The need to work out the kinks after nearly a week of sitting hunched over a blackjack table for extended periods of time made the thought of going to a spa for a massage very appealing. Plus, the Hard Rock offered a BOGO deal on a 50-minute massage at its Reliquary Spa, which was a nice added incentive. Still, the tipping point to go was that I promised the fiancée we'd do a couples massage at some point during the week. As strange as it may sound, this was my first time ever to go to a spa or to get a massage from a licensed masseuse, so my impressions should be taken with a grain of salt.
The Reliquary Spa is tucked away in the corner of the HRH Tower across the way from Vanity. We checked in at the reception desk, sat briefly until an attendant escorted us back to the spa. The main entrance opened up on coed pool that essentially separated the men and women's locker rooms. We were immediately provided thick, luxurious robes before being led our separate ways to our respective locker rooms. The men's side of the spa to include the showers, toilets, and sink area was clean, smelled fresh or was appropriately odorless. It was also well stocked with clean towels, razors, shaving cream body wash, shampoo, water, juices, fresh fruit, and granola. After getting changed, I immediately hit the steam room with its eucalyptus essence to clear my head. Damn it felt good! After showering up and drying off, I met the fiancée in another waiting room for our schedule massages. Our masseuses met us at our appointed time and led us to our couples massage room. We ordered up deep tissue massages with mint oil (which thankfully opened up my sinuses). Christy, my masseuse, was friendly and professional. She worked me over good and I felt relaxed and rejuvenated after she was done. Although we didn't take advantage of it since we had places to be, our massages allowed in/out privileges and free use of the spa for the rest of the day. As I walked out of the spa, I felt like a newer man.
The Reliquary Spa was a great first exposure to a pampered and an indulgent lifestyle. Needless to say, I could get very use to spas and massages.