At these three resorts, destination immersion has made its way into the spa through locally inspired treatments.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
The spring debut of a luxurious new fitness center and spa treatment at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, included the launch of indigenous therapies inspired by Missouri’s natural elements. Take for instance, the 80-minute Missouri Red Rock Massage, a therapeutic experience that combines the relaxing benefits of sweet orange and Missouri red granite to soothe aching muscles, or the 80-minute Missouri Black Walnut Massage, which uses sticks carved from locally sourced black walnut in a fast-paced and energetic treatment aimed at slowing busy minds, and stretching and elongating tight muscles, while helping to improve flexibility.
Further indulgences available at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis include a deep muscle massage, stress-relief massage, relaxation massage, a massage for expectant mothers, a personalized body wrap, a body butter treatment, a nourished body glow, a body balancer and more. Additionally, spa-goers can indulge in a selection of 50- to 80-minute ESPA skin care treatments, products and therapies designed to purify, hydrate, brighten, smooth and revive skin. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is also offering two packages incorporating the new facility into an overnight stay. The ESPA Sunday Sleepover package, starting at $299, features Sunday night accommodations, a $100 spa massage credit, valet parking, late check-out on Monday and a travel-size ESPA Replenishing Collection gift, while The Senses of Missouri Spa package, starting at $479, includes overnight accommodations, a $205 credit to use towards a signature Missouri element spa treatment, breakfast for two in The Restaurant or a $50 in-room dining credit, and valet parking. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is located in the heart of the St. Louis suburban business and shopping district of Clayton, just minutes from downtown and from the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). Regular room rates start at $254 per night. For more information, call (314) 863-6300 or visit ritzcarlton.com/stlouis.
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
In Mexico, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun has unveiled an updated spa menu featuring indigenous treatments and techniques inspired by ancient healing practices at the 40,000-sq.-ft. Gem Spa. New treatments include the 90-minute Mayan Princess Body Treatment, which combines vanilla, once used by the Mayans as a religious offering, with tangerine into a mask that is applied to the hands using massage techniques that soften and revitalize skin. Not to be left out, men can also feel like royalty with their own 90-minute Mayan Prince Body Treatment, featuring a gentle body exfoliation paired with an invigorating massage using a chaya-based mud (for centuries, the Maya used chaya, a native healing plant from the Yucatan peninsula, as a medicinal herb and it is still recognized for its soothing and repairing properties).
These new indigenous options complement the Gem Spa’s other robust offerings that utilize the Forlle’d skin care line, chakra-balancing gems and hydrotherapy. All treatments at Gem Spa begin with a complimentary 10-step Hydrotherapy Ritual that detoxifies the skin through contrasts of warm and cool temperatures combined with high and low water pressures. The guided circuit includes an aromatherapy steam room, a multi-jet shower, clay steam room, ice room, sauna, rain shower, whirlpool, lagoon pool, and a “pool of sensation” filled with bubble and floor geysers, water cascades and neck jets. Rates start at $280 in the high season; $190 in the low season. For more information, call (888) 830-9008 or visit coralbeachcancunresort.com.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Los Cabos is set to make its late 2016 debut, and future guests of the 304-suite beachfront all-inclusive on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula can look forward to the innovative new Spa Atelier concept that will be offered as part of the hotel’s new spa. Spa Atelier is a series of educational workshops tailored to aid a variety of ailments and needs. Inspired by local Mexican culture and based upon the principles of ancient Ayurvedic medicine, the workshops feature a selection of informative courses on skincare, nutrition, aromatherapy, and water and tea rituals. With something suitable for all guests, including couples and little ones, Spa Atelier workshops include The Tea Party, where guests will have the opportunity to learn how combinations of tisanas (herbal tea infusions), whole leaf teas and natural ingredients can be beneficial for the body; Healthy Kids Aromatherapy, a workshop that allows guests to create child-friendly essences that can be combined and used for a wide array of purposes, including helping children relax at bedtime; and two couples’ workshops that guide couples through massage and infusion creations.
Spanning 35,000 sq. ft., the spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos will be split over two levels and feature 16 treatment rooms, including a selection of treatment rooms with direct ocean views; a guided water journey; kids’ and teens’ treatments; a bridal suite; salon; and barber shop. Room rates start at $750 pp per night dbl, and include luxury suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, a fitness center, nightly entertainment and more. For more information, call (888) 407-4869 or visit loscabos.grandvelas.com.
