I think that Bugsy Siegel had the right concept about Las Vegas ““ it’s all about image ““ whether that image is about being a high roller, living the high life (even if for only a day), or the opportunity to be bigger than life. 

Image seems to be what the commercials are selling as well, when they tout, “what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.”  Really ““ do that many people who visit Las Vegas have clandestine stories that need to be hidden away and never talked about?  Probably not.  It’s all about image.

Vegas has tried to make itself over into a family friendly destination, and although I think it falls far short of that goal, the hotels and casinos are trying to provide lots to do and see for those non-gambling travelers.  Of course, that also means that those cheap, cheap room rates are going to be a thing of the past.

I enjoy the occasional trip to Vegas, although for me it’s a place to visit and leave.  I wouldn’t want to stay there for any length of time. 

One of the ways that I enjoy my non-gambling time (although I’ve been known to play a little Black Jack or toss the dice a time or two) is to hit the spa.  It’s expensive (but much less so that losing money at the tables), can be hard to get an appointment (tipping helps), and decadent (it’s all about image).

Each new spa opening, or re-opening, is searching for that something different that will set it apart from the rest.  There is no such thing as a plain facial or massage anymore.  Everything has been re-titled with wonderfully yummy sounding names, providing a new twist on an old concept.

Where to go?  Well, here’s my top five choices, all guaranteed to meet your decadent expectations:

• Caesar’s Palace -  Qua Baths & Spa features an Arctic Ice Room, where you lounge on heated benches while fake snow falls around you.  Free if you book a treatment, or is included in the $35 daily admission fee.
• The Venetian ““ Canyon Spa Ranch has a huge operation here focusing on both fitness and health, offering panoply of fitness classes daily.  $35 for a day pass, $15 when booking a treatment.
• Bellagio ““ World Therapies focus on treatments from around the world.  $25 day pass.
• Wynn Las Vegas ““ The signature Good Luck Ritual is an 80-minute treatment, which incorporates the elements of Feng Shui, but for the body.  The daily fee of $25 is waived when booking a treatment.
• Four Seasons ““ In room therapeutic massages can booked, as well as treatments in the spa itself.  This spa is small, in keeping with the idea of the hotel itself being a hotel with another hotel.  I was unable to confirm the daily fee.

Fees, treatments, hours of service, and availability changes quickly, so check directly with the spa to get up to date information. 

If you have a favorite Las Vegas spa, or special treatment that you just can’t pass up, tell us all about it in the comments.

Photo credit:  Kyle Simourd

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

I’ve been fortunate to experience a variety of day spas, in addition to the weeklong pamper-fest of a more structured spa.  I now know that heaven has a massage table and a pedicure chair!

On a recent girls trip to Palm Desert, California, ten miles east of Palm Springs, my best gal pal, Anita, and I were graciously treated to an afternoon at the Bighorn Spa and Salon.

Bighorn is a private golf club community in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains.  It boasts an elegant desert lifestyle, and from the homes that I’ve seen, elegant is an understatement.  It’s casual living, lived at the ultimate level, and members of the Bighorn community are some of the top names in business, entertainment, sports, and politics.

Anita and I arrived at the Spa via golf cart, the standard transportation for living at playing at Bighorn.  We were warmly greeted by name, given a key to the locker room, and escorted on our way. 

Each locker contains a plush robe, a terry wrap, spa slippers, and a bottle of water.  The waiting and lounge area also contains chilled water and a variety of tonics which can be added to the water, fruit, and a candy bowl. 

You can start your spa visit with a quick shower, a soak in a hot pool, or a steam or sauna.  Or, if you’d prefer, you can lounge inside, or out, and just relax.  Then, it’s off for your treatment.

I opted for a facial, having abused myself the previous day in the sun.  Patty, my esthetician took a look at my sunburned face, tsk-tsked a bit, and then recommended that I avoid a rough exfoliation and go with a gentler, nourishing facial.  She then worked her magic, which also included a relaxing warm hand and foot massage.  I faded into a La-La land of bliss, only coming to when it was time to head off to the steam room and shower.

Anita opted for a body scrub and moisturizing treatment, perhaps to atone for her previous sun sins as well.  We both ended the afternoon with a pedicure and foot massage.

It was hard to leave the cocoon of the spa, but ultimately we got dressed and headed back to our golf cart.

An afternoon of pampering is easily booked at a day spa in your home town, or while traveling.  Many of the major hotels feature on site salon and spa services as well. 

This kind of pampering may not be for everyone, but chances are someone dear to you would love it. 

Keep that in mind when a birthday, anniversary, or other special day rolls around ““ or maybe it’s the perfect gift for no special reason at all.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe