The Spa at Aria

The Spa at Aria Description

With so many spas in town, it becomes a bit tricky to tell them apart. Here, that's not the case.

The moment you enter the spa at Aria, it's like stepping into a futuristic oasis. The sophisticated décor, calming sounds from the water fixtures and fresh flora immediately bring you into a modern paradise. The atmosphere takes your breath away -- and this is just the retail and check-in area.

The sprawling, 80,000-square-foot spa features two floors. In addition to the retail and check-in area, the salon is also located on the first floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows near the color and make-up stations provide natural lighting and views of CityCenter. The retail area offers a variety of cosmetics, along with products for every hair type.

Also on the first floor is a fitness facility that's so state-of-the-art, it will make your gym back home jealous. The 6,000-square-foot center features treadmills, full-body cross trainers, lower-body cross trainers, recumbent bikes, upright bikes and a body ergo meter, all which have iPod connections. The fitness center also features top-of-the-line free weights, strength equipment and group exercise studios. Personal training is available. If you plan on running on one of the treadmills, you'll get to admire the beautiful pool area outdoors. 

Just across from the gym is a comfortable seating area complete with a fireplace. Here you can kick back, relax and enjoy cold beverages and fresh fruit while sitting in front of the fire.

Just around the corner, you'll find an elevator that takes you to the treatment rooms on the second floor. The spa's nature-inspired waiting lounge offers plenty of chaises, so you can stretch your legs out and enjoy the comfort of your own space. Juice, tea, coffee fruit and cold bottled water are easily accessible.

If you're not quite ready to embrace the tranquility this spa has to offer, then don't forget to pack your bathing suit. Just outside the separate men's and women's wet spa area is a co-ed pool lounge on the spa's balcony. Here, you can lie out on one of the lounge chairs, bask in the weather and even enjoy the music and atmosphere of the resort's pool below. The outdoor co-ed area features its own pool so you can feel a part of the action. (But if you did come to the spa to escape the hustle and bustle, don't worry: There are quiet areas available that completely shut the noise out.)

In addition to skin care and massage rooms, the spa offers ashiatsu, couples' massage, thai massage, facials, hydro-therapy and Vichy rooms.

The spa also offers Japanese stone sauna beds. During a "ganbanyoku" treatment, you'll relax on a bed of heated black mineral stones that emit negative ions and far-infrared rays. In addition to relaxing muscles, the treatment helps improve blood circulation, increase metabolism and eliminate toxins from the body.

If you're ready to experience the ultimate in luxury, the spa also features three private spa suites. The suites include luxurious amenities, Aji stone walls, natural lighting, a lounge area with entertainment, vanity area with lockers, a personal steam shower and a hydrotherapy tub. You may also order gourmet dining. Suites serve up to eight people. Spa packages range from a three-hour series of treatments to the 12-hour VIP experience.

Before you leave, make sure to check out the boutique downstairs, where you'll find a collection of beauty and spa offerings, as well as eco-conscious apparel, products, home accessories and jewelry. 

Getting to the spa is easy -- after you valet your car at the resort, go inside and take the escalators to the second floor. Take a right and follow the signs to the spa. 

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe