Espa’s co-ed Meditation Room is the perfect getaway for ultimate relaxation.
Las Vegas is the home of over-the-top, and that certainly applies to its spas as well. Here are some new spa experiences worth checking out on the Strip:
Espa at Vdara
The all-suite Vdara Hotel & Spa recently joined forces with Espa to create the new Espa at Vdara—the spa company’s first branded facility on the west coast and the third in the country overall. The spa (on the smaller side for Vegas) covers two floors and has 11 treatment rooms, including three relaxation lounges and a co-ed meditation room. (We’re intrigued by the eucalyptus steam rooms, hot plunges and heated lounge chairs.)
Therapies begin upon arrival with a series of European heat experiences, taking guests through temperature changes, and offering a multi-functional treatment room where you can retreat and enjoy a full day of pampering.
Espa creates signature treatments for each destination, so each experience at each spa is unique. The signature Las Vegas/Vdara treatments are “On The Rocks” and “Desert Rose”—the former includes a body brushing followed by a body polish, and then a massage with hot stones followed by a scalp massage. The latter includes a massage with aromatic oils and an Espa body butter.
Good to know: Guests must be at least 18 years old for treatments at the spa, but Salon Vdara welcomes children and even offers a “Strawberries & Cream” children’s manicure and pedicure.
Booking tips: Try to reserve time as far in advance as possible—at least one day in advance on the weekends. Groups should make their reservations at least one week in advance.
Speaking of groups, friends and family can book separate services and spend time together in any of the wet areas, lounges or meditation rooms. (There are no specific group treatments.) Wedding parties will want to make time at Salon Vdara for hair, nail and makeup services (including bridal up-dos)—and there are plenty of treatments available for men. Chef Concierge Hakan Kalinov ([email protected]; 702-590-2005) can handle any special requests, and the spa team can be reached at 702-590-2474.
At the resort itself, VIPs and families will want to book the Hospitality Suite, which has two king beds and a pullout sofa for a total of six guests. (Connecting rooms are also available for families and groups.) For top views over the city and the desert beyond, ask for a corner-end suite. Good to know: Guests who stay in a Penthouse or Hospitality Suite get complimentary transportation to and from the airport. And four-legged friends are welcome, too: The hotel recently launched V-Dog, a program that lets dog owners bring up to two dogs (with a combined weight of less than 70 pounds) for an additional $50 per night.
Important: Vdara is a non-gaming, non-smoking hotel.
Spa at Encore
In December, the spas at the Wynn and Encore Hotels both added several new treatments to their menus.
Pictured: Encore’s spa is spread over 61,000 square feet, with 37 treatment rooms, including garden villas and couples’ rooms.
At the Spa at Encore, the Four-Hands Ritual includes a hot-stone body massage and warm-oil scalp treatment from two synchronized therapists; the Bodhi Massage and Visualization helps balance chakras (for those whose chakras need aligning); the I am, Body and Facial Treatment lets guests choose from aromatherapy, exfoliation and body wrap options as well as a facial and leg-and-foot massage; and the Oxygen Infused Facial uses a mix of hydrators and amino peptides to refresh the skin. (We hear this is a popular pick for brides on the big day.)
Among the classic treatments, the Encore Escape Transforming Ritual is one of the most requested: It includes herb-infused poultices and Thai stretches, a lomi-lomi massage and heated stones, and a scalp massage and warm wrap. Note: This treatment can run for more than two hours, so make sure there’s time for it. But a two-hour treatment is nothing compared to the Ultimate Blushing Bride Journey, which covers two days. On the first day (ideally, the day before a wedding), brides can unwind with a Nalu Body Ritual followed by an Oxygen Infused Facial. Before the ceremony on the second day, their fingers and toes will be prepped with a mani-pedi, the hair will be arranged in a classic “updo,” and makeup will be applied with an airbrush. (Good to know: The Spa can customize programs upon request.)
Even expectant moms can get in on the action, with a special massage geared for ladies in the second or third trimester. (We hear the treatment hydrates the skin and improves circulation.) Good to know for families: The spa is an adult-only environment, but the spa welcomes all children and young adults.
The Spa at Encore sprawls out over 61,000 square feet and has 37 treatment rooms, including garden villas and couples’ rooms. (And even at that size, it fills up fast. Luxury travel advisors should try to book treatments at least two weeks in advance.) Contact Assistant Spa Director Erika Valles ([email protected]; 702-770-4451) for special requests.
At the Encore, top rooms include the Duplex Suite (three bedrooms over two stories with a dedicated butler pantry, game room and massage room) or the Two-Bedroom Apartment (corner floor-to-ceiling windows for top views). Over at the adjacent Wynn Resort, the Parlor Suite has a gated entrance, private pools and VIP check-in.