The Spa at Encore

The Spa at Encore features one-of-a-kind treatments in a calm, pristine atmosphere. 

As soon as you step off the hotel's elevator, you'll see the spacious check-in area. From here, guests can access the spa, salon, fitness center and the spa's retail store. Once you check in for your treatment, the spa attendant provides a quick tour of the luxurious 60,000-square-foot facility. 

There are plenty of areas to relax before and after your spa treatment. As soon as you step past the check-in area, there is a den complete with a fireplace and a flat screen television. Guests can also thumb through magazines and enjoy fruit and refreshments. Tucked right behind the treatment rooms, the spa also features separate quiet lounges for men and women. 

If you're thinking about taking a quick dip before your service, the wet spa area features hot and cold plunge pools in a sophisticated, tropical-looking atmosphere. The two Swarovski crystal chandeliers also give this sanctuary a touch of elegance. Perfect for rinsing off after your dip, this area offers private waterfall showers. In addition, there are heated lounge chairs adjacent to the pools, ideal for a cat nap. 

The spa offers an array of unique facial, massage and body treatments. If you're looking for the perfect way to relieve stress, then the Lavender Stone Ritual is for you. The spa's signature spa treatment infuses lavender along with hot and cold stones to calm frazzled nerves. This combination sends you to faraway bliss. The service begins with an invigorating scrub made of sea salts and lavender grains. After you rinse off, the therapist incorporates lavender oil with an ultra-soothing hot and cold stone massage for the remainder of your service. Your therapist even hangs tiny little hot stones between your toes, providing the perfect remedy for tired, sore feet. The service concludes with a refreshing, minty scent to revitalize and awaken your senses.  

If you're looking to have a salon service, the vibe is completely different. While the spa provides décor with Asian and Moroccan influences, the salon has more of a funky, trendy feel. The magenta and tangerine-colored walls along with seashell lights give it a fun vibe, while the white furnishings give the salon a modern, chic feel. In addition, the upbeat music keeps the energy flowing. 

Treat your dry hands to the salon's custom manicure -- your hands will thank you. Before your mineral hand cream massage and polish, the service includes a choice of an exfoliating Dead Sea salt scrub or a rich hydrating mask. If your hands are very dry, a paraffin treatment can also be added to the service. 

Those who opt in a pedicure are in luck -- since the pedicure chairs face the huge floor-to-ceiling window, guests can admire the view of the hotel's lush gardens below. For those who would like more privacy, there are curtains between each pedicure station. 

The state-of-the-art fitness center features a wide variety of strength training and cardio equipment, as well as magazines and headphones. For those interested in taking Pilates classes, the private studio comes complete with reformer machines. 

To get to the spa, take the hotel elevator to the fifth floor. From the spa level, hotel guests also have easy access to the resort's pool. 

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe