I've had some interesting experiences at spas, shady to say the least. And it's not like I'm going to a ghetto spot mind you. I'm talking about some of the nation's most famous and greatest. I've been solicited for sex, touched in some odd places, and received, well, just some shit ass massages.
At Canyon Ranch, let's just say that I don't have any of those problems. I had first been there when as a kind gift my father gave me a very generous gift certificate there for my 25th birthday of 500 dollars. You'd say, "Wow, that's a lot of money for a spa?!" The truth is, because it's not cheap there I was able to book only two services with gratuity included for that amount. But the services? Well, they were extraordinary. Let's just say I was so relaxed after I left there that I changed my flight back to SFO for the next day. I just wanted to sleep at the pool.
Recently during New Year's, my girl and I partied it up like the rockstars we are at the Palazzo (the only place to stay mind you), and decided to go and pamper ourselves for a few hours there. I opted for one of the ayurvedic scrubs that they offered, wanting to make my skin soft like butter for weeks to come after. This came with a small massage after the scrub where they apply a moisturizing cream. She opted for the kick ass intense deep tissue massage (she's hard core like that) to relax her overused and developed muscles that she always has. If you work it like a rockstar, you must take care of it like a rockstar.
Needless to say, she came out relaxed, happy, and worked like a total whore (positive in this note btw) and I came out feeling like I had shed three pounds of needless crap off my body and soft as a baby's ass. It was beautiful. We hit the tables afterwards, groggy, exhausted, and still played like the pros that we are.
The major complaint we both had, was that they said to arrive 30 minutes in advance because of "possible long lines". This was ridiculous, and it wasn't a good enough answer for us. We were busy all day before that, and just wanted to be there right on time, but of course, no, our appointment would be cancelled had we not shown up early. When I pay that much money, I want to be able to come when I want and leave when I want. Just charge me for it.
Not cheap, but great services, and the ambiance isn't bad either. A little too kitchy for me sometimes, but it is relaxing. I would be interested in hitting their spa up in Arizona for a week, with our feet up, someone at our beck and call, cucumbers on my overworked eyes, and a mojito in my hand.......