How Hannah Got Her Grove Back

One of the best things about living here in South Florida is the weather. But, with two young children, it is hard to make the most of it. Yet, while it’s hard to get away from it all for a few days there are plenty of beautiful hotels with day spas, which are wonderful for a girls’ or couples’ day away from the kids. Nothing leaves me happier to come home to a toy-strewn house than a day—sans children—of rest, relaxation and sunshine.

One of my most adored places in Florida to sojourn is Grove Isle Hotel and Spa located on a private island in Coconut Grove. I jump at each and every opportunity to spend time here. When I’m feeling frazzled, got the blues or I just feel like a few hours to myself, this is where I head and I feel my shoulders lighten as soon as I step out of my car and into the cloud of bougainvillea and heady coconut-mango aroma that engulfs the resort.

Recently, my friend Jenny and I headed down to Grove Isle for a post-partum (mine, not hers—she was having a Yum Mum indulgence) day retreat. We headed straight to Spa Terre where we threw on our suits and jumped straight into the Watsu massage pool—one of just eight in the US. Aaaah… just thinking about it even now, all these weeks later, makes me relax a little. The serenely therapeutic pool overlooks the ocean and—I joke not—you could seriously whittle away a few hours out there just watching the boats pass by and lost in your own thoughts. We, however, did it chit-chatting. (Any and all of the above options is terrific.)

Once we had washed a little of our stress away, Jenny and I headed back into the Spa for our services. The therapists at Spa Terre are expert in numerous exotic Balinese spa treatments and Thai body rituals, as well as the quintessential spa therapies. Though I typically go for a classic deep-tissue massage, on this particular day I opted for a hot stone treatment that left me feeling utterly chilled out (which my husband was grateful for, when I arrived home later that day. The post-spa bottle of Sancerre no doubt also helped).

Following the spa, we headed over to Baleen for lunch and a table overlooking Biscayne Bay. The fusion food here is both fresh and absolutely delicious. The shrimp cocktail is fantastic—I don’t know where they get them, but the shrimp at Baleen are consistently the biggest I have ever seen. However, they are not only large but perfectly steamed and always a great choice. Another personal fave is the Cane Sugar Blackened Salmon, which is an ideal post-spa dish—full of classic, aromatic and clean Thai flavours. And I never go wrong with their Greek salad. For dessert, I can’t resist the sorbet, which is homemade, showcases locally inspired flavours—such as pink grapefruit and blood orange—and is always the perfect ending to the meal.

Beware, the service at Baleen is slow. But who cares when you have nothing to rush for and you can take your time enjoying good food, lovely wine and an amazing view. Throw a fab friend and great conversation into the mix and you find yourself pretty close to perfection on the Day Out rating scale.

Before we knew it, it was time for Jenny and I to get back in the car and drive home to reality. But we did so with a skip in our step and smiles on our faces.

Remember, dear reader—if you are fortunate enough to have more than a few hours to get away, Grove Isle also offers a one-of-a-kind resort. The hotel has just 49 guest rooms, which iron canopied beds, terra cotta tile, original artwork, and spacious balconies with stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the edged shoreline of Miami. It is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

For more information, head to www.groveisle.com