WORK • Thursday Routine
YAEL EMANO • founder & esthetician • NIYA (intel)
Neighborhood you work in: Bay Harbor
Neighborhood you live in: Aventura
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
The moment I walk into NIYA — my spa dedicated to beauty and wellness — I take a deep breath. The space always smells of bergamot and fig, and it instantly grounds me. Our first clients of the day are already in treatment, and a peaceful energy floats through the rooms. Thursdays are usually a mix of client consultations and collaborating with our team on new ways to refine and elevate the NIYA experience. Being here in the morning always reminds me why we started this: to create a space where people leave feeling radiant, recharged, and cared for. That’s the best kind of motivation.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, or this weekend?
I have dinner at The Surf Club with a few girlfriends. The ambiance there is immaculate and timeless. This weekend, I’ll be at Faena Hotel Miami Beach for a women’s wellness event. I love spending time there.
Any weekend getaways?
My go-to weekend getaway is Mexico City. I love big cities, and that one has my heart. As an esthetician who has lived in sunny Miami for over 30 years, I choose to vacation in places where I can avoid excessive sun exposure. My favorite restaurant over there is Pujol. The experience is out of this world. They have a seven-course tasting menu that focuses on seafood, corn, and vegetables. I also love staying at the Four Seasons Mexico City in Polanco, which has easy access to shopping and dining. My favorite bar is Tequila Bar at Soho House. There’s a great crowd and ambiance filled with a beautiful art collection showcasing Mexican artists.
What was your last great vacation?
Dubai was my last great vacation. It’s such a glamorous city, with so much to do. I stayed for two weeks, and could’ve easily stayed longer. If you’re heading there, be sure to take a day trip to Abu Dhabi; it’s absolutely worth it. I love Mediterranean cuisine, and Gaia is incredible. They also have an intimate members' club downstairs that’s worth experiencing. For lunch, SAL at Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab is the ultimate beach club and restaurant.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
There are two things I’m absolutely passionate about: skincare and cars. My latest big-ticket investment was bringing another Morpheus8 machine to NIYA. I genuinely believe in the results it delivers and the confidence it offers our clients. For my birthday this year, I treated myself to the BMW i7 — my first EV! I’m obsessed. It’s sleek, powerful, and incredibly smooth to drive.