Hit the R&R jackpot
There is no dearth of exotic treatments available in Sin City's thirty-odd spas. In the Arctic Room at Caesars' Qua Baths & Spa, for example, synthetic snow gently falls on patrons in a 55 degree temperature-controlled environment. The Gentleman's Pedicure at the Ritz-Carlton comes with a selection of imported beers while the ingredients of a facial at the Bellagio include crushed pearls and caviar.
But there's nothing like a hot tub and a massage to help recover from a difficult morning.
“I consider Vegas to be the mecca of the spa world,” said Rachel Kanpp, Director of MGM Grand Spa. The concentration of spas along the 4.5-mile-long Strip is the densest in the world, and spa-going is fast becoming an integral part of the Vegas experience. All that fun tends to be exhausting.
With larger facilities able to accommodate a higher volume of visitors, Vegas resorts increasingly find themselves catering to hundreds of weary gamblers a day. Business travelers as well as regulars stream through the rooms, making dips in the mud bath more than just a weekend activity. But beware of an impromptu visit at the end of a busy week—many spas are at full capacity and require reservations weeks in advance.
In terms of sheer square yardage, the gargantuan Canyon Ranch Spa at the Venetian is one of the largest fitness and wellness facilities in the U.S. Soon, it plans to nearly double its space, becoming the largest resort spa in the world. Acupuncture, nutrition consultation, physical therapy, salsa dance, funk aerobics and more “standard” treatments are just a few of the 100 plus daily options.
These days, a visit to a spa doesn't necessarily entail several hours of pampered repose. The Adventure Spa at Red Rock is the only spa in the area to offer rock climbing, biking, rafting, hiking and other outdoor sports. Newly opened in April of 2007, the adventure spa offers a unique experience to Vegas visitors—that of exercise.
“We show you a side of Vegas they don’t want you to know exists,” said Adventure Spa Activities Manager David Bent, referring to casino operators wary of having their visitors lured away from the tables and slot-machines. They pump in oxygen for a reason.
Also nearby, the Adventure Spa is the fifth most popular rock climbing destination in the U.S., and offers high-end bike rentals, with professional equipment worth up to $12,000. Bent notes many families with young children also enjoy the group outings.
Out of the 57 million U.S. adult spa-goers, nearly one out of three are male, a number that continues to rise, according to research by the International Spa Association. While only a handful of men-only spas exist nationwide, many of the others provide signature treatments and exclusive facilities specifically tailored to gentlemen seeking leisure. Old-fashioned treatments such as hot lather and straight razor shaves are de riguer.
Whatever your inclination, Vegas spas are sure to deliver. Take a look at the top Vegas spas according to our panel of Vegas experts. Or better yet, put it all on black then treat yourself to a $2,000 facial.
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