Vegas Spas

Vegas is known as one of the top spas capitols in the world. So, whether you win or lose at the tables, you can cash in on a superior spa service on the strip.

By Karen Loftus

Encore Spa – As you walk off the elevator in to Encore’s Spa lobby, you instantly  feel spoiled. The lush peach hues and Turkish like parlor is just the beginning of what is to come.

Once inside this Turkish oasis, there are plenty of places to relax, grab fresh fruit, nuts, chilled lemon water and tea or simply watch TV in what feels like a wing of a royal palace.

One of the spa highlights was the dimly lit walk to the treatment rooms. The decor was best described to me as the interior of a genie’s bottle. It screams Barbara Eden. It’s otherworldly…

There are 52 treatment rooms tucked in to and off that walkway, hot and cold plunge pools, steam and sauna and hot stone ergonomic chairs surrounding the pools for magazines or midday dreaming in the 60,000 sq foot spa. Go for an indigenous treatment, the Desert Stone Massage or Lavender, which offers a mix of both hot and cold stones.

My masseur used a mix of modalities in my Desert Stone. Just as you are encouraged to alternate shampoos, skin creams or exercise routines to prevent the body follicle and dermis from getting lazy and nonresponsive, same applies in a massage. It’s a great way to awaken the body by shaking it up versus using that same stagnated motion to stimulate change and the release of tension and toxins.

My massage was seamless and the masseur phenomenal. It was by far one of the best massages I have ever had and one of the best spa experiences from start to finish. Carve out a leisurely late afternoon window, pre-evening activity to take full advantage of the pools and rooms. You’re sure to drift off in this oasis and dream of a genie, Barbara or otherwise. www.encorelasvegas.com 

Spa Bellagio is one of the largest spas on the strip at 65,000 sq ft. It feels even bigger once in with their many sitting rooms, pools, sauna and endless hallways.

Their extensive menu offers a wide range of international treatments from caviar facials to milk baths, raindrop therapy, watsu and Thai yoga massage.

Something as simple as a hydrating facial at The Bellagio Spa in the heat of the summer is out of this world as their therapists bring a wide range of skills to the table.

My aesthetician Frida, was named after the famed lady herself as her aunt or grandmother or both were friends with her back in the day in Mexico. She too threw in a mad range of skills inclusive of some energy work mid facial. Whatever it was, it worked. I was deep dreaming in no time. I left glowing. I floated out of the Spa and fell right in to their Alice in Wonderland like courtyard, as Bellagio’s spring display had just been unveiled. www.bellagio.com

Canyon Ranch is world-renowned. The Vegas outpost is a mere 134,000 sq ft spa, wellness and fitness center that services both the Venetian and the Palazzo hotels.

The spa is the largest of its kind in North America with 94 treatment rooms. They offer an impressive range of facial, body, massage, energy and health and wellness treatments alongside a full blown salon perfect for the beaming bride and her many maids.

They have a private room for the I Do diva and or her lady friends to prep and get ready for the matrimonial madness. A discrete VIP room is also available in the locker room for celebs, scenesters and VIP guests to prep or play. It’s a nice touch.

I was hard pressed to choose a service at Canyon Ranch as there are so many unique treatments on the menu. It may take at least a few visits in to satisfy my spa curiosity. 

If you’re feeling like you want to get away from it all, I’d suggest trying their cocoon wrap, one of their signature treatments. If feeling fried and a bit out of balance, go for one of their healing treatments of Reiki, reflexology, craniosacral therapy or energy renewal. Their practitioners are extraordinary and come from all corners of the globe. My lovely reflexologists was from South Africa. I can’t remember his name as I drifted far, far and away after a mere touch to the tip of my toe.

If spending a day at the spa and you’re missing the outdoor aquatics, fear not. There are plenty of aquatic options at Canyon Ranch. They are known for their Aquvana experience with the experiential rains, their Igloo with cool air and artic mists and the crystal steam room.

Be sure to carve out at least an hour pre or post treatment as there is an extensive hot and cold aqua circuit inclusive of steam, plunge and many rains that are sure to awaken the senses and the soul. Now you can focus on that gambling.
www.canyonranchspaclub.com

Written by Karen Loftus / @LAKarenLoftus

Photos courtesy of Encore Hotel, Bellagio Hotel & Canyon Ranch