On Our Radar: Canyon Ranch Miami Beach

We wouldn't be writing a blog on women's travel if it weren't a true passion of ours. The opening of the new Canyon Ranch Miami Beach is just what keeps us going and a spot we can't wait to visit. The all-suite hotel is opening on the site of the former Carillon Hotel, on Collins Avenue about 10 minutes north of South Beach. Yes, we normally like to stay at one of the trendy places along the few blocks that encompass the Shore Club, Setai, the Sagamore, etc. so that we can walk between nightspots; but this hotel would be worth cabbing it.

The Canyon Ranch Miami Beach sits oceanfront with multiple pools, wellness centers and healthy restaurants. Each one or two bedroom suite offers a big balcony, a sitting area and even a kitchenette. There are physicians on staff (presumably to evaluate your health and design a program for your stay, not prescribe meds for a bad hangover), as well as nutritionists, life coaches, and fitness instructors. They have classes ranging from yoga and cardio to meditation.

The Canyon Ranch Miami Beach opens next month (November 2008) and rates start at only $300 per night. If you split that with a couple of girlfriends, it's totally reasonable! We just hope they'll be patient with us staying out all night dancing and sleeping late. Maybe the Canyon Ranch would be a good influence on us after all.

Photo courtesy of the NY Times.