I’m a wife, mom and a globetrotting travel writer. I’m also riding the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause. Many of the 1.3 million American women entering the transition each year are beginning to amend their travel, blending typical holidays with wellness elements.
The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort in Miami Beach, FL ticks both boxes. My recent solo stay at their new menopause retreat incorporated medical insights, curated menus and fitness offerings. I came away refreshed, with new knowledge about my own health journey. Here’s what you need to know about the experience and what you might expect.
The writer was hosted.
Location, Location, Location
The Carillon is a legendary destination along Miami Beach’s famed Collins Avenue. Opening back in 1958, the Art Deco resort welcomed the jetset, including Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack. In 2015, the entire property got a major glow-up with a focus on health and wellness.
The resort has a serene, sanctuary-like vibe. Guests are mere steps away from the beach, with private chairs and umbrellas just for them. The peace that comes from being so close to the sea soaks into you. It’s tough not to relax while you’re on site. I felt an instant exhale as soon as my feet hit the soft, white sand, setting the tone for my stay.
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Breaking it Down at the BioStation
The Carillon’s BioStation is an on-site medical clinic focused on hormonal balance and nutritional support. Several weeks before my stay, I completed an extensive questionnaire about my health and had a comprehensive blood draw.
Upon arrival, a BioStation physician’s assistant gave me a full review of my blood work. We discussed the positives and negatives of my HRT regimen, as well as my symptoms (brain fog, weight gain, heavy bleeding). We talked about how supplements might be helpful. I received a regimen including collagen peptides, an anti-inflammatory turmeric mix and a probiotic.
Last but not least, I was offered an IV infusion (which I declined since I can’t stand needles) and a supplemental glutathione shot, which I took. I’m not sure if the injection–administered in my glute, by the way–made much of a difference with my energy levels. But I’ve kept up with my supplements. Perhaps it’s a placebo, but I do feel more settled and stronger.
The BioStation gave me a comprehensive picture of my current health, and what I might consider from a nutritional, hormonal and supplemental standpoint to maneuver through menopause with a little more relief. I also had extensive notes to share with my doctor back home. Knowledge is power and I came away with a lot of it.
Excellent Accommodations
The Carillon’s apartments are well-designed, rejuvenating spaces. My one-bedroom apartment overlooking the ocean was airy, light and luxe. The bathroom included a spa shower and a deep soaking tub, perfect to relieve muscle tension after fitness sessions. I breathed easier thanks to large but silent air purifiers. And the spacious living area was a soothing spot to unwind with a book and a cup of tea each evening.
My king bed featured a Bryte mattress, which makes adjustments as you move to sleep to provide better support and less pain. I prepared for the best slumber of my life. Instead, I felt every tweak of the coils shifting beneath me, and woke up feeling like the Princess and the Pea. Folks rave about these smart mattresses, but for me, it was the only drawback to an otherwise perfect room.
Food and Beverage Offerings
Suffice to say, you won’t go hungry at the Carillon. The menopause retreat includes a $500 onsite dining credit, and I made the most of it. Meals focused on fresh, locally sourced veggies, protein and fruit.
Every menu at the Carillon’s main restaurant offered meals adhering to Blue Zone, keto and vegan diets. I tried options from each one. All were tasty, healthful and more filling than I expected. I indulged in a poolside meal, too, ordering a lobster quesadilla delivered right to my lounge chaise. It was the perfect post-workout splurge.
The Carillon boasts an extensive wine list, with an impressive bottle service. There are a few craft beers on tap, as well as low-alcohol cocktails, too.
The only dining spot I didn’t try at the Carillon was its acclaimed Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt. Closed at the time of my visit, this sleek, tucked-away nook has just a dozen seats. Dinner is a multi-course chef-presented experience, and the dishes lean into French Asian fusion. I wish I could have snagged a spot, but now I have another reason to return.
The Spa is Sublime
The Carillon’s spa complex is truly a retreat within a retreat. Upon checking in, an attendant escorted me to the locker room, where I changed into a fluffy white robe. From there, it was off to the relaxation room, where I lounged on a heated seat, sipped herbal tea and waited for my spa appointment.
My itinerary included a 50-minute Vitamin D Glow massage. The masseuse used light retinol cream to give my skin an all-over boost. It was so relaxing, I decided to add another massage to my tab the next day. Both were among the best I’ve ever had, anywhere. The masseuses were attentive, understood my problem areas and what needed fixing in a gentle but effective way. Talk about bliss!
Unlimited use of the spa facilities is included in the retreat, and the thermal circuit stood out. From the herbal-infused steam room to snow machines and hot tub soaks, I visited several times during my stay. The hot-cold transitions were energizing and helped work my worries and tension away.
Training Sessions and Fitness Classes
The Carillon offers a dozen exercise classes each day, all of which were accessible as part of the menopause retreat. I especially loved Pilates. I stretched muscles I didn’t even know I had on a brand-new reformer. The instructor was patient and kind, showing me how to correctly perform the movements without hurting myself. It was definitely my fitness highlight.
For me, nothing beats an oceanside run. With the Collins Avenue boardwalk just steps away from the resort, I treated myself to daily sunrise runs right along the water. There’s also a giant rock climbing wall (I’ll admit, I did not give it a try owing to my fear of heights) and many of the workout machines directly face the ocean. Talk about inspiration!
I completed my fitness journey at the Carillon with a private trainer session. He guided me through a series of exercises and holds, testing my core strength and assessing my balance. When I shared I was interested in starting a weight regimen, he put one together for me on the spot. Having expert instruction on building muscle without bulking up was important to me, and I was grateful for his useful advice.
Touchless Treatments
Ok, this is where things got a little strange. In addition to the two afore-mentioned spa treatments, the Carillon menopause retreat also includes sessions of what are called “ touchless treatments.” There are all sorts of options, and I tried out two.
First, I reported to the Biocharger, where I sat in front of a modified Tesla tube that emits pulsed electromagnetic fields in an effort to boost energy and mood. I spent 20 minutes in front of the glass case, shielding my eyes from the intense flashing lights it generated. I felt like I was in a rave or some sort of other club, and came away feeling no different.
Then I crammed myself into the NeoLight, a device that felt like a cross between a tanning bed and an MRI machine. I put on protective goggles and was hit with a blast of infrared light for ten minutes. Relaxing I suppose, but again, no noticeable lift or change.
I did ask a spa staffer about the efficacy of these hands-off therapies. He told me athat bout half of those who try them out report big boosts in mood. The other guests like me? Not so much.
The Bottom Line
My visit to the Carillon gave me time to recharge, and the insights I gleaned were meaningful. After I got home, I consulted with my doctor and decided to go off HRT. I’ve kept up my supplement regimen. And I’m relying more on my mindfulness practice when I feel middle-aged anxiety or life pressures creep in.
While I traveled solo, I do think this retreat would be perfect for a girls’ trip. It was a worthwhile four days, full of self-connection, care and awareness, but it would have been nice to share them with a few besties supporting each other through the same transition.
Finally, the time alongside the ocean at the Carillon reminded me that a transition, even one like menopause, is a beginning and has the potential to be something wonderful. The key is taking time for myself when I need it, listening to my body and maneuvering through the changes with as much grace as possible. That’s easy to do at a place like the Carillion.
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