A medical man with a mission, Alonso Martin del Campo, MD, takes wellness to the next level at the Carillon Miami, a unique wellness resort on Miami Beach.
Physical exam, health analysis, and spa treatments are Dr. Martin’s prescription for wellbeing.
“Functional medicine looks at symptoms,” he explains, “we look at your lifestyle.”
After an initial evaluation of my health level, Dr. Alonso proposed biomarkers for staying well.
He walks the talk. Tall, athletic, the 36-year-old doctor is on the cutting-edge of medical technology. Born in California, he studied family medicine at UCI Medical Center in Irvine, California. Moving to Miami, he adapted to international clients and Miami lifestyle.
Workouts with Dr. Martin are part of the package offered by the NuLife Institute at the Carillon.
We could walk on the beach, try the ropes course on a giant wall, or an introduction to Pilates equipment. The three to five day stay could focus on weight loss, better sleep, enhanced performance, even improved sexual function.
My 90-minute Initial Evaluation Focused on Aging
- Initial Executive Functional Medicine Consultation with Dr. Martin: $495
- Carillon Executive Physical Exam: no additional cost (included in consultation above)
- Baseline Labs and follow-up consultation: $695
- Option to upgrade to Advanced Biomarker Testing: ranges from $999 to $5,000
- Introduction to Carillon Fitness Classes x 3 with Dr. Martin: $225
After reviewing my health, Dr. Martin formulates an aging strategy which is 24 weeks in length and may include detoxification and gut repair. With the advanced level lab tests he looks at my need for hormone replacement therapy medications, weight-loss medications, and other supplementary treatment. Another nice touch: dinner with Dr. Martin.
Author Bernard Burt and Dr. Alonso Martin del Campo enjoy a healthy meal at The Strand
While lab work is completed, I had direct access to the complete spa. Dr. Martin’s personal favorites: Cryotherapy to lower inflammation, infrared sauna to detox. After workouts, he likes to slip into a tank of salt water for a deep state of relaxation. The LightStim bed under an array of heat lamps stimulates muscle recovery and has anti-aging benefits.
Passing on the salt bath (too much deprivation, too little flotation), I went for skincare: mud massage with Italian thermal fango from Bagni di Pisa (50 minutes, $189, plus 20% gratuity); cleansing facial by [comfort zone]; 80-minute Well-Being Swedish massage; and rejuvenating massage on a bed of energy-stimulating quartz crystals from Gharieni.
Priced separately, spa treatments and hotel accommodation quickly add up. Then there is valet parking ($40 per night) and a facilities fee. But it’s seamless, thanks to veteran manager, Tammy Pahel.
The two-level spa at the Carillon features a full line of TechnoGym equipment, salon for hair and nail treatments, movement studios, climbing wall, and outdoor pool but no indoor swimming facility. The circuit of hydrotherapy comes gratis: rejuvenating pools, rain showers, ice igloo, Finnish sauna, and herbal laconium.
Meals at the Strand Restaurant on the garden level are Italian accented, integrated with a new wellness menu created by Executive Chef Simon Apollano in collaboration with spa nutritionist Staci Shacter.
While it’s noisy bar is a throwback to the 1950s, I enjoyed dining outdoors, a garden by the sea.
Staying in a suite adds wellbeing. With kitchen, spacious bathroom, and space to socialize, you simply relax. And there’s a Publix market across the street.
Wellness has brought a new lease on life to the Carillon.
Bernard Burt
Health challenges led spa historian Bernard Burt to Canyon Ranch in Arizona, inspiring his 1986 book "Fodor's Healthy Escapes" for Random House. The co-author of "100 Best Spas of the World" (Globe Pequot), his byline has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Health, Spa Management Journal, and on Examiner.com. Based in Washington, DC, Burt is chairman emeritus of the Washington Spa Alliance and founding director of the International Spa Association.