Where: The Spa at Auberge Beach (2200 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale)
The treatments: Massages and body rituals involving the quartz table
The lowdown: At first glance, nothing about the custom-manufactured Gharieni quartz treatment table screams ancient Egypt. Its chic body-length design and inversion gravity settings all speak to a work of contemporary wonder in the spa world. But as explained by Heloisa Melo, one of the engaging and experienced specialists at The Spa at Auberge Beach, the heated quartz crystals that fill the table’s hollowed-out shell are, indeed, a blast from the past—an Egyptian tradition that, in this case, draws restorative energy from the pebbles and the warm cocoon they form around the body. At The Spa, the healing benefits of the table (which also elevates and tilts to promote circulation) play into a handful of treatment offerings. In addition to a medium-pressure, full-body massage with either amethyst-infused oil or CBD-infused oil (the cannabidiol compound that is said to have its own pain-relief properties), patrons can enjoy a Sand, Sound & CBD Body Wrap or a Restore & Balance Massage. The former includes a dry-brush exfoliation, a soothing application of CBD oils and relaxation in the quartz bed; the latter combines aromatic compresses, stretching, essential oils and deep-tissue massage all while reveling in the warm quartz bed. Hot sand therapy is nothing new, given its therapeutic history, but rest assured that The Spa’s modern interpretation of a treatment that goes back a few thousand years will feel like a revelation.
Prices: Mineral Quartz Massage ($149 for 50 minutes; $199 for 80 minutes); Quartz Sand, Sound & CBD Body Wrap ($189 for 80 minutes; $239 for 110 minutes); Restore and Balance Massage ($179 for 80 minutes)
The vibe: Instead of limiting spa access to its luxury condo owners, the team at Auberge Beach Residences opened its more than 15,000-square-foot wellness retreat to the public. It’s a gift that will keep on giving thanks to a sophisticated setting inspired by the sea, salt, sand and sounds of South Florida. Pale oak and teak woods, and earthy tones dominate the décor; detailed, personalized and highly professional service in the locker areas and 14 treatment rooms speak to the staff’s commitment to world-class spa standards. Beyond the dozens of treatments on its menu, The Spa adds to the wellness experience with a salt cave (the halotherapy is said to have benefits for the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems), a sound meditation lounge (with curated music), an infrared sauna, a hot steam room and a cool deluge shower.
Other spa highlights: The Spa’s Auberge Anthology is a trio of treatments that, along with the aforementioned Restore and Balance Massage, includes a Heaven and Earth Body Treatment (think lemongrass body scrub, scalp massage, and various hydrating creams and toners) and a Best of Auberge Facial that uses micro-current and light therapy to revive the skin. … Custom facials and antiaging treatments incorporate renowned brands like Babor and Eminence Organic Skin Care. … The Spa offers nail and hair services, as well as its Express Beauty Bar for eyelash extensions, eyebrow microblading, waxing, threading, LED face and body treatments, and more. … Ask about the specific treatments for men, couples and even new moms. … A Spa Garden with outdoor massage cabanas was scheduled to open soon.
Contact: aubergeresorts.com/aubergebeach/wellness/spa; 754.900.4067 (spa hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Photo by Nick Garcia
