The Miami Herald takes a look at a different day spa every week. Send nominations to: spa@MiamiHerald.com.
SPA CHAKRA
Espirito Santo Plaza
1395 Brickell Ave., Miami
305-503-6533, spachakra.com
• The lowdown: Spa Chakra opened on the 24th floor of the Conrad Hotel in November, catering largely to the business crowd.
Guerlain products are used exclusively. There are 10 treatment rooms, two of which are adjoining for larger parties or semi-separate couples treatments. Clients choose a Guerlain fragrance to be added to treatments.
There are wonderful pluses to booking a one-hour treatment: Use of the small gym, and the rooftop tennis courts and pool, skyscrapers a delightful backdrop. For a few hours on Tuesday and Thursdays, a masseuse gives poolside back massages -- free.
All prices include taxes, tips and valet or garage parking.
• The neighborhood: Although Brickell bustles, the hotel makes it easy to cruise right up to the front door and valet park. Enter on 14th Street and bear left once on the hotel's thoroughfare.
Take the elevator to the 25th floor, where check-in is located, and go around the corner to another elevator bank. Go down to the 24th floor. You have arrived.
• The vibe: Beige, simple, uncluttered.
It's unusual to walk into a treatment room and see virtually nothing on the countertops. Spa manager Charlotte Prescott says that's the point: zero distractions.
''Our philosophy is that your experience is your treatment,'' she said. ``We have a lot of business clients and they want to leave everything behind.''
• The highlights: Men's Invigorating Break includes a vigorous massage, facial exfoliation and eye treatment to reduce visible fatigue, one hour for $165. Purifying Back Therapy involves a deep steam cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, mask and hydrating treatment, one hour for $165. Spa Facial features a facial massage, deep cleansing, eyebrow shaping, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, exfoliation, paraffin hand treatment, pore extractions, 90 minutes for $250. All services come with a complimentary 15-minute foot bath and treatment.
• Discount for Miami Herald readers: Mention this story when booking an appointment and get any hourlong service for $125, rather than $165. Offer good until June 21.
