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Just like the hotel that houses The Spa at The Setai, the interior design of the Four-Star Miami spa is elegant, peaceful, chic and both modern and historic at the same time. Its Asian elements remind you of the continent’s deep history, but the clean, modern lines keep you in the moment. The large windows allow the natural light to seep in, while also offering you views of the palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean that sit just outside. Between the sunshine, palm trees and ocean, there’s no doubt you’re in South Beach. With extensive use of teak wood and black granite, the feel here is luxurious and intimate — a perfect retreat from the bustle outside.

All four treatment suites at The Spa at The Setai can be booked for individuals or couples. They are large enough to accommodate two, with their own spa bath, shower and steam room. Couples can head to the swanky private suites for any of the spa’s massage, facial or body treatments. However, for the ultimate amorous treat, we recommend booking the Romantic Bathing Ceremonies. This treatment at the Four-Star Miami spa allows two people to luxuriate in a candle-lit bath that’s customized with aromatherapy oils and Himalayan salts. These rituals start at $75 for 30 minutes. The piece de resistance for those with romance on their mind is the Love Bath Ceremony, a bathing ritual for two that includes a love potion and rose petals, champagne and canapés ($150 for 30 minutes).

The Spa at The Setai does not have its own dedicated pool; however, guests who book a spa package can access one of The Setai hotel’s three private swimming pools that are lined symmetrically between the spa and the pool bar and the beach. The packages that grant you pool privileges include the Day Spa Package, which is available Monday through Thursday and costs $175 for one 60-minute treatment, access to The Setai’s pool and beach, and valet parking (note: this is only valid until October 31, 2011). The Setai Spa Experience is priced at $225 per person and includes a choice of 60-minute treatments (from a set selection of massages, facials and body polishes), plus valet parking, pool access and a $50 lunch credit at the Pool & Beach Bar.

The Spa at The Setai embraces ancient philosophies and healing traditions, but the amenities here are 100 percent modern. Here are five that we love most at the Four-Star Miami spa:

1. Soaking tubs: There’s nothing better than relaxing in one of these large tubs that is built into the wall of the spa. They overlook the Miami beach that’s just outside and can be found in the four spacious treatment rooms.

2. The room with a view: Look out from your large suit to catch a view of The Setai’s tranquil palm-tree-lined pool deck and the ocean beyond.

3. Luxury locker room: The locker rooms here may be small, but they make up for size with style. The other bonus? They come complete with steam rooms.

4. Suite perks: If you’d rather enjoy your steam room in private, you’re in luck here. Book a spa suit to take advantage of its private steam and shower.

5. Walking on air: When you arrive at the Four-Star spa, you’ll be given a pair of Asian-style spa slippers. They feel so light that it’s like walking on air.

The Spa at The Setai will provide you with spa attire including a cozy robe and a choice of spa underwear — or you may choose to wear your own (the ones provided are nice, we promise). Treatments can also be enjoyed without clothing and The Spa advises that you go with whatever is most comfortable for you. Therapists use draping techniques to respect your privacy during your treatment — so don’t be worried about that. Just show up ready to be pampered and make sure whatever you change into afterward will help you stay in relaxation mode.

The Spa at The Setai offers a range of unique treatments, most of which are influenced by ancient traditions of Asian cultures. All are great ways to unwind, but a few standouts include the Setai Jade Massage, where two therapists work on you in synchronization; and a series of Indulgent Orient Rituals named for the regions that inspired the treatments, including Bali, India, Tibet and Siam. On your honeymoon or just feeling romantic? The Four-Star Miami spa offers romantic bathing rituals for two in its deluxe, spacious suites. If you’re looking for an amorous experience, these treatments are pretty hard to beat.

The Spa at The Setai is close to many of Miami’s most popular attractions, particularly South Beach’s famous stretch of Atlantic Ocean beach and the restaurant row of Ocean Drive. When you visit the Four-Star Miami spa, you’ll also be close to Lincoln Road pedestrian mall — prime people-watching territory in the evenings and a great place to shop or grab lunch during the day. You can also go to the beach’s new architectural gem, the 1111 Lincoln parking complex designed by Herzog & de Meuron (non design nerds, don’t fret — it includes restaurants and designer shops, too). The Bass Museum of Art is just steps from The Setai and is the only fine art museum on Miami Beach. It’s home to a great Egyptian gallery and hosts regular temporary exhibitions. Also nearby and definitely worth a look, if not a visit for a performance, is the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, which is home to the New World Symphony and a variety of cutting-edge events that blend classical music with DJs and include movies projected onto the exterior of the hall, for patrons to enjoy from a seat in the park out front.

There is only a small range of nail services offered at The Spa at The Setai — but rest assured, they are superior in quality and stepped in the same ancient-ritual philosophy as the rest of the menu at the Four-Star Miami spa. The Ren Arm and Hand Treatments feature manicures, while the Ren Leg and Foot Rituals include pampering pedicures ($125 and $145, respectively). Standalone spa manicures and pedicures, as well as French versions of both, are also available. The prices for those range from $60 to $95.

There’s no shortage of indulgent massages at The Spa at The Setai. The offerings at the Four-Star Miami spa include the Setai Jade Massage ($325 for 60 minutes), which is a blend of Shiatsu, Balinese, Thai, Swedish and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi techniques performed by two therapists; and the Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage that’s based on an ancient ritual and uses warmed therapeutic oils ($250 for 90 minutes). Personally, we loved the Ancient Balinese Massage, which we enjoyed for its unique blend of Balinese palming, stretching and pressure point techniques ($180 to $235). If you rather not get all greasy during your spa visit, opt for the Traditional Thai Massage, which doesn’t use oils but a series of stretches and pressure point techniques to balance the flow of “chi” in the body ($270 to $360). There’s also the Himalayan Hot Stone Massage ($250 for 90 minutes); and the Deep Tissue Massage, which is available in 60- or 90-minute sessions ($210 to $275).

Are you hoping for some acupressure treatment at The Spa at The Setai? The Four-Star Miami spa has got you covered. Try its Traditional Thai Massage ($270 to $360), which uses pressure point techniques along with stretching to balance the flow of “chi” through energy channels in the body. (Thai-style pajamas are supplied for you to wear during this non-oil massage.) Likewise, the Thai Style Foot Reflexology treatment ($180) stimulates the reflex points in the feet. Finally, the Ancient Balinese Massage ($180 to $235) uses a mix of pressure point techniques, Balinese palming, stretching and effleurage to improve blood flow and increase relaxation.

Three body wraps are offered at The Spa at The Setai — or, as they are called at the Four-Star Miami spa, Nurturing Envelopment Rituals. All the wraps are 90-minutes long and priced at $260 each. They include the Ayurvedic Healing Envelopment, which includes a warm firming body masque; the Arabian Rhassoul Envelopment, which starts with a black-soap and kessa-glove exfoliation (very dramatic!), and is followed by a purifying Moroccan rhassoul mud wrap; and lastly, the Omega-3 Supplifying Envelopment, which begins with a back massage and full body exfoliation, and is followed with the application of soy and mango butter then a body masque of Vetiver, Mimosa and Babassu. This blend may sound mysterious, but the spa promises your skin will emerge hydrated and buttery soft.

The scrubs offered at The Spa at The Setai are known as Reviving Body Polish Rituals. These indulgent treatments include the Himalayan Crystal Body Polish, which uses salts mined from the foothills of the Himalayas to improve the texture of your skin. For silky smooth skin, go for the Ayurvedic Body Polish. It blends rosehip seed oil and gout kola with cardamom oil and walnuts, leaving your skin smooth as can be. There’s also the Omega-3 Body Polish, which is a combination of flaxseed oil and antioxidant rich coconut powder body polish; and the Sea Mineral Body Polish, which blends a mix of sea minerals and essential oils to soften your skin. All Reviving Body Polish Rituals are priced at $175 for 60 minutes.

The Spa at The Setai does not have an official cell phone policy printed in its menu; however, standard spa etiquette is still expected here. In other words, you should probably turn off your cell phone before walking into the Four-Star Miami spa. While lockers are provided to store your belongings during your treatment, the spa doesn’t assume any liability for personal items and recommends you leave valuables in the safe in your hotel room or suite.

With treatments that are meant to restore you body, mind and spirit, you’ll find nothing but bliss at The Spa at The Setai. Here are five of our favorite treatments at the Four-Star Miami spa:

1. Ancient Balinese Massage: This combines Balinese palming, stretching, effleurage and pressure point techniques to relax your body and mind. We enjoyed the change of flow from a standard Swedish massage when sampling this treatment ($180 for 60 minutes or $235 for 90 minutes).

2. The Setai Ritual: A 180-minute, $700 extravaganza that includes an Aromatherapy Foot Polish, the Setai Jade Massage, Traditions D’Orient Organic Facial, Asian Style Foot Massage, Himalayan Crystal Body Polish and Oriental Bathing Ceremony. Three hours never went by so fast.

3. Omega 3 Body Polish: This treatment exfoliates the skin with flaxseed oil and rich coconut powder body polish ($175 for 60 minutes). Your skin is left smooth and glowing.

4. Ayurvedic Inspired Sundari Facial: For $175, and 60 minutes of your time, you can indulge in this facial that can be enhanced with a Sundari Eye Treatment and/or a Sundari Hand Treatment for an additional $45 each.

5. Love Bath Ceremony: A bathing ritual for two that includes a love potion and rose petals, champagne and canapés ($150 for 30 minutes). Anniversary gift, anyone?

All four treatment suites at The Spa at The Setai can be booked for individuals or couples. They are large enough to accommodate two, with their own spa bath, shower and steam room. Couples can head to the swanky private suites for any of the spa’s massage, facial or body treatments. However, for the ultimate amorous treat, we recommend booking the Romantic Bathing Ceremonies. This treatment at the Four-Star Miami spa allows two people to luxuriate in a candle-lit bath that’s customized with aromatherapy oils and Himalayan salts. These rituals start at $75 for 30 minutes. The piece de resistance for those with romance on their mind is the Love Bath Ceremony, a bathing ritual for two that includes a love potion and rose petals, champagne and canapés ($150 for 30 minutes).

Just like the hotel that houses The Spa at The Setai, the interior design of the Four-Star Miami spa is elegant, peaceful, chic and both modern and historic at the same time. Its Asian elements remind you of the continent’s deep history, but the clean, modern lines keep you in the moment. The large windows allow the natural light to seep in, while also offering you views of the palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean that sit just outside. Between the sunshine, palm trees and ocean, there’s no doubt you’re in South Beach. With extensive use of teak wood and black granite, the feel here is luxurious and intimate — a perfect retreat from the bustle outside.

The Spa at The Setai does not have its own dedicated pool; however, guests who book a spa package can access one of The Setai hotel’s three private swimming pools that are lined symmetrically between the spa and the pool bar and the beach. The packages that grant you pool privileges include the Day Spa Package, which is available Monday through Thursday and costs $175 for one 60-minute treatment, access to The Setai’s pool and beach, and valet parking (note: this is only valid until October 31, 2011). The Setai Spa Experience is priced at $225 per person and includes a choice of 60-minute treatments (from a set selection of massages, facials and body polishes), plus valet parking, pool access and a $50 lunch credit at the Pool & Beach Bar.

When you check in at the front desk at The Spa at The Setai, you’ll be greeted with a cup of cool tea and a cool towel on an Asian tray. We found it to be the perfect welcoming gift before heading in for our treatment at the Four-Star Miami spa. After our blissful massage, our therapist offered us water (chilled or room temperature). That’s the nice thing about this luxury spa — you don’t ever have to worry about going thirsty, since there’s also water available in the locker rooms. If hunger strikes, head to the nearby pool bar for a relaxing place to enjoy a light breakfast or snack before or after your treatment. There, you’ll find salads and light bites with an emphasis on seafood.

There is no dedicated relaxation area at The Spa at The Setai. You’ll find a bench inside the luxurious locker rooms; other than that, you’ll have to wait for your therapist in the small seating area in front of the front desk. However, what Four-Star Miami spa lacks in elaborate relaxation room space, it makes up for in private space within the four treatment suites upstairs. It’s in those areas where you’ll find private saunas and showers, as well as breathtaking views of the hotel’s palm-tree lined pool and the Atlantic Ocean.

The cancellation policy at The Spa at The Setai is more generous than most in Miami — and even at spas of this caliber around the country. If for some reason you can’t make your appointment, all you have to do is call the Four-Star spa within six hours of your scheduled treatment time. If you don’t, you’ll be charged the full price of your treatment. However, with such a large window of time to cancel, you’d almost have to go out of your way to receive the cancellation fee.

The locker rooms at The Spa at The Setai are small but stylish. Once you step inside, you’ll instantly be grabbed by its streamlined and warm look, which features teak finishings and simple décor. You’ll also see a separate WC and showers, with a small steam room that completes the luxurious space. Don’t worry about packing the basics before you head to this locker room — the spa provides you with all the usual toiletry amenities you might need, including hairbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant.

The Spa at The Setai embraces ancient philosophies and healing traditions, but the amenities here are 100 percent modern. Here are five that we love most at the Four-Star Miami spa:

1. Soaking tubs: There’s nothing better than relaxing in one of these large tubs that is built into the wall of the spa. They overlook the Miami beach that’s just outside and can be found in the four spacious treatment rooms.

2. The room with a view: Look out from your large suit to catch a view of The Setai’s tranquil palm-tree-lined pool deck and the ocean beyond.

3. Luxury locker room: The locker rooms here may be small, but they make up for size with style. The other bonus? They come complete with steam rooms.

4. Suite perks: If you’d rather enjoy your steam room in private, you’re in luck here. Book a spa suit to take advantage of its private steam and shower.

5. Walking on air: When you arrive at the Four-Star spa, you’ll be given a pair of Asian-style spa slippers. They feel so light that it’s like walking on air.

The philosophy at The Spa at The Setai is derived from an ancient Sanskrit legend of the gods, who embarked on a quest for a natural elixir for immortality and eternal youth. Sounds like something you’d be interested in, right? That’s why you’ll appreciate the treatment menu at the Four-Star Miami spa, which focuses on the restoration of strength, beauty and balance of your body, mind and soul. It does this by following ancient healing traditions of the East. The treatments and rituals here are based on holistic principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbalism, combining ancient wisdom with modern expertise. Whatever treatment you choose at The Spa at The Setai, you’ll get a little taste of healing therapies from around the world, since the spa embraces Eastern philosophy and traditions from places like Bali, India and Tibet.

The Spa at The Setai recommends booking appointments with as much notice as possible. With just four treatment rooms at the Four-Star Miami spa, therapist and facility availability can become limited. If you show up hoping for a last-minute appointment, you might leave disappointed since they are not always available. There’s no need to call weeks or months in advance; just a few days notice should do. We called the spa on a Tuesday and got in for a Friday morning that same week.

In order to book a treatment at The Spa at The Setai in Miami, go to the spa’s website and click the “Reservation Request” button. This will set up an email request for an appointment, and will save you the hassle of either calling or stopping by the spa. We used this method to book our treatment at the Four-Star Miami spa, and we received a prompt reply about the spa’s availability and cancellation policy. Of course, you can always call the spa directly. It might be the more old-fashioned route, but it’s also the quickest way to secure an appointment.

When you walk into the waiting area at The Spa at The Setai in Miami, you’ll feel instantly at ease. The peaceful space is an extension of the hotel’s upscale Zen décor and Art Deco fusion design concept. It includes a front desk, refreshment counter, small seating area and selection of products that are available for purchase. While this waiting area is small, it creates an immediate sense of calm when you walk in from the Miami heat. It’s the perfect welcoming before heading to a treatment room for a body polish or massage at the Four-Star spa.