Spa Review

By Michael Andre Adams

Best Overall Spa --- The Mandarin Oriental-Washington, D.C. 
Opened just this past March in our nation’s capitol, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Spa is an incredible urban oasis poised on the marina at the Potomac Tidal Basin, between the Jefferson Memorial and Washington monument along the outskirts of downtown. Designed in Feng Shui harmony, you will surrender to feelings of splendor and excitement from the moment you enter. A multi-function flat screen monitor with a multitude of channels broadcasting in high definition is a first here in the USA, according to communications director, Ellen Gale.

Arrive at the lower level spa 30-60 minutes prior to your appointment for “the heat experience:” A eucalyptus steam room, a dip in the cold plunge pool, a few minutes in the dry sauna, followed by juice, fruit and a magazine in the relaxation lounge.

As with most treatments at the Mandarin-Washington, my Ama Releasing Abhyanga experience lasted a full one hour and 50 minutes. This Ayurvedic-based, holistic treatment was designed to create a balance of the elements and Chakras in the body and spirit by releasing congesting and restrictive toxins as it frees the flow of natural energy through the body and mind.

The process begins with a relaxing tri-dosha herbal infusion during the ceremonial foot cleansing ritual. Full body stimulation comes by way of a salt and oil exfoliation and gentle facial cleanse. A warm shower precedes a warm infusion of oils and herbs massaged into the vital energy centers of the face and body. Opt for a relaxing head massage or Shirodhara oil pouring to the forehead and through the scalp, the latter of which led to an out-of-body experience for me.

Worldwide, Mandarin Oriental hotels have mastered the art of excellent service. In all my travels, I have yet to find another chain that surpasses the genuinely warm hospitality present throughout Mandarin’s hotels, restaurants and spas.

Best Sound Therapy --- The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle
A few minutes north of Miami’s South Beach, the Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s Willow Stream Spa offers the Crystal Singing Bowl to spa-goers. The sand-made bowl offers powerful vibrations that resonate within the human body to re-harmonize the body physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Favorite Desert Venue --- The MGM Grand Spa/MGM Grand Casino, Las Vegas.  Second in the world in terms of hotel rooms at 5,034, the MGM Grand hails its Australian-based signature “Dreaming Ritual” treatment which incorporates massage, hair mask, hand and foot treatments in a private luxury suite. Stay tuned for the December ’04 arrival of their sister property, Bellagio’s Spa Tower.

Best Facial (yes… facial) --- The Four Seasons Hotel and Spa, Chicago
This Four Star property’s signature Pearl De Caviar Facial re-hydrates, increases elasticity, and protects against the free radicals known to accelerate premature aging.  Available in 30, 50 or 80-minute sessions, the treatment culminates with champagne and caviar in the relaxation room.

Best Spa at Sea --- The Queen Mary 2
As with all new ships, the largest and most luxurious ship on earth boasts not just any spa, but the renowned Canyon Ranch where couples can experience the exotic Mid-Eastern "Rasul" ritual. The treatment takes place in an ornately tiled steam chamber where, as part of the Rasul Ceremony, couples apply medicinal body mud to each other while being dowsed with intermittent jets of steam infused with herbs. A refreshing rain shower-rinse from a fiber-optic sky completes the cleansing ritual.