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| - Probably one of the, if not the, best spa experiences I've had. Our trip to Vegas was planned purely around relaxation! Woo! We were staying at Aria, so we were within convenient walking distance to Mandarin Oriental. I had read amazing things about their spa on both Yelp and other websites, so I had to try! Both the hubs and I prefer to have much more pressure during our full-body massages and we usually request deep-tissue massages when we go to spas. But even then, we have found that most therapists still don't apply enough pressure, even at the most high-end spas.
I booked two Oriental Essence massages for the both of us (in a couples suite -- it costs a bit more, but I found the difference rather negligible since the massages themselves are so pricey).
We got a little lost on the way over (by foot), as you have to take the elevator to different levels in order to get to either the spa or main lobby from the side entrance. The bell boys were so nice and asked if we needed help and directed us the right way. Upon entering the spa facilities, you are immediately relaxed with the calming ambiance of aromas and quietness. We were greeted, seated, and served refreshing tea while we filled out our "preferences" form, indicating areas we would like them to focus on, and had our shoes swapped with spa sandals (they even go out of their way to ask you for precise shoe size). We then met with our respective therapists and they each gave us a tour of the men's and women's side of the facilities.
The amenities were amazing and the place is huge! There is a jacuzzi (with bubbles!) area with built-in underwater loungers with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Cosmo. There were both wet and dry saunas, along with various types of showers (cool refreshing rain showers to icy cold mist) that could be controlled from a touchpad. Of course the entire spa is clothing optional. Our therapists let us relax for about 20-30 minutes in the co-ed waiting room after changing and exploring the facilities. Each lounge bed is partitioned for privacy and a coverlet is provided for you to make yourself comfortable. The reclining lounge beds can be adjusted automatically with side buttons. It was almost too much to handle. The beds were facing out floor-to-ceiling windows. Such a perfect way to spend the afternoon relaxing!
Anyway, onto the massage! We were then both taken to a very dark, quiet (other than the soothing music they were playing in the background), aromatherapeutic couples suite. The suite was actually pretty spacious, with additional arm chairs at the side. The therapists made sure everything was to our liking during the entire massage. I was pleasantly surprised at the pressure my therapist initially applied (more than sufficient) and even asked him to go slightly lighter -- that never happens! The massage was so thorough and my therapist really focused on the upper back, shoulder blades (!!), and neck area, using his knuckles and elbows. I felt like pure mush afterwards. It was AMAZING. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his as well, and we were tempted to make another appointment that same weekend...haha. If only it wasn't so pricey! But it was all very much worthwhile -- you really get what you pay for! The facilities were not crowded at all -- there were a few other women using the amenities at the same time I was and we never got in each others way, and I never found myself sharing anything (sauna or jacuzzi)! You basically feel like you have the whole place to yourself!
I guess it was a bit too much (pushy) when they have three separate lines at the bottom of the bill to tip the check-in concierge, attendants, and therapist. And my being Chinese, you bet there was some eye-rolling each time one of the staff tried to play up the whole oriental aspect of the spa treatment and decor. Otherwise, it was such a great experience and I'm very much looking forward to my next visit!
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