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| - I LOVE SPA MANDALAY!
This was my second visit to Spa Mandalay, and my experience here was only enhanced from what I learned from my first visit. I scheduled an 80 minute hot stone massage at noon (the spa recently started offering 80 minute hot stone massages, it used to be you could only get a 50 minute massage) and I got to the spa at 9:00am and checked in, charging everything to my room. You want to arrive early- at least an hour to half an hour before your treatment so that you can take advantage of the amenities the spa offers you.
After I checked in, I was escorted to the women's side of the spa, and was given a locker key and spa slippers. If this is your first time, the staff will also give you a tour. Feel free to help yourself to the fresh lemon water or cranberry-pineapple juice at the front as well. The spa used to put out muffins, nuts, coffees, teas, and bottled water, but when I went it looked as if they were cutting back and only offered a basket of bananas and apples with water, juice, and coffees and tea (hence, the 4 star).
I put away all my stuff in the locker, grabbed my robe (which is waiting for you in the locker) took a shower, slipped on my bathing suit and robe, and headed to the spa pools. Grab a lounge chair, roll up a towel under your neck, and use another towel as a blanket, place some chilled cucumbers on your eyes, and take an hour nap. After an entire night out of drinking and gambling, this is the best! After my nap, I took a dip in the warm water, and headed to the electric steam room.
Remember to take advantage of the bottles of facial and body lotion! It smells citrusy and great and plus they sell it for $18 at the front store. So lather it on heavily! By this time, I had 30 minutes to spare before my massage, so I grabbed a VOGUE magazine and relaxed in the quiet room. For you women who don't understand what a quiet room is for, it isn't so that you and your 2 best friends can chat loudly about your massage or the night before.
At noon, I was introduced to my therapist Nob. He escorted me to the therapy room and worked his magic. He was a little chatty at first, asking me what I was doing in Las Vegas, how long I was staying, etc. But eventually he got the cue that I wanted to essentially fall asleep while he massaged my back and he did and it was swell. My treatment ended a little bit after 1:00pm, so I headed to the vanity area, used up more of the complimentary lotions, put on my make-up, changed, and got ready for a lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel.
I would definitely recommend Spa Mandalay for any first time spa goers, and tell any massage rookies to start off with a traditional Swedish and then start to explore other different massages. Whatever you do: don't be late for your appointment, come at least a half hour early, don't eat a heavy breakfast before you go to the spa (keep it light, I had 2 bananas and water), drink plenty of water before and after your treatment (but stop drinking about an hour before so you don't have to go to the bathroom in the middle of your treatment- or just go to the bathroom right before the treatment), and don't hesitate to prompt your therapist if you want more or less pressure! Also don't forget to take advantage of the little things the spa offers you: like bottled water, fruits, vanity area, and of course the iced cucumbers next to the lounge chairs by the pool (those are my favorite!).
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