USP Fifteen thousand square feet of luxury, offering restorative treatments based upon the ancient traditions of Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai cultures. The spa is renowned for the Kundalini Journey, an innovative treatment exclusive to Mandarin Oriental, Miami; it combines stone therapy, advanced massage techniques and aromatherapy, to achieve a greater level of physical and mental relaxation.

AMBIENCE Before I entered my treatment room, the therapist stopped me and quietly said, “When you enter the room it is going to look very different to what you have seen before.” My immediate thought was, "hmmm, how?". I was pleasantly surprised or, to put it precisely, I was taken aback. The spacious room was candle lit with dim blue surround lighting and had steps that led up to a bath area. Fuchsia Orchid petals adorned the floor and soft Tibetan music filled the atmosphere. I felt distant from the world outside the room - I had, in spa speak, "travelled beyond".

Located on the island of Brickell Key, the spa has 17 private treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean. Its design embraces Asian culture with stylish touches including bamboo flooring, calming water features, granite tiles, mixed pebbles and untreated exotic woods. The changing area and shower cubicles are luxurious, fully tiled in beautiful Spanish marble. The steam room soothes with its infusion of scented energising oils, while the subtle lighting throughout the spa provides an overwhelming sense of serenity.

EXPERIENCE The term Kundalini comes from Yogic philosophy and refers to energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine. This treatment is designed to help awaken the Kundalini and allow energy to flow through the entire body.

Before my treatment began, the therapist showed me a plate of semi-precious stones and asked me to pick three according to what most appealed to my senses. She explained that these would indicate to her the areas of my mind and body that needed the most attention. Using a blend of aromatic Frangipani, Jasmine and Mandarin essential oils she continued with a soothing, medium-pressured massage. A sense of deep relaxation washed over me as she applied free-flowing long strokes. This was followed by light stretching of the muscles and a combination of Thai and Shiatsu massage.

Soft Asian tunes were played to assist in relaxing my mind, body and spirit. Towards the end of the treatment the music was brought to life when the therapist gently sounded a Tibetan bowl and hovered it over my body. It was an awakening experience that felt tranquil; a little bell ringing, as if to alert me that my journey had come to an end and I had been given a burst of new life.

She then went on to explain the meaning of the stones I had picked at the beginning of the treatment. I chose a quartz crystal, a carnelian and a citrine. The quartz crystal represented a need to let go and know everything will be taken care of; the Carnelian reflected openness to new things and creativity, and the Citrine, my knowledge of self worth. Overall, she said I was very well balanced.

At the end of every Kundalini Journey the client is presented with a gift. I was given an onyx necklace to help me stay balanced and to remind me of my awakening moment.

FOOD The snacks in the waiting room continue the Asian inspiration, offering guests exotic banana crisps and an assortment of nuts. To drink, there is the option of ginger or peach tea and still water.

The hotel is also home to two high-energy restaurants and a popular martini bar. Azul, Miami’s top five-star dining destination, run by award-winning chef, Clay Conle, is a smart waterfront restaurant with an eclectic cuisine of Mediterranean flavours and Asian influences.

For all-day casual dining, Café Sambal offers a menu that includes classic dishes, salads and hot entrees. The restaurant manager, Patrick Calvarese, livens up the atmosphere and is a friend to every guest. He says: "hey know me and they always come back, even the locals. It’s a place of second habit."

M-Bar is a popular pre-dinner destination and features the largest selection of martinis in South Florida, specialising in a cocktail list of more than 250 recipes.

IN-CROWD An affluent crowd consisting of wives who accompany their husbands on business trips, business clients attending local conferences, retired couples who want super-attentive service and celebrities who are not in the mood for the South Beach spotlight. Regular celebrity guests include, Will and Jada Smith, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz and Prince.

WALLET WATCH The Kundalini Journey lasts two hours and costs $340 (£170). Other Journeys start from $290 (£145). Private and couples suites can be booked, starting from $190 (£95).

NEED TO KNOW Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami FL 33131, (001 – 305 913 8383; www.mandarinoriental.com)

For more than 210 independent spa reviews worldwide: timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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