Have you heard of Blue Mind Theory? Coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, the concept proposes that being near or in water boosts mood and induces a calm, meditative state. Blue Mind Theory suggests that the color, sound, and feel of water can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate the release of feel-good neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, while decreasing the stress hormone cortisol.
I experienced this firsthand during a recent stay at InterContinental Miami. Though the hotel sits in an urban setting, its waterfront location makes the city’s noise and bustle recede the moment you pass through the glass doors of this luxury property.
Overlooking the cruise port, the hotel feels almost like a ship poised to set sail. Arriving in the midst of packing up a house and managing a toddler before the trip, I was eager to put Blue Mind Theory to the test while in the 305.
mySpa loungers © InterContinental Miami
I traveled with several members of the Global Traveler team to host our annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards event. During our stay we made the most of the hotel’s amenities: settling into comfortable guestrooms, enjoying lunch and cocktails at Toro Toro, spending time at the pool, visiting Club InterContinental, and using the hotel’s meeting and banquet spaces. We even chartered a sunset catamaran cruise. I also carved out time to visit mySpa, which TripAdvisor has named one of Miami’s top spas. Unpretentious and welcoming, mySpa is a calm retreat designed to help guests unwind and focus on wellbeing.
The spa and pool area share access through the spa boutique, which stocks skincare items, swimsuits, and flip-flops. Beyond the second set of glass doors lies a spacious patio leading to the pool, rentable cabanas, and a poolside bar. I checked in at the spa reception and prepared for an indulgent treatment.
The pool remains a tempting option after spa treatments. The hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center is on the same level, equipped with TechnoGym machines, free weights, a stair climber, and a spin bike, and is open 24/7. mySpa’s hours are Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. The spa menu includes massages, facials, nail services, waxing, and hair and makeup. Groups of five or more receive 10 percent off spa party services for treatments of 50 minutes or longer. Visitors can purchase a $75 day pass to use the fitness center, sauna/steam room, locker room, and four hours of validated pool parking; those booking a 50-minute or longer service receive these amenities complimentary.
mySpa lobby © InterContinental Miami
I was particularly drawn to the spa’s Signature Raindrop Experience, offered in 50- or 80-minute sessions. From the moment I checked in, the service felt personal and welcoming. I was offered water, tea, or Champagne while completing the spa questionnaire and was shown around the facilities before my treatment.
Although saunas and steam rooms are not my favorite—especially in Miami’s heat—these areas were roomy and meticulously maintained. They are available to hotel guests as part of their stay.
During the Raindrop Experience, my therapist applied seven warmed essential oils along my spine—basil, thyme, wintergreen, cypress, marjoram, clary sage, and peppermint—explaining the benefits of each as she worked. The oil application was followed by hot stones to deepen relaxation and encourage a meditative state. The treatment emphasizes relaxation and relief from tension, and the therapist combined these techniques with Swedish massage strokes to unwind tight muscles after a stressful move and the daily demands of parenting a toddler.
With the soothing presence of nearby water, thoughtful spa amenities, and attentive staff, my visit felt restorative. Between the calming influence of the waterfront and the high-quality offerings at InterContinental Miami, the short getaway did exactly what it promised: it helped me reset and recharge.
mySpa
InterContinental Miami
100 Chopin Plaza
Miami, FL 33131
tel 305 577 1000