Las Vegas is about to see the opening of three new luxury hotels in December when the massive CityCenter debuts. Aria, which opens December 16, is the largest and most avant-garde. It will be the only three with a casino. Vdara, opening December 1, is the simplest. Built as a condo hotel, it will be a quiet, luxurious option for those who want a kitchen setup, close to all the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip. Mandarin Oriental will be the smallest of the three. Opening December 4, it marks the posh brand’s debut in Las Vegas.
There’s much out there on CityCenter, including a profile on the hotels we just wrote, which appeared in the November issue of Luxury Travel Advisor. Today we’re telling you about the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, which sounds as if it’s going to be a destination unto itself.
The 27,000 square-foot sunlit spa will span the entire seventh and eighth floors of the property, incorporating “traditional Eastern philosophies and Western applications.” The natural light, unusual for Las Vegas, comes is delivered through floor-to-ceiling windows and the emphasis at the facility will be on holistic wellness (that’s when they focus on your mind, body and spirit…bonus!).
Hint: If you go, be sure to arrive 45 minute early so you can hang out at the spa’s Vitality Pools, Steam Rooms and Ice Fountains. There will be five different “Experience Shower journeys” to choose from with “dramatic light, water and sound functions choreographed into rhythmic interplay. Additional amenities will include the Laconium Room, a heated relaxation room with contoured bench-style seating and temperature-controlled Tepidarium chairs, aligned with views overlooking the city. “ There you go.
If you’re willing to splurge, and who doesn’t in Las Vegas, you can book a Spa Suite, which might work well for a Girlfriend Getaway. Couples Suites will have private steam showers and great city views. The Green, Red and White Dragon Suites have two private steam showers and personal soaking tubs. All Suites have two treatment tables, personal wardrobes and vanity areas.
If you want a truly customized experience you can book a “Time Ritual,” with a two-hour minimum recommended. They start with a footbath. You then consult with your therapist and design how your time will be spent.
Specific treatments including the Mahjong Balance, a two-hour session focusing on pressure points and energy centers. If you’re going out on the town to enjoy the Las Vegas nightlife, they’re suggesting “The Luminescence Massage and Body Treatment,” which uses pearl powder to create a glowing loko. If you’re hung over or burnt out, they’re suggesting “Lucky Eights,” meant to revitalize tired eyes and feet.
If you’re the type that travels to Las Vegas with a clan, groups can book interactive sessions, such as yoga, Pilates or meditation classes as well as private sessions with experts. Get this: A Tea Sommelier will also be on-hand to educate guests on international tea ceremonies and a Dream Coach will be available to “analyze and explore the subconscious.”
Okay, there’s more. A co-ed Hammam and a Rhassoul for women will “encourage group healing.” The core of the Hammam experience will be a full-body exfoliation. The Turkish-tiled Rhassoul is designed for two women at a time who are covered in clay and exposed to both dry and wet heat, to release toxins.
Another choice is simply to get a 45-minute ceremonial foot bath that ends with a Reflexology session, neck and shoulder massage, heated herbal neck wrap and hot or cold tea….all with a view of the Las Vegas strip.
The Fitness Center has Technogym equipment, including the Kinesis training system. There’s also a Studio for Yoga, Pilates and group exercise. Next to the Fitness Center ther are two outdoor lap pools and 20 cabanas, which will be available for rent.
For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com.
