The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

People go to spas in search of that perfect revitalizing treatment, but the environment at the spa at Mandarin Oriental is therapeutic on its own.

Featuring natural lighting with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, the 27,000-square-foot spa creates an uplifting, yet relaxed environment. Whether you're getting a treatment, enjoying the relaxation lounge or breaking a sweat at the gym, you'll get to admire views of the Las Vegas Strip. 

The natural lighting isn't the only thing that makes this spa stand out. The interior is reminiscent of a sophisticated art gallery with its 1930's Shanghai vibe. You'll find fun pops of color like purple, olive green and fuchsia paired with Asian-influenced art, dark woods, gray marble and luxurious fabrics.  

You'll want to come in at least 45 minutes before your treatment to experience all the spa amenities. Both the men's and women's relaxation areas include vitality pools, steam rooms and ice fountains. The ice fountains contain crushed ice chips that you can take and rub onto your body, serving as the perfect cool down after leaving the steam room. 

The spa also offers an experience shower that has five different "journeys" to choose from. Each journey features dramatic light, scents and sounds. Other amenities include the Laconium room (a heated relaxation room with contoured bench-style seating) and temperature-controlled Tepidarium chairs, ideal for those experiencing jet lag. 

Before or after your treatment, make sure to snuggle up on the spa's comfy lounge chairs. Lean back on these adjustable recliners while taking in the view of the Strip or enjoying a cat nap. You'll receive herbal tea upon check-in, as well as a signature foot bath before your service begins.

The spa features 17 rooms, seven of which are couples suites. The Green, Red and White Dragon Suites offer two private steam showers and personal soaking tubs. All couples suites include breathtaking views, two side-by-side treatment tables, a dressing room, vanity area and lavish refreshments like sparkling grape juice. Make the experience even more romantic by reserving the room in the early evening to see the sky transform from day to night.

If you're planning to be here for awhile, try the Mahjong Balance, a two-hour session which focuses on your pressure points. At the end of the service, the spa therapist uses a cool jade tile to soothe and calm your body. For those planning on partying the night away, the Luminescence massage and body treatment uses pearl powder (a long-time Asian tradition), giving the ultimate glow. To recover from late nights, Lucky Eights revitalizes tired eyes and feet using soothing techniques and reflexology.

Treat your feet even more by indulging in the Chinese foot spa, a popular ritual in the Far East. The service offers a traditional, steeping hot foot bath infused with either invigorating or relaxing herbal blends. Each 45-minute ceremonial foot bath finishes with a reflexology session, neck and shoulder massage, heated herbal neck wrap and hot or cold tea.

For best friends, moms and daughters or sisters, ladies can enjoy a Rhassoul treatment located in the women's facility. Inside the two-person Turkish-tiled Rhassoul, guests are covered in clay and exposed to both dry and wet heat to release toxins and nourish the skin. The service concludes with a refreshing shower inside the Rhassoul.  

Coming with a group? Group therapies are always a treat. Enjoy the steam in the Hammam, located in the co-ed relaxation area. This mosaic-tiled, temperature-controlled room comes with lounge-style seating. Ideal before a spa treatment, the Hammam experience includes a  full-body exfoliation on the heated marble table located in the center of the room. 

The spacious fitness center features top-of-the-line exercise equipment. If you don't like dealing with all the weight stations, there is a kinesis wall where you can work all your muscles by pulling bands and adjusting them to your strength level. The machine may look intimidating, but there's an interactive touch screen that shows how to work your different muscle areas. Gym attendants and personal trainers are available to help assist. There's also a fitness studio that also holds yoga, Pilates as well as abdominal workouts and meditation classes. 

Whether you're cooling off from the gym or wanting to take a dip before your service, the pool area is easily accessible from the spa. Located adjacent to the fitness center, you'll find two outdoor lap pools, lounge chairs and 20 cabanas available for rent. Cabana massages are also available. Open seasonally, the poolside café serves healthy, market-fresh cuisine. 

If you wish to continue your spa experience at home, the retail boutique offers a full range of signature products, clothes and accessories.

From Eastern-inspired spa treatments and sunlit rooms to an array of fine amenities, a trip to the spa at Mandarin Oriental is a vacation in itself. 

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe