National Plan for Vacation Day: Dreaming of a Spa Vacation at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

National Plan for Vacation Day was earlier this week. But it's never too late to plan a vacation. Or given the current state of things, it's never too late to dream of planning a vacation.

Since we are very much still in the throes of a global pandemic, I haven't been on a flight and barely out of New York City for nearly a year. But with spring 2021 fast approaching, I've been reminiscing about the last trip I took. It was in March 2020 and after attending a film festival in Miami, I arranged a day of pampering at the fabulous Carillon Miami Wellness Resort.

I miss spa days and tropical getaways.

Me at the Carillon Miami spa. Photo credit: ESW

The good news is that if you live in Miami or you're within driving distance (until we get this virus under control, I won't be flying the friendly skies for leisure travel), The Spa at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is open for business.

But in compliance with CDC guidelines, the Thermal Hydrotherapy Experience and locker rooms are closed until further notice. That's a bummer since the Thermal Hydrotherapy Experience, which taps into the healing properties of water, was a highlight of my visit -- especially the tropical rain showers.

While chilling on a heated thermal lounger, I chatted with another Black woman. We expressed our growing anxiety about the coronavirus. I wondered to myself if I should be at a spa or even in Miami. But in hindsight I'm glad I was able to fit in this mini spring break escape just a week or two before the world turned upside down.

During my spa day, I was treated to a Rejuvenating Sea Wrap & Massage to detoxify and nourish my skin. As promised, I felt re-energized and refreshed. Next, a light and tasty lunch at The Strand, a bright and airy restaurant overlooking the pool. Lastly, I had a non traditional LightStim Therapy body treatment designed to wake up and regenerate cells.

Sigh.

I look forward to going back to the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, perhaps for more than a day, when the COVID-19 pandemic is a distant masked memory.

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