EVARA Beach Spa Fort Lauderdale: My Wellness Wednesday Experience
EVARA Beach Spa had me relaxing before I ever put on a robe.
Located at Auberge Beach Residences in Fort Lauderdale, the spa feels intimate, polished and peaceful from the moment you arrive. My husband and I visited on a Wednesday to take advantage of their Wellness Wednesday offer, which included 15% off massages and facials, and we ended up spending about four and a half hours enjoying the experience.
Arrival & First Impressions
The entrance immediately sets the tone. Behind the large doors is a stunning water feature cascading from the ceiling into a stone basin filled with river rocks. It was such a beautiful and calming first impression.
The check-in staff was warm and attentive and offered us champagne or mimosas. Since it was only 10 a.m., we chose mimosas because somehow having orange juice with our alcohol made us feel a little less guilty about drinking that early.
I was also happy to see Eminence Organic Skin Care, a line I’ve personally used for about six years and absolutely love.
From the reception area, you can take the elevator or the grand white staircase with gold accents upstairs. Of course, I took the stairs. If a spa gives me a beautiful staircase, I’m going to have my moment.
The natural wood, driftwood, succulents and neutral tones throughout the property create a relaxed, coastal feeling that carries into the spa spaces.
The Spa Experience
My husband and I separated to enjoy the men’s and women’s amenities before meeting back in the co-ed relaxation lounge. Visiting on a Wednesday morning also meant we practically had the entire space to myself, which made the experience even more relaxing.
One thing to know if you’re visiting as a couple is that most of EVARA’s indoor amenities are located within the separate locker room areas. Aside from the relaxation lounge and outdoor spaces, you’ll spend much of your spa time apart.
Since I was having a massage, I spent some time in the sauna and steam room beforehand. The women’s facilities were beautifully maintained, quiet and exceptionally clean.
There is also a small cold plunge. I tried it, but this was probably my least favorite amenity. It sits directly beside the relaxation lounge, which felt a little exposed and like an unusual location for a cold plunge. I preferred using the cool shower and chilled towels after the heated amenities.
Our Treatments
I booked the 50-minute Deep Ocean Remedy Massage with Alline, normally $175 and $148.75 with the Wellness Wednesday discount.
Alline was fantastic! She asked about the areas I wanted her to focus on and whether I wanted the treatment table heated. Living in South Florida provides enough heat for me, so I happily declined.
The massage included a minty-scented product that I loved, hot stones, pressure-point work and plenty of attention to my back and lower back. She opened and closed the treatment with chimes, which was a beautiful way to center the experience.
One of my favorite touches came at the very end. My robe had been placed in a warmer, so instead of climbing out from under the cozy blankets into a cold robe, I slipped directly into one that was warm and incredibly soft. Such a small detail, but I loved it.
My husband booked the 50-minute Organic Recovery Detox Facial with Leah, normally $189 and $160.65 on Wellness Wednesday.
He said Leah was extremely knowledgeable and explained the products and what she was doing throughout the treatment. My husband is more of a “please let me close my eyes and relax” spa guest, while I would have loved hearing every detail. Still, he really enjoyed the facial, and his skin looked noticeably hydrated, refreshed and clean afterward.
My Favorite Amenity
For me, the standout was the salt cave. Long stone benches wrap around the room, the lighting is soft, and the floor is covered in incredibly fine white salt that looks like snow.
As someone originally from the New England now living in South Florida, I couldn’t resist putting my feet in it and making a little heart in my Florida version of snow.
Fine salt is dispersed into the room as you relax. You can barely see it, but you can definitely tell it’s there. I could taste the salt on my lips as I sat quietly and focused on taking slow, deep breaths.
It ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire day.
A Sweet Finish
After our treatments, we were each greeted with a wellness shot and a small coconut-and-fig bite. The bite was delicious. So delicious, in fact, that when my husband decided he didn’t want his, I ate that one too. No regrets.
EVARA, if you’re reading this, I need to know where you get those!
What to Know Before You Go
Wellness Wednesday: We received 15% off our massage and facial. My $175 massage was $148.75, and my husband’s $189 facial was $160.65. A 20% service charge was automatically added based on the regular treatment prices.
Resort fee: Our bill also included a $10 resort fee for two people. I’m not sure what this covered, and it wasn’t explained during our visit, so just be aware of the additional charge.
Valet: Parking is valet only and was not included with our treatments. Valet was $15, and with tip, we spent $20 on parking.
Give yourself time: We spent approximately 4½ hours at EVARA, so this is definitely a spa where you can settle in and stay awhile.
Outdoor areas: Unfortunately, South Florida weather didn’t cooperate during our visit. Storms and rain meant the outdoor sun deck and beach area were closed. On a sunny day, having access to those spaces would make it even easier to turn your treatment into a full spa day.
One thing I would like to see improved is consistency between the locker rooms. While the women’s area was pristine during my visit, my husband felt the men’s facilities weren’t quite as clean or organized that morning. It didn’t take away from our overall experience, but it is something I noticed based on his feedback.
Would I Go Back?
Yes.
EVARA offers the amenities of a resort spa while still maintaining an intimate, almost boutique-like feeling. I especially loved the salt room, my massage with Alline and all the thoughtful little details throughout the experience.
Wellness Wednesday also made the treatments a great value, particularly if you want to spend several hours enjoying the amenities rather than simply arriving for a treatment and leaving.
Next time, I’d choose a sunny South Florida day so we could experience the outdoor spaces and beach too.
Best For: Solo spa days, friends, mother-daughter days, and anyone who loves thermal amenities and a quieter spa experience
Spa Vibe: Intimate, coastal and peaceful
Would I Return? Absolutely, especially on a sunny day when I could enjoy the full property.
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