With seven couples suites out of 17 treatment rooms and a stunning co-ed hammam, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas seems destined to bring people together. But it's still a wonderful place to go alone. Like every Mandarin Oriental I've ever been in, just walking into the hotel start to calm you down. (I think it's because of the Asian music and design.)
You enter the sky lobby on the 23rd floor, where a golden wall serves up some Vegas bling factor while still being tasteful. Then you take an elevator down to spa reception on the eighth floor. (The spa is 27,000-ft. and spread over two levels.) I recommend you arrive AT LEAST 45 minutes early.
A Spa Wonderland
Why? First, you are welcomed with a cup of tea and given a pair of slippers right at spa reception before you go to the locker room, a spa wonderland, with warm tepidarium chairs that overlook the city, experience showers that incorporate smell, sound and light, and a super-hot steam room with an ice fountain where you can cool down.
The hammam at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas is simply stunning.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Las VegasAnd if you're having one of the 110-minute Signature Spa Therapies, which uses principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aromatherapy, you fill out a diagnostic questionnaire that may require some thought. ("Do I think I always have to behave correctly? Or not?") The answers affect the massage and what kind of oil is used.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas has top-notch therapists. I actually remembered my therapist, Troy Stolworthy, from a massage I had years ago in Vegas because he was so good. I was tired and had a hard time filling out the diagnostic form, so we just figured out what treatment and oil would be best for me while he washed my feet.
We did a "smell test" of two oils and I chose "Awake," a blend of neroli, lavender, grapefruit and mandarin.I absolutely loved the oil, one of six blended exclusively blended for Mandarin Oriental by from Aromatherapy Associates, a top-notch UK company. I even bought a bottle to take home.
But I wasn't totally sold on the idea that answering a questionnaire would get me to the perfect massage. While the massage focused on the areas that needed it (upper back and shoulders) and Troy addressed my concerns, I still had a feeling there was a strict protocol that needed to be followed. I wish it could have been a more spontaneous communication, as the best massages are.
Of course you can get an 80-minute massage here (I would recommend an aromatherapy massage using the Aromatherapy Associates oils), as well as interesting exclusive treatments like Mahjong Balance, a two-hour session focusing on pressure points and energy centers that finishes with a cool jade game tile to soothe and calm the body.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas is expensive, as are all Mandarin Oriental spas. Still, it delivered a wonderful, transporting experience, and I would go back in a minute. Especially if I had someone to meet in my black robe, in one of those sexy couples suites.
Contact The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas:
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary treatments for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
