic treatments; facials; full-body cocoons and scrubs. The fitness facility comes with an equally extensive range of state-of-the-art cardio, weight, and strength-training equipment along with expert trainers and outdoor fitness activities ranging from Pilates, yoga, and a Gyrotonic® motion and flexibility class to high-energy aerobic classes, private beach walking sessions, and biking trails. Guests may book private fitness studios for specialty classes or one-on-one instruction if preferred. For those willing to give what it takes both physically and mentally, challenge awaits on the two-story indoor rock climbing wall overlooking the ocean for further inspiration.
When you're not working out, taking a spa treatment or doing a class, feel right at home albeit with perhaps a few more luxuriant amenities on hand: guest suites have a definite relaxed elegance in the spacious living areas outfitted with dual large flat panel entertainment systems, fully-equipped kitchens with granite top counters, and bathrooms with imported stone floors and Italian glass tile mosaic. Other in-room amenities include high-speed internet access, multi-line telephones, plush robes and slippers, 400-thread count linens, in-room safe, daily newspaper, and twice-daily housekeeping. There's also several choices for dining or light refreshment onsite: the oceanfront terrace Canyon Ranch Grill, a tapas dining room and exposition kitchen serving the acclaimed Canyon Ranch cuisine; the Carillon Café and tasting room, an intimate social gathering space to relax; and finally eeZz’s juice bar which serves up local fresh juices and smoothies
___________________________________________________________________________
Canyon Ranch Miami Beach - 6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Venture just a short ways beyond Miami's beaches and boulevards, and you fall suddenly into its backyard semi-rural landscape. It's a somewhat quieter, mellower place, with a lingering feel of what the southernmost part of the state might have been like half a century ago and more. Nowadays, however, there's also the burgeoning presence of small businesses that have developed their roots to appeal to exactly that kind of traveler who savors the original roots that nurtured a great urban neighborhood.
One of the most interesting stops you can make on any exploration into this area still referred to as the Redland is sure to be the Fruit and Spice Park, which claims to be the “only public garden of its kind in the United States” and has been operational since 1944. Nowadays, it is home to some 500 varieties of exotic fruit, herbs, spices and nuts from around the world. General Manager Chris Rollins points out about the Park’s tour operation: “We do three tours a day, and at this time of year (in winter) it’s not uncommon to have anywhere from 20 to 35 people on a tour. It’s included in the cost of admission and surely the best way to see the Park. People can walk around on their own, but since it’s 39 acres, most people would never find anything without the guided tour on the tram first, and then they can go back and do their in-depth stuff on their own.” In addition to tours, there is a well-stocked visitor center that sells seeds, reference books and books on cuisine; there are also regular scheduled seminars on horticulture and cooking. The calendar changes from year to year, but one staple event nowadays is the annual Redland Natural Arts Festival which takes place each January. The mix of activity draws a diverse audience; as Rollins further observes: “we do get a lot of retired people because they’re the largest segment of active gardeners. But we also get a lot of younger people interested in the commercial end of tropical fruits, and cuisine, and utilizing tropical fruits, and people interested in a career in horticulture.” No matter what your age or taste, look forward to coming away with some spices, jams and jellies and maybe even some entirely new ideas on what you might grow in your own back yard or at least your apartment patio flower pots.
Check their website for hours of daily operation and daily free guided tours.
___________________________________________________________________________
Fruit & Spice Park - 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead; Tel: (305) 247-5727
Once upon a time, the Doral was a well-known palace along the shores of Miami Beach. Then it decided to move in quest of new travelers who wanted something different. One such desired group was the golf enthusiast travelers who loved Florida and playing their game while on holiday; the other was the then elite group of spa traveler seeking wellness amenities in a secluded atmosphere of park-like surroundings. That relocation to 2,400 acres of swampland in an undeveloped area has, some four decades later, successfully transformed it into one of the leading golf resort and spa destinations in this part of the United States.
The extensive acreage acquired by the Doral at its location of the past several decades has also allowed it to fully expand into two separate but still conveniently adjacent wings catering to the spa and golf traveler. The Spa truly does have an almost monastic air of tranquility about it: the exteriors of the buildings are constructed in a classic Italian villa style, with formal gardens, fountains and quiet arbors, and there is an inner courtyard at the center of the complex. Consisting of just 48 suites, each in itself is a self-contained retreat that allows the visitor as much cocooning time within whenever necessary away from the onsite facilities or the busier pace of the city outside. After you arrive at the main resort entrance, you are whisked off on one of the ever-present golf carts to the separate reception area of the Spa. Suites feature marbled entry hallways, mini-bar and snack area, leading into a spacious living where you can relax, entertain, take care of business at the writing desk, or enjoy the vistas of the adjacent golf courses from your sofa or your private balcony.
Once you are unpacked in your suite, take advantage of the spa surroundings by indulging in steam, sauna, whirlpools, cold plunge pools and private sun decks over in the spa facilities. There are also a variety of heated pools to choose from: a formal, more relaxing adult oriented pool is complemented by hot and cold, cascading waterfalls known for their therapeutic effects; an indoor pool, which offers daily water aerobic classes, and an outdoor lap pool. Complimentary fitness programming includes lectures and 49 exercise classes ranging from “Yoga for Golf” to “Pilates” and “Latin Dance”. Clearly, the content of the regimens being offered take due note of local cultures, national trends and also take the opportunity to offer alternative exercise approaches to the traditional sports audience. If you’re self-motivated enough, there is a fully-equipped fitness center inside the main spa building where you can either work out on your own or get a fitness consultation with one of the certified instructors. As far as golf, your choices here are equally vast: Doral has five 18-hole championship courses—Red, Gold, Silver, the Greg Norman designed Great White, and the landmark Blue Monster. Whatever your level of golfing skill, each course provides the type of highly enjoyable challenge that seems to keep all levels, ages and sexes returning here year in and year out.
___________________________________________________________________________
Doral Golf Resort & Spa - 4400 N.W. 8th Ave., Miami, Tel: (305) 592-2000
Stretching in longevity back into the mists of the early Nineties, the dining spot on 14th Street in South Beach nowadays known as Tyrannosaurus Mex - or T-Mex for short - proves that survival of the healthiest in dining is compatible with also staying true to South of the Border classics.
This Mexican cantina spot was formerly known as San Loco for most of its life until last December, when a partial change in ownership made a total change in name a must. At the same time, the existing menu that featured such items as carnitas (pork tacos) and of course tacos, burritos and Macho Nachos, got a green makeover with the addition of fare like mushroom quesadillas and tofu tacos in whole wheat and spinach tortillas. Does the evolved consciousness about healthier ingredients mean the casual and friendly ambiance has changed? Not at all. While the identity has changed, T-Mex remains a high-priority stop for long-time fans of Mexican casual at its best, whether taking time to banter at the bar seating or make a pit stop for take-out fare for neighboring hotels.
______________________________________________________________________________
Tyrannosaurus Mex - 235 14th Street, Miami Beach; Tel (305) 538-3009
In case you hadn't heard before you arrive here, old Coral Gables was inspired and designed along the lines of classic Mediterranean architecture in its buildings and public places. Today the inspiration lives on in even the most contemporary, large and busy new commercial structures. One such is the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, where your initial impression may be that you're approaching the grandest of Spanish Moorish palaces as you sweep up the imposing drive and porte cochere.
Any feeling of being overwhelmed by size and grandeur quickly gives way to the personalized service and the accommodation you will go on to encounter here. The desk staff are attentive to every immediate need and concern of the arriving guest, and the concierge can provide answers and help with any planning for your agenda around town or Miami at large. While the lobby also evokes the old world decor of Granada's Alhambra, you'll have easy access on the ground floor also to all the best in the 24-hour business center facilities.
The hotel's 250 guestrooms - which have been undergoing an extensive renovation - also feature the Moorish theme combined with chic, modern style. Rich mahogany furnishings are paired with classic wrought iron mirrors and stylish accessories, accented with a color palette of rose hues and cool creams to create a luxe Arabian-Spanish design. Furnishings feature the hotel’s signature Hyatt Grand Bed™, ergonomic work stations, LG flat-screen televisions, a marble bath, iHome decks, wireless Internet access and mini-bars. Many guestrooms have spacious balconies which overlook the lush garden courtyard, swimming pool and Coral Gables city views--so you do well to snag yourself an upper floor room here.
Aside from the extensive meeting room and business facilities here, the hotel also has much to appeal to the leisure traveler and the busy executive who values relaxation on the road - from the lush garden courtyard, outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour Hyatt Stay Fit club, to the lobby lounge with live piano music and full-service dining. The hotel is an easy walk to the city's legendary Miracle Mile, the more recent Village at Merrick Park is a few minutes drive.
____________________________________________________________________________
Hyatt Regency Coral Gables - 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables; Tel: (305) 441-1234
While this part of the country might more typically be viewed as making lemonade out of lemonade or orange juice out of its oranges, in fact fruits both native and exotic in origin have become the source of the ingenuity that is Miami's own local vintner, Schnebly WInery.
A visit to their premises and a tour of their burgeoning business opens your eyes to what can be done with an unexpected range of fruit in the production of fine wine. Located in Homestead, about an hour's drive from downtown Miami Beach, ambitious vintner Peter Schnebly has steadily expanded his initial operation of a few staple vintages into an array of wines based on such diverse fruits as carambola, mango, lychee, guava and passion fruit. A new 5,000 square-foot tasting room is the setting for daily tastings, and there are tours on the weekend. Of course, there's an on-site store that offers the current line of Schnebly wines. The Winery's 18-foot high tropical waterfall provides a nice relief on a humid mid-summer day. Don't be surprised in the meanwhile if you find one of the Schnebly tropical fruit wines turning up on your table at many Miami dining establishments to accompany some of the best prepared meat, poultry or seafood based dishes. They are a unique complement to both regional and international cuisine, and once you have tasted the flavor of one fruit--be it guava or mango or other that captivates your own palate--your attention will surely take you on this otherwise also enjoyable adventure into the city's semi-rural backyard to see where it all begins.
Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 10-5; Sat.: 10-6; Sun.: 12-5
_____________________________________________________________________________
Schnebly Redland's Winery - 30205 S.W. 217 Ave., Homestead; Tel: (305) 242-1224