New Canyon Ranch Menu Features Locally-Inspired Dishes from a New Chef

Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa Miami Beach announces the appointment of Giovanni Arias as new executive chef. Chef Arias, who will oversee both The Canyon Ranch Grill and the hotel's complete food and beverage program, brings a fresh approach and 18 years of experience to the position. Trend-savvy Arias will fuse his taste for bold flavor profiles and passion for experimentation with Canyon Ranch's savory award-winning cuisine.

The Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts program graduate is considered a "flavor genius," melding Latin and Caribbean profiles with French and Oriental cooking techniques to transform his dishes. At Canyon Ranch, he will lend these influences to the hotel's newly introduced menu.

Seasonal dishes sourced with local organic and biodynamic ingredients, the cornerstone of the hotel's renowned health-conscious cuisine, will be the focus of the new menu. Featured dishes include Seared Scallops with mango coconut glaze and micro cilantro, Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Breast, yucca crusted with black bean puree and Brazilian cabbage and more.

Chef Arias' career highlights include being named executive chef at Allen Susser's Chef Allen’s Restaurant (AAA Five Diamond Award winner and Food and Wine's Best Miami Restaurant in 2004) and opening Chef Robin Hass' second Chispa Restaurant and Bar location. He also was executive chef and partner at Capital Grille in Miami.

About Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach
Opened in November 2008, Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa Miami Beach is the nation's first luxury boutique hotel dedicated to wellness; inspiring guests with its relaxed and understated elegance, award-winning spa and fitness facilities, expert guidance and holistic approach to healthy living. Housed in the historic and beautifully restored Carillon Hotel, this unique Miami Beach hotel combines the amazing possibilities of the acclaimed Canyon Ranch health resorts with the flexibility of a la carte spa and health services.

Canyon Ranch Has a New Fitness Package for the Work Hard, Play Hard "Weekend Warrior"

Launching in November at Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach, the new "Weekend Warrior" package promises to be fitness intensive but safe on the body. The biggest perk? Specifically created for those who like to work hard and play hard, the three-day program offers the guidance and supervision of the renowned Canyon Ranch Wellness staff and access to the hotel's award-winning facilities. The wide range of activities and many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors also will score high with those regularly confined to their desks.

The "Weekend Warrior" package is available as an add-on to hotel guests or for independent purchase by locals (hotel stay not required!).

Starting on Thursday night and running through Sunday afternoon on select weekends, the package is $550 per person and includes nine meals. The schedule of activities is below and more information can also be found at www.canyonranchmiamibeach.com.

2010 dates
November 18-21
December 9-12
2011 dates
January 20-23
February 3-6
March 10-13
March 31-April 3
April 14-17

Weekend Warrior Schedule:
Thursday
6:30 PM- Arrival & Welcome Orientation, followed by dinner

Friday
7AM- Beach run followed by Yoga (60 min)
8 AM- Breakfast
9 AM- Kinesis (45 min): This class focuses on integrative movements to challenge the neuromuscular system and improve movement using the unique Kinesis Wall.
10 AM- Rockwall Boot Camp & Time Trials Climbing Wall (60 min): One of the most challenging boot camp experiences. Drills for speed, strength, and agility are also included.
12 PM- Lunch
2 PM- Eating for Energy Lecture (45 min)
4 PM- Budokon (90 min): In Japanese, Budokon means "way of the spiritual warrior." It is a fusion workout that integrates yoga, martial arts and meditation into one holistic approach to fitness.
6:30 PM- Dinner

Saturday
7 AM - Beach Run/Walk followed by Meditation (30 min)
8 AM - Breakfast
10 AM - Ocean Boot Camp (60 min): This class offers the chance to use greater space for exercises including running, lunges, squats, and getting in the water. Athletic shoes are required.
12 PM - Lunch
2 PM - Aquatic Boot Camp (45 min)
4 PM - Power Yoga: An intense physical yoga practice, which travels through Sun Salutations and flows through postures for those looking for a physically challenging practice.
6:30 PM - Dine & Learn: Peak Performance

Sunday
6:30 AM - Beach Run & Time
8 AM - Breakfast 9 AM - Kinesis (45 min): This class focuses on integrative movements to challenge the neuromuscular system and improve movement using the unique Kinesis Wall.
10 AM - Sports Conditioning (60 min): Train like the pros with this class of agility, strength, and power drills using ladders, cones, and hurdles.
11:15 AM - Stretch (45 min)
12 PM - Lunch and Awards