Inside the New Ritz-Carlton, Aruba’s Spa

The Presidential Suite can be converted into a two-bedroom suite by connecting to a double queen-bedded Ocean Front Room.

The Presidential Suite can be converted into a two-bedroom suite by connecting to a double queen-bedded Ocean Front Room.

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba has just opened its doors and we’ve got the scoop on its new 15,000-square-foot spa.

Aruba’s tropical vibe is front and center in the spa’s 13 treatment rooms; local signature treatments and indigenous scrubs meld with the healing properties of native aloe, cactus and coconut to create a nifty menu for guests.

Executives say they used the four natural elements of fire, water, sky and earth to create the treatments; hence the “Sky” treatment is called the “Zoya Hamaca experencia,” that’s a hammock massage said to deliver a sense of weightless pampering, inspired by Aruba’s vast open skies.

“Water” is honored with the Awa awakening treatment, which begins with a body scrub to remove impurities and to aid absorption of a mixture of rich minerals. Following a spiritual massage, oils made from local flowers are applied; next up is a private cooling rain shower experience.

The Dushi Tera treatment represents the element of “Earth,” and is an organic facial performed after a skin analysis. VIPs will receive a black-stone massage derived with stones from Black Stone Beach, followed by a scrub and an organic body wrap with red mud combined with aloe oil, and a scalp massage. This treatment finishes with a Sunchi from Aruba, a fresh lotion infused with cactus to restore the balance of skin.

The treatment that represents “Fire” is the Candela Deseo treatment, a couple’s treatment that begins with a body scrub made from fresh Aruban honey. An aromatherapy massage is performed to ease senses, paired with an herbal-infused soothing lotion. Nice Touch: A glass of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries complete the experience.

Fresh fruit smoothies, coconut water and native herbal teas are all on offer; the spa boutique and retail center will carry all treatment products as well as a variety of other local specialties, should your inner retailing spirit need pampering of its own.

Hint: Complementing the spa, the resort has a range of health and wellness facilities, including several mind-body fitness programs and activities such as sunrise yoga and Pilates. Adjoining the spa is a fitness center offering cardiovascular equipment, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and personal training services.

Note: The 320-room Ritz-Carlton, Aruba resort has four restaurants, the spa, two swimming pools, a 24-hour casino, one of the largest meeting facilities in Aruba, and the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

There are 55 suites, including Deluxe, Executive and Parlor categories, providing one-and-a-half baths, a living room and boutique bath amenities.

Tip: Two Ritz-Carlton Suites have panoramic ocean views, each with a master bedroom, a living room and a private balcony facing the sea with outdoor showers.

Luxury travel advisors can contact Richard Kasofsky, director of sales ([email protected]), if they’re sending an A-lister who needs special TLC.