ESPA at Acqualina

If there’s any place in the world you want to feel young, it’s Miami—land of imported Euro babes, models and bikinis. But for those of us who want to only kick gently as we head into the long, dark night of being over 25 (as opposed to tussling with a surgeon’s scalpel or syringe), there is ESPA at Acqualina Resort and Spa. The international luxury spa chain—this was the first location in North America—offers several anti-aging treatments that will rock a little East-meets-West spa pampering on your waning visage and bod, and allow you to face the beach bunnies with an extra spring in your Havaianas. Named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top spas in 2008, the two-storey, 20,000-square-foot oasis is chic and relaxing, with glass-mosaic and dark wood walls, low lighting and the ever-present sound of trickling water—and it has a stunning view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Before or after your treatment, relax in the outdoor pool on the terrace or in the heated jet pool with its own waterfall, indulge in the various wet rooms—Crystal Steam Room, Ice Fountains, Experience Shower (with both Arctic and Caribbean mists)—or visit the Finnish sauna. The targeted anti-aging facials feature products from ESPA’s new Super Active product range, but I go for the Contour and Firm Body Treatment ($380) because I feel my derrière has been looking a little elderly of late. And though the service—a specialized treatment meant to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system, concentrating on naughty areas that are prone to cellulite and water retention—is apparently best done in a course of six, I’ll have to take the Coles Notes version and try just one. But what a one it is. The two-hour treatment involves a vigorous massage (or three—I sort of lose count), a rub-down with cold mitts, a thorough salt scrub, body brushing, a warm marine-algae wrap and a pressure-point foot massage to activate lymphatic drainage. Did I look instantly 22? Not sure, but I felt energized and fresh, and my bottom was smooth as butter. Take that, beach bunnies.