Luxury spa news, chitchat and review thread
#151
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
#152
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,598
Oh dear I didn't know that, thanks for letting me know. I hope they will get it under control, otherwise I cannot picture myself enjoying the Spa there.
#153
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
At least there is a sealed door to the pool, so you do not smell the chlorine in the spa reception or treatment rooms, but I cannot imagine how anyone could endure sitting on a lounger around that pool.
#155
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Given that hotels seem intent on creating their own spa lines these days, have any of you found one that is genuinely effective?
I see that Bill Bensley now has his own 'natural' line in Cambodia made by Khmer Tonics, whilst Heckfield Place has Wildsmith Skin (also touted as chemical-free and sold, like Aman, on its own website) and Aman, of course, have their new ILA-made line.
Both Aman and Wildsmith Skin are at the top of the price range for skincare, but I wonder if this is more to do with brand positioning than quality.
I see that Bill Bensley now has his own 'natural' line in Cambodia made by Khmer Tonics, whilst Heckfield Place has Wildsmith Skin (also touted as chemical-free and sold, like Aman, on its own website) and Aman, of course, have their new ILA-made line.
Both Aman and Wildsmith Skin are at the top of the price range for skincare, but I wonder if this is more to do with brand positioning than quality.
#156
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 542
I just wrote a longer response, but, we just got back from the jungle two months ago in Ecuador and loved it. Loved it, and yes, you'll sweat. Enjoy it and don't whine otherwise you're gonna have to not do the spa for the sake of your integrity! I so deeply regretted staying in Cusco rather than going to the Inkaterra in the jungle nearly two years ago. I think you're in for a real treat.
St. Regis is worth looking at. Faena, Setail, Acqualina, COMO and FS Surfside would be the others I'd consider. COMO has a very high standard IMO and there's a lot of travel between the hotels between therapists I understand, so you'll have a high chance and can find out if there's someone who worked at Bali for example.
We'll be in Miami in a few months after Amanyara and COMO, Faena and the new FS seem most interesting to me right now.
Edition, W, SLS, Delano.... not places I would really consider myself if I were in your shoes... as it sounds like you're not the party type.
St. Regis is worth looking at. Faena, Setail, Acqualina, COMO and FS Surfside would be the others I'd consider. COMO has a very high standard IMO and there's a lot of travel between the hotels between therapists I understand, so you'll have a high chance and can find out if there's someone who worked at Bali for example.
We'll be in Miami in a few months after Amanyara and COMO, Faena and the new FS seem most interesting to me right now.
Edition, W, SLS, Delano.... not places I would really consider myself if I were in your shoes... as it sounds like you're not the party type.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...h_Florida.html
I love spas and visited many around the world. The most recent worth mentioning was FS Baku. Did not get a treatment, but enjoyed facilities with the view of the Caspian sea.
Once of the most memorable experiences was spa at Shangri La in Vancouver.
#157
Given that hotels seem intent on creating their own spa lines these days, have any of you found one that is genuinely effective?
I see that Bill Bensley now has his own 'natural' line in Cambodia made by Khmer Tonics, whilst Heckfield Place has Wildsmith Skin (also touted as chemical-free and sold, like Aman, on its own website) and Aman, of course, have their new ILA-made line.
Both Aman and Wildsmith Skin are at the top of the price range for skincare, but I wonder if this is more to do with brand positioning than quality.
I see that Bill Bensley now has his own 'natural' line in Cambodia made by Khmer Tonics, whilst Heckfield Place has Wildsmith Skin (also touted as chemical-free and sold, like Aman, on its own website) and Aman, of course, have their new ILA-made line.
Both Aman and Wildsmith Skin are at the top of the price range for skincare, but I wonder if this is more to do with brand positioning than quality.
#158
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,221
The spa at Rancho Valencia on the outskirts of San Diego is more than usually sybaritic. Do go, if you can. The resort itself also grand.
https://www.ranchovalencia.com/spa/spa-resort-san-diego
https://www.ranchovalencia.com/spa/spa-resort-san-diego
Last edited by KatW; Oct 25, 2018 at 10:15 am
#159
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
The spa at Rancho Valencia on the outskirts of San Diego is more than usually sybaritic. Do go, if you can. The resirt itseld also grand.
https://www.ranchovalencia.com/spa/spa-resort-san-diego
https://www.ranchovalencia.com/spa/spa-resort-san-diego
#161
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,221
The spa at Las Ventanas al Paraiso is being renovated and expanded yet the work is being done quietly with little discomfort inflicted on guests. The treatments are just grand. Ask for Celia when wanting a facial.
#162
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,598
Interesting. I thought Roger Thomas must have had a very bad nightmare, in which he drew the Spa at Encore... maybe that would explain why he chose these Persian-accentuated delusions of Morocco, India and Italy for his design. Doing a Spa in Vegas is hard enough, considering strict North American regulations but this design is something else. It might also take some years of sageing to clear the energy down there if you read the news recently
#163
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 542
Interesting. I thought Roger Thomas must have had a very bad nightmare, in which he drew the Spa at Encore... maybe that would explain why he chose these Persian-accentuated delusions of Morocco, India and Italy for his design. Doing a Spa in Vegas is hard enough, considering strict North American regulations but this design is something else. It might also take some years of sageing to clear the energy down there if you read the news recently
#164
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,598
A 3 hours drive or short flight from Vegas, Amangiri is more suited to what you are looking for.
#165
Hyatt Regency Tashkent spa review
Probably the best spa in all of CIS and up until you reach Turkey or Dubai.
75 min Arya signature massage is approx. 40 US dollars and the therapists are quite decent. Strong hands and pressure. Spa treatment rooms are better than those at FS DJB.
Elemis products aren't the greatest and they tend to have more of the scientific advances than natural ingredients in them. Used for facials.
Post treatment options are hot black or green tea or water. Nothing fancy.