I was in Miami recently for a gathering of Health Coaches from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. It had been a #goal of mine to stay at the Betsy Hotel, since well, my name is Betsy. You don’t come across too many Betsy’s, so it’s always fun to see something so beloved that’s also named Betsy. Admittedly, it was a little bit of a splurge. 
So, as I looked at Spa options in Miami, I was surprised to see the Spa at the Betsy Hotel listed. As a side note, it should surprise you that I don’t always choose my hotel around the Spa! 😉. Legitimately, in large cities you can find a Spa anywhere, including some good Day spas, that I don’t always look for a Spa first when choosing a hotel. Destination and Resort Hotels and Spas are a little different. That’s usually all about the Spa! 😉
Anyway, back to looking into the Spa at the Betsy Hotel. Right off the bat, they said they were Miami’s only rooftop Spa, so this I had to see. Honorable mention as spas in Miami – check; unique experience I won’t get anywhere else in Miami – check; convenience of the spa located at the Hotel I was staying at – check.
The Spa Menu was whimsy with elements that tied into the eclectic and artistic personality of the Betsy Hotel. Looking at one of their signature treatments, I opted for the Blue Eucalyptus Sonata. I initially considered the Moonlight Sonata which is the same treatment at night, but the price was significantly higher and I worried noise from the rooftop bar might interfere with my relaxation. I later added a manicure and pedicure to my itinerary since I was in desperate need of both and ran out of time prior to the trip.
So it goes without saying that a rooftop Spa is all about being outdoors and in nature. So the treatment rooms are really 3 connected cabanas of sail cloths. While the sail cloths afford privacy and protection (shade, cooling) from the sun, there is is no escaping the sounds. And while the Spa “staff” are all conscious of speaking in a whispers some Spa guests just do not get it!!!! They almost need a sign at the entry that says relaxation in progress you are entering a quiet zone.
So the Spa is less of a traditional Spa and more of a Spa space. The Spa services are actually from Miami Massage Company who provide the services. This includes traveling massage tables rather than any fixed structure and is also why their facials are with hot towels, rather than maybe a traditional facial. There is an on-site manager who coordinates appointments, taking the reservation for the guest and booking the Miami Massage Company. She facilitates the payment and generally is hustling about as one hard working woman. 
I enjoyed my time at the Wellness and Garden Spa. My massage was very relaxing, however it wasn’t fully as advertised. While the massage lotion smelled great, I am pretty sure it was just their regular blend. And the inky eucalyptus was a spritz at the end, and there was zero sound or vibrational work. I’m of the philosophy unless a line is crossed or it’s painful, there is no such thing as bad massage, so not being as advertised was fine. But if you really had your heart set on a particular treatment, you might be disappointed. Even the manicure and pedicure – there were two listed in the menu and when booking they never asked me which one I wanted and I am not exactly sure that I had either one as described. Again, I enjoyed it, it was relaxing and I had a fabulous set of nails and toes, so that was the whole point! So again it’s less about the actual service. I believe this is because the therapists and technicians aren’t from the Spa, but on assignment and may not be as familiar with the menu. Or it its that menu is just for the enticement and services aren’t actually as described.
Still, I love any spa that offers me a glass of wine post treatment, and a nail technician who insisted I need another glass of cold champagne during my manicure!!!!! So, I think if you want the views on the rooftop post treatment; and you want some relaxation and the open air rooftop experience then the Wellness Garden and Spa at the Betsy is a great choice. But if you want a more traditional spa, or other amenities like water treatments; locker rooms, a place where you can just lounge for a while, then there are other spas in Miami to visit.
Other Tips:
- Since there is no real spa; there’s no need to arrive as early as most spas ask.
- You get changed from clothes into spa robe and slippers in a nearby bathroom and just store your belongings in a wicker basket that comes with you into the cabana
Rating:
April 2018
The Wellness Garden at the Betsy Hotel
1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Toll–Free (844) 539-2840
https://www.thebetsyhotel.com/amenities-services/spa
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