The Standard Spa Miami: My Review

I arrived to the Standard Hotel on an overcast Monday afternoon. My initial impression of the spa was charmingly intimate and yet upscale. Tucked away in the neighborhood of sunset harbor on Miami Beach, the hotel gave a sense of closeness to the bustle of activity on the beach while still retaining a sense of serenity.

I arrived for the explicit reason of  visiting the spa which was known for its outstanding service among massage connoisseurs in Miami

I was greeted by the front desk and told that the spa was on the third floor. The space has a pleasant natural lighting and there was an ambiance of complete and utter chill mode. I was already starting to unwind. The third floor opened to a spacious area adorned with a central desk and walls lined with quintessential spa products and merchandise.

I requested Jacob as my therapist for a seventy-five minute session. I found my Jacob to be warm, welcoming and extremely calm. A rare encounter as I have discovered many massage therapists emitting a sense of feeling overwhelmed with work at a popular spa. However my massage therapist seemed as tranquil as his environment which set the tone for my session. He led me down a hallway with a unique design of thin wooden beams and then to the designated areas for the the massage rooms. The session was superb as Jacob had the perfect blend of confidence, humility and a love for his craft. His skills as a therapist were masterful as he intertwined deep pressure, comfortable stretching and lighter pressure on my arms and legs all to my request. His creativity and execution were some of the best that I have ever experienced from a therapist. I write this having practiced massage professionally over 20 years, having received hundreds of hours of bodywork and having walked off the table from terrible massage sessions.

After some conversation I discovered one of the key aspects of the success of the spa finding talent is the freedom given to their staff. Each therapist may select their own music and seems unhurried by the day. After my blissful session, I encountered other therapists along my wanderings to the hammam (bath room). Each person seemed at ease working as if the place was an extension of their home and you were a guest. There was no military formality that I was accustomed in most high end spas. No, this location was clear in its intention to help you enjoy your day along with them. I’ll admit its a foreign yet welcoming concept. While other massage businesses struggle with keeping their doors open this place packed a full house even on a Monday afternoon. Another unexpected experience was the co-ed hamman where clothing was optional. Fortunately this useful information was shared with me prior to stepping in. At the end of my spa day I joined the other guests at the spa, applying a coconut lime scrub and a relaxing even further in a warm bath.

Overall my experience at The Standard Spa was well worth the visit. If you’re a free spirited soul that loves an upscale beach hideaway with excellent service visit the Standard Spa in Miami Beach.

(disclaimer: no complimentary services were rendered or money exchanged for this review.)

Tips

Parking: opt for valet if you don’t live in the area $20 for the first 3 hours they take credit/debit card and give you a link you can pay from 15 min before you leave.

Locker rooms are located on the second floor and services are provided on the third floor) You may choose a locker, select a 4 digit code, memorize it and notify the front desk which locker you selected.

Return the spa robe and slippers to the front desk on the third floor before you leave or you’ll pay a hefty fine!

20% gratuity is added to all services so factor this into your expenses. View the spa menu.

When you’re ready to leave and request the car you have 30 minutes so be certain you are ready to go and avoid lounging.