From chocolate wraps to salt caves, these treatments are not your average spa fare
Now that spring break is behind us, it’s the perfect time to plan an adult getaway. After all, the kids will be out of school before you know it, and you’ll want to take some time to relax and rejuvenate before you have them home for the summer. Of course, there’s no better way to truly get away from it all than to visit a fabulous spa, particularly the ones that have unique themes and unconventional menus of treatments. The six unique spas listed here take a special approach and are sure to give you a sense of well being that will stay with you for months to come — or at least for the first few days of summer break.
1.) The Spa at Hotel Hershey– Hershey, PA
The Spa at the Hotel Hershey features a variety of chocolate services. Yes, chocolate! Options range from a whipped cocoa bath, a chocolate fondue wrap, a cocoa massage and more. The spa offers a variety of packages, including the “Everything Chocolate” collection. The elegant spa is located in the historic Hotel Hershey and meant to resemble High Point Mansion, the home of chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey and his wife Catherine. This spa is the perfect girlfriend getaway, or a place to escape for a few hours during a family vacation to Hershey. The town, which is situated in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, has an amusement park and a lot of other family fun inspired by Hershey’s chocolate, which got its start in the area in the early 1900s.
2.) Galos Salt-Iodine Caves – Chicago
The Galos Salt-Iodine Caves in Chicago, the first to be created in the U.S., look like a psychedelic candy land. The caves provide guests with an authentic sea microclimate that has healing effects and provides an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Guests sit in the caves for 45-minute sessions, while brightly colored lights change and music plays. You can meditate or simply sit back while the salty dew enters your pores and rejuvenates you. In addition to relaxation and stress relief, exposure to the caves is said to be beneficial therapy for diseases of the respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular systems, to name a few of the suggested health benefits. The caves also are said to improve the immune system. The crystalized salt is delicate with a pink shimmering hue and light flowery smell. The caves were built using a process based on technology created 20 years ago by Ukrainian scientists.
3.) The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville, North Carolina
The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville allows guests to rest and rejuvenate in the historic beauty of Southern comfort. Guests can roam around cavernous rock walls, arches and tunnels — it’s all part of the 43,000 square feet of peace and relaxation. There are 20 water features, including two therapeutic waterfall pools and a lap pool featuring fiber-optic stars and underwater music. Some of the unique amenities include inhalation rooms and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms. At night, grab a warm blanket, a light snack and a hot organic tea and relax at one of the three fireside lounges. Guest who don’t want to have treatment but want to enjoy this unique spa’s creative amenities can get a spa day pass.
4.) QUA Baths & Spa at Caesar’s Palace – Las Vegas, Nevada
The award-winning spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas offers 50,000 square feet of spa innovation and the interior is exquisite for anyone’s taste. The roman baths use the ancient healing powers of water, while the snowing Arctic Ice Room is the only one of its kind in the world. It has heated floors and benches to comfort you in the crisp 55 degree room as falling snow relieves your stress, yes, falling snow, in a Las Vegas spa. The treatments can be taken as couples, solo or in a group. This is the only spa in the world that offers Nobu brand treatments, which are based on a variety of nectars that cater to the body’s needs. When you finish with your peaceful and soothing spa experience, you can head out the door to the Las Vegas strip. All of the action and spontaneity awaits you!
5.) Lake Austin Spa Resort – Austin, Texas
Tucked in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a unique experience of well-being and sanctuary for rest and renewal. The all-inclusive resort packages include luxurious accommodations, healthy gourmet meals daily, a variety of fitness activities, special programs and events. This oasis offers overnight and day spa guests a place to escape, with more than 100 unique spa treatments. Guests can enjoy full- or half-day packages. There are also water activities on beautiful Lake Austin, hiking trails nestled in Hill Country and breathtaking views with outdoor fitness sessions. Travel + Leisure Magazine ranked the resort as one of the top 10 destination spas to visit. You’ll leave feeling less stressed and more balanced with this thrilling yet calming spa.
6.) Le Méridien Chicago, Oakbrook Center – Oak Brook, Illinois
Le Méridien Chicago at Oakbrook Center takes a unique approach to spa treatments, by serving guests in the privacy of personal suites. The Spa Suites by Le Méridien include a treatment area, private lounge and wet area. The custom spa environment provides the ultimate in privacy and luxury. Changing, treatment, relaxation and rejuvenation all take place in the spa suites. Treatments take place in typical time increments of 50 or 110 minutes. In addition, guests receive 40 minutes of private time following the treatment, to enjoy the luxurious suite. The Le Méridien Chicago is part of Oakbrook Center, which is a hub of upscale shopping and dining in the Chicago area. There will be no shortage of things to do following your Spa Suite experience.
