29 Oct 2015
‘Great Gatsby meets Buenos Aires’ at Baz Luhrmann-designed SoBe Art Deco gem
BY Jane Kitchen
Miami Beach’s legendary Saxony Hotel, originally designed by Art Deco architect Roy F. France in 1948, has been transformed by (and named for) Argentine real estate developer Alan Faena, and is set to open next month.
With what promises to be stunning interiors designed by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his wife, Academy Award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, The Faena Hotel Miami Beach will also include a 22,000sq ft (2,044sq m) South American-themed spa, developed by consultant Inge Theron.
“Aesthetically, it’s one of the most spectacular places I’ve seen – and I’ve seen a lot,” Theron told Spa Opportunities. “It’s so chic, so cool, but so different. Think Great Gatsby meets Buenos Aires.”
Faena has also built a neighbouring 18-storey Norman Foster-designed residential condominium, which too features an Inge Theron-designed spa. (The penthouse at Faena House recently sold for US$60m (€54m, £39m), breaking condo-sale records in Miami.)
The Faena Hotel’s spa, Tierra Santa, will be a holistic healing centre and spa, combining South American healing techniques and indigenous ingredients with state-of-the-art technology. Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, most recently senior vice president of ESPA International, has been brought on as spa and wellness director to manage and execute the concept.
The spa includes six single and one couples' treatment rooms with sea views; an extensive wet spa with five different steamroom, water and heat experiences, including a hammam; two advanced rooms for treatments like cupping, micro-current and acupuncture; as well as a fitness studio with Technogym equipment; Rosanno Ferreti Salon and nail studio; and an oceanfront, 1,000sq ft (92sq m) yoga movement studio.
“Art permeates everything, even in the spa,” said Theron. She described the vibe as authentic, but playful; a chandelier made from fish hooks and a wall-to-wall mural depicting the beginning of earth help to set the scene.
Theron travelled extensively to find inspiration for treatments for Tierra Santa, particularly in Mexico and the Amazon, she said, and she’s developed holistic treatments using fire and smoke, and incorporated materials such as sacred healing rocks and palo santo wood into the spa.
"It's very unique – a sublime combination of ancient healing practise, art-inspired interiors and state-of-the-art technology, which makes this one of the most exciting hotel spas in the world, and certainly one of the best projects to be involved with," said Theron.
Product houses include a branded Tierra Santa line – conceptualised by Theron – that includes scrubs, oils and muds, as well as Biologique Recherche and Georgia Louise.
Theron has also developed “at the pool” services to include mini-manis and scalp massages, which add a “playful element,” she said. There will also be a strong fitness and beach programme designed by V the Art of Wellness.
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