I just returned from Las Vegas, where the over-the-top new CityCenter development boasts not one, not two, but three elegant new spas, each in the character of the hotel that houses it. The quest for distinction goes deeper than style, though; each of these spas also offers innovative new treatment rooms that borrow from the wellness traditions of countries around the world. A few trend-pushing examples:
1. Salt Room at Aria Spa
This innovative treatment room features an entire wall made of salt bricks; the light fixtures continue the effect with bulbs heating large crystals of salt. The idea is that breathing salt-infused air clears the respiratory system. If that weren’t enough, the room features vibrating massage chairs fitted with headphones; the vibration occurs in sync with the rhythms of the music.
2. Hydrotherapy Jacuzzi at Mandarin Oriental
The oversize jacuzzi features metal loungers with the jets directly placed underneath the reclining chairs. When you lie on your back, the jets bubble soothingly under your spine and sore muscles.
3. Ganbanyoku Japanese Heated Stone Beds at Aria Spa
Soothe aching muscles by heating them from within when you lie on these granite stone beds imported from Japan.
4. Meditation Room with Water Wall at Vdara
Clearing your mind is easier when the soothing flow of water offers you something to concentrate on. Candles reflect on a crystalline sheet of water flowing across a mosaic mural of tiny iridescent tiles in the shape of a wave,
5. Morroccan Hammam and Laconium at the Mandarin Oriental
Staying in the forefront of what SpaFinder blogger Susie Ellis deems the “spa trend of the year for 2010″ the Mandarin Oriental features a Hammam, or traditional Morrocan bath. These ancient communal baths, still used in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, and other parts of North Africa, follow a multi-step process that typically steps includes baths of varying temperatures, a salt scrub and bubble bath. The laconium, another borrowed tradition, is a lower temperature tiled sauna that uses low humidity air to raise the body’s internal temperature gradually without steam or extreme heat.
In all honesty, I have to say that none of these treatments does as much for me as a good strong massage and a soak in water as hot as I can stand. But each of these specialized features, with its claims of health-boosting benefits, deepens the spa experience by borrowing from a culture that has a deep respect for the relevance of wellness. We here in the U.S. can certainly use a little inspiration in that direction.
The salt brick wall is very beautiful to look at. Never seen anything quite like it.
Fascinating. I'm forwarding this post to a friend who just went to spend a month in Vegas. Wish I could try that salt room!
MMMMM….heated stone beds….might make me go to Las Vegas!
Wow, the salt room sounds like a really cool, relaxing experience. Sign me up!
I'm so intrigued by the metal loungers!
I'd be game to try #s 1-5 but you'd be hard pressed to get me to Vegas…Red Rock Canyon, on the other hand…hmmm…there's an idea…Nothing quite like a bit of pampering after a nice long hike!
These sounds heavenly. I'd do all of them, followed by a great massage…ahhhh.
I love the loungers in the water. It's like taking a shower, only lying down!
All of the treatments sound intriguing, especially the salt block wall. But if I could only try one, I'd go for the hydrotherapy jacuzzi with the loungers in the water.
Next, you'll have to visit the spa at the new Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in Tucson. I toured it last week. Their specialty is Element therapy where they determine which of your elements needs attention. I hope to go back to try it out.
I feel relaxed just looking at these photos. More!
What a terrific-ly diverse assortment of spas you have here. You know, we live only about 5 hours from LV but I have never thought of going there for a spa-cation. This is something I want to give more thought to after reading this piece.
Sign me up for the hydrotherapy jacuzzi!
I always think of casinos, NOT SPAS, when I think of Las Vegas. What a cool way to explore the city. There's also GREAT HIKING in LV. So many things beyond what we expect! Take me with you on your next assignment, Melanie!
These spas seem sumptuous–though I wouldn't immediately think of Las Vegas for a spa vacation. Thanks for opening my eyes.
Love how beautiful they are and how the spas reflect other cultures. Have to agree: that salt wall is gorgeous!
Interesting about the salt wall! I've been told by a healer that salt *water is very cleansing to a body's energy. I wonder if this holds true for a spa like this?
WOW. I've been to Vegas, but never had the royal treatment. Apparently I'm missing out.
I forgot Las Vegas. Thanks for reminder, now las vegas is also come with relaxing facility at Jacuzzi
Cool!..tnx for the listing..gotta check one of those fabulous places..:)