By Nila Do Simon
How do you improve on a world-renowned facility that’s already garnered global attention for its amenities? For Turnberry Isle Miami, it’s easy: Revamp the 20,000-square-foot spa, recruit the world’s leading experts in wellness and health, and overhaul the entire spa menu.
If the task of ameliorating what many consider to be perfection sounds daunting, don’t tell that to the executives at Turnberry Associates, the development and property management group that oversees Turnberry Isle Miami and Aventura Mall. The group has already transformed the latter into one of the nation’s top-grossing shopping centers—and it isn’t done making improvements. The mall, which sees nearly 28 million visitors a year, is undergoing a $200 million expansion, making way for a slew of luxury brands and a glass-enclosed space designed by architect Carlos Zapata and JPRA Architects.
The spa looks to become a centerpiece in Turnberry resort’s portfolio of amenities, which already includes a Michael Mina restaurant and two championship golf courses. Unveiled at the start of this year, âme Spa & Wellness Collective is an amalgamation of luxury tools, experts and strategies working harmoniously to better a person’s overall health. From more than 70 treatments (such as aroma- and color-therapy) and a Himalayan salt room to fitness classes galore, the result is a jam-packed wellness menu loaded with options that even Dr. Oz couldn’t top.
Perhaps âme’s most impressive characteristic is its cadre of experts who oversee ongoing programming and lead on-property retreats; this includes board-certified functional and integrative clinicians who can create customized health plans for everything from improving cognitive performance to losing weight. Throughout this year, âme will also host weekend retreats with globally recognized professionals, including yoga instructor Nikki Costello, plant-based chef Matthew Kenney and nutrition expert Amy Shapiro.
It’s in the spa’s DNA to present its guests with exceptional wellness options. Or, as Turnberry Associates CEO Jackie Soffer says, it’s in its lifestyle. “I think that in today’s world, people want a different type of spa or wellness center,” she says. “The idea was to bring in people who are the best of the best to help you with all the things you want to do. Ultimately we’re bringing the experts to our clients.”
Now that’s improving upon perfection.
Âme at a glance
• Three-floor facility
• 70-plus treatments
• 95-plus fitness weekly classes
• Cryotherapy facility
• Himalayan salt room
• Rezilir Heath clinicians
Originally appeared in the Spring 2017 Issue.
