Last updated on June 4th, 2020
Miami. The American Riviera with its pastel palaces, its swaying palms and Art Deco curves is one of my favourite haunts when I need a break from the slate-coloured skies at home. Eye-popping art and sleek design sit in every corner and crevice of this sorbet-coloured city, so it’s surprising to those who know me that I had an art-free break in Miami recently (well I did cheat a tad, but more on that later). I needed a cultural calm-me down fix, and the Carillon Miami Retreat was just the tonic. Off I headed into the tropical metropolis for a 3-day session of nutrition workshops, pampering, meditation and downtime. Bliss.
The Carillon Miami
The Carillon is located in Miami’s North Beach, about a 20-minute drive from the airport. It’s an oceanfront property with the sparkling sea on one side and the shops and restaurants of the world-famous Collins Avenue on the other. The Miami Boardwalk runs alongside the hotel on which you can walk or cycle (using one of the hotel’s cute bikes) all the way to South Beach.
I came with my daughter, Clarissa Lenherr, who was running a retreat that week: Become the Healthiest Version of You. The aim of the retreat was to nourish the body and mind through a series of workshops led by Clarissa and supplemented with meditation and yoga sessions, delicious food and spa treatments. There was plenty of time for sun-worshipping and “me-time” in-between.
The Carillon is a big hotel but it’s super generous with bedroom size and with its public areas – and yet it feels intimate, and friendly. And for this Londoness with a serious case of directional dyslexia, it’s easy to find your way around. It has both an elegant and casual feel about it. Oh, it’s also pooch-friendly, so a big paw clap for that.
The retreat included our accommodation in a gorgeous one-bedroom suite with floor-to-ceiling windows (there wasn’t a bad view in the place). Each suite comes with a kitchenette, living-room, and a luxury bathroom with a walk-in shower and generous tub.
The kitchen is fully equipped with Nespresso coffee and tea-making facilities (topped up daily), a microwave, fridge, hob with kettle, toaster and a dishwasher. If you feel like dining in, there’s a well-stocked Publix with a Starbucks across the road from the Carillon.
There’s a Bose Wave Radio (which even streamed Classic FM from London), and not that you’ll be using these much during your stay, but there are two TVs in the suite.
A piece of technology which you will want to use is the tablet with online access to the spa, valet, in-suite dining and restaurant reservations.

Carillon Miami Adult only Pool

The Ocean Pool
The Carillon has four pools. The rooftop pool is an adults-pool only and there’s a family pool just off the beach.
Carillon guests have access to a 750-foot private beach from which you can order drinks and snacks.
The Carillon has a 70-000-square-foot spa and wellness centre with one of the most impressive gyms I have ever seen. Use of these areas is included in your stay including unlimited access to the 20 plus fitness classes each day. Classes might include Latin Cardio Dance, Gyrokinesis, Ballroom Dance, Beach Bootcamp, Slow Flow Yoga, and Buff Ballet Booty.
Even the two-storey climbing rock has spectacular ocean views – that is, if you can open your eyes when you’re at the top!

The Herbal Laconium (image Carillon Miami)
Also included is access to the Thermal Experience, one of the country’s largest hydrotherapy circuits. We relaxed on heated loungers, took showers in Caribbean monsoons and Polar mists (heaven), went for an Igloo drizzle where we were enveloped in cool minty air, and finished off with my favourite, the Herbal Laconium. This room detoxifies the body using heated herbal aromatherapy. You’ll also find all the standard treatments including a sauna, crystal steam, foot bath and a party-sized hot tub. The Thermal Experience is open to all hotel guests over the age of 14.
You can eat at the Strand restaurant which has both indoor and outdoor areas, or you can eat pool or beachside if you prefer. As the retreat included two buffet breakfasts and two lunches at the Strand, we chose to go out for dinner in the evenings. My one criticism of the Carillon was that it did not offer a wellness gluten-free and dairy free menu, and the staff did not seem to be well-educated with allergens on the menu – although they were always happy to enquire on my behalf. They did have a delicious gluten and dairy-free pizza (pictured above) on the menu which everyone happily devoured during the Retreat.
If you want to head out of the hotel for food, there are plenty of neighbourhood places where you can grab a snack. Carrot Express was a favourite amongst the wellness guests, and there are supermarkets and takeaways on Collins Avenue. You could also order from The Strand hotel restaurant or from most local restaurants on Uber Eats if you wanted to dine in your suite. There’s also a Corner Store café located inside the hotel which makes delicious juices and coffees.
The Carillon Retreat
Clarissa led the retreat which included suite accommodations for three nights, two group breakfasts and lunches, two evening socials, a $200 spa credit, four workshops and two retreat group-only meditation/yoga classes. The retreat also included unlimited access to all the facilities and classes in the hotel.
We were welcomed with this gift bag which contained the best gift of all – the Carillon tote, perfect for carrying around your retreat notes as well as sunblock and water.
The retreat kicked off with a tour of the facilities and was followed by a welcome social hosted by Clarissa. We had our first Q and A session with drinks and some very yummy nibbles.

Don’t worry about coming to the Carillon Retreat on your own – you’ll make friends quickly. Group lunches and evening socials were organised during our stay. (Image: Carillon Hotel Miami)
On Day two, we had our group breakfast in the Strand restaurant and then took over one of the hotel’s event rooms for our second workshop and lunch. We also had a healthy snack workshop during which Clarissa taught us how to make healthy lemon, coconut and cashew energy balls.

We all left with a spring in our steps after the second workshop, the Four Pillars Approach to Wellbeing.
In the evening, we had our second social in the stunning private Dining Room. We kicked off with an organic wine tasting, paired with scrumptious snacks prepared by the head chef (these included vegan and gluten-free options). During our workshop we discussed the stigmas around food and how to free ourselves from diet culture and its negative connotations.
We had two sunrise yoga and mediation sessions held in the Ocean Studio. The view alone was enough to send me into deep relaxation.
On our final day, we held our workshop just after breakfast on the Strand patio. Over the course of four workshops, we discussed diet and sleep optimisation, gut health, how to boost energy, and choosing good mood food.
We finished the retreat with a flourish – the individual spa appointments. I had an Aromatherapy massage, and I can tell you it was one of the best I have ever had (thank you Mary-Lou!) There’s an extensive spa menu from which to choose with more unusual treatments such as cryotherapy and Ayurvedic treatments.

Here I am, spruced up and ready to hit London running again.
After three days at the Carillon, I was re-booted. I felt healthier, nourished and relaxed. I survived a full three days of just floating about and having someone else look after me. It was quite hard to pull myself away, so I made myself an absolute promise to come and visit again for an annual chill pill. There might be a little bit of art thrown in, mind. Hasta pronto, Miami.
The Carillon hosts retreats throughout the year – more information here.
Just before I go, I did promise you a little art…

Brazlian muralist, Eduardo Kobra, Wyndood Walls
Clarissa and I headed over to Wynwood Walls one evening. The brainchild of Tony Goldman (the man behind SoHo and South Beach revival), the walls are now curated by one of the art dealers inside the walled area. It’s an open-air art gallery featuring some of the greatest graffiti artists in the world and it’s a must-see if you come to Miami.
Note: I was a guest of the Carillon Miami. All views and opinions my own.
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13 Comments
Beth
July 3, 2019 at 11:26 pmI think I could feel my body relax ever so slightly as I was reading your description of the hotel and retreat! Sigh. Florida’s sunshine and (calm) beach life is always a good idea. I love the look of the hotel, kind of sleek with a retro feel. The spa sounds AMAZING. I’ve only been to Miami once and it was very brief. This certainly piques my interest! #FarawayFiles
Scarlett
July 8, 2019 at 2:05 pmI need another dose of it again, Beth!
Corey | Fifi + Hop
July 2, 2019 at 3:53 amMiami is just the best. I don’t know much about this hotel but it sounds heavenly! There is nothing better than going to Florida for a serious re-charge and chilled vaca…I will have to look up this hotel the next time I go! Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
Karen (Back Road Journal)
June 30, 2019 at 7:46 pmHow wonderful for you and your daughter…it had to be memorable. We used to live in the Miami area years ago and you can’t believe how that part of the beach has changed and all for the better. Perhaps you can go back for Art Basel.
Scarlett
July 1, 2019 at 4:58 amThat would be wonderful, Karen.
Angela Vincent
June 27, 2019 at 6:12 pmThis looks completely fabulous. I found myself plotting how I could go as I was reading. What an incredible treat. Last time I was in Miami I made the mistake of going during spring break…It was far from relaxing!! #farawayfiles
Scarlett
June 29, 2019 at 10:01 amOh no, Angela! Spring break in Miami is a nightmare! Hope you get to go back again soon.
Annabel Kirk
June 27, 2019 at 2:11 pmSounds like the perfect escape from a grey London! #farawayfiles
Scarlett
June 29, 2019 at 10:02 amThe perfect getaway, Annabel, and all those endless blue skies.
Esther
June 27, 2019 at 1:36 pmOh, I need a couple of days there!! It looks lovely. Though I bet I couldn’t be able to have a look at some street art and Art Deco either!
#farawayfiles
Scarlett
June 29, 2019 at 10:02 amYes, it’s impossible not to take a little peek at all that fabulous art in Miami.
Louise
June 19, 2019 at 8:44 pmOh Scarlett… What an amazing experience it must have been for you! I am happy to hear, that you got re-booted! I all looks absolutely fantastic! It’s been too long since I was in Miami!
Louise x
Scarlett
June 20, 2019 at 6:33 amThanks Louise, it was a dream, and I can’t wait to go back!