Best spa you have ever used?
Mar 24th, 2005, 03:00 AM
#21
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Starrsville, it is not arrogance when one knows what she wants. It is arrogance when one tells another what she should want. There is a difference between recommending and telling with criticism attached.
Mar 24th, 2005, 03:06 AM
#22
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Sally Jane - I saw some great rates from ATL to Frankfurt Germany - then go to the Kaiser Friederich Spa in Wiesbaden - about 45 min by train or 30 by car. These baths are built on the site of original Roman baths and are fantastic. Just renovated - "textile free" and Tuesdays are ladies only. You can spend all day there for about 11 euro or do a variety of treatments that are pretty reasonable.
But if you want closer I would also recommend coming up to Asheville and going to Grove Park - Spring is starting to show here and there's lots to see in downtown Asheville between treatments.
But if you want closer I would also recommend coming up to Asheville and going to Grove Park - Spring is starting to show here and there's lots to see in downtown Asheville between treatments.
Mar 24th, 2005, 03:35 AM
#23
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sallyjane3 - No I haven't, as that's not an issue for me. I don't presume to tell you what you want. You are reading waaaaay too much into my posts. My first was simply explaining why people might think your starting location would matter in making recommendations. Rather innocent, no? My second was explaining it further, as you clearly didn't get it.
Where does control come into this? I never said that you can't go to Thailand over a 2-day weekend. Simply that I can't see anyone choosing to do so. Feel free to surprise me and do whatever you want. Why would I care?
I have no idea why you've gotten so angry over the concept that people have asked where you're coming from. It's a simple question. But don't worry, you'll not hear from me again. This type of attitude is not worth my time. I'm starrsville on this one.
Where does control come into this? I never said that you can't go to Thailand over a 2-day weekend. Simply that I can't see anyone choosing to do so. Feel free to surprise me and do whatever you want. Why would I care?
I have no idea why you've gotten so angry over the concept that people have asked where you're coming from. It's a simple question. But don't worry, you'll not hear from me again. This type of attitude is not worth my time. I'm starrsville on this one.
Mar 24th, 2005, 05:38 AM
#24
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For something unique I can recommend a Traditional Korean Body Scrub at Spadium Day Spa on 32nd and Broadway in NYC. Complete with head to toe massage, full facial, hair washing, body scrub/buff and milk bath. It can be a wee bit painful at times with all the scrubbing, but afterward your skin feels like the day you were born from top to bottom. It was a really unique experience.
They also offer the usual spa treatments and have a nice facility to relax and unwind.
Another day spa that I really like is Ellemis at Merrick Park in Coral Gables, Florida.
They also offer the usual spa treatments and have a nice facility to relax and unwind.
Another day spa that I really like is Ellemis at Merrick Park in Coral Gables, Florida.
Mar 24th, 2005, 12:27 PM
#26
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I have been to Mandalay Bay and the Camelback Inn Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona....both are amazing. Mandalay Bay was truly awesome, had that "greek" feeling and not just a "locker room with massage services" (as I found at the NYNY hotel in Vegas)....Mandalay Bay is truly amazing. However, if you aren't looking into the Vegas route, Camelback Inn Spa is wonderful because it's quiet, relaxing and NOT pretentious in the least....it was very rustic and mountainous--you can dine at their restaurant there in your robe! And, you can also stay there at the hotel and enjoy Scottsdale!! Either way!
--CO
--CO
Mar 24th, 2005, 02:46 PM
#28
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I am having the MOST FUN looking into these suggestions. So far, they all look and sound like Heaven on Earth. Thank you so much for your recommendations! I'm thinking I won't be able to narrow it down to just one. Thanks VERY MUCH for taking the time to share with me!
Mar 24th, 2005, 04:21 PM
#29
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Spa Mystique in Los Angeles is my favorite close by spa..
But for my 40th birthday I spent the day in a rainforest canopy having a full day's worth of treatments at Silky Oaks lodge in Queensland Australia.. To DIE FOR.. and the best part of all, the US $$ is actually up on the Australian one..
But for my 40th birthday I spent the day in a rainforest canopy having a full day's worth of treatments at Silky Oaks lodge in Queensland Australia.. To DIE FOR.. and the best part of all, the US $$ is actually up on the Australian one..
Mar 24th, 2005, 07:44 PM
#30
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Thyra-
Hi! (sorry everyone just wanted to say hi to Thyra!)
I am the one who met you in LA while my group was at The Lion King!
I stopped coming to this forum for awhile-I got tired of the snotty people telling people not to wear white tennis shoes-ha ha....so, I'm back but I've changed my screen name to Shadow.
Back to travel-
My husband and I leave for 8th trip to Ireland (his 5th)in late April!!
Where have you been traveling?
Thanks folks for being understanding!
Shadow
Hi! (sorry everyone just wanted to say hi to Thyra!)
I am the one who met you in LA while my group was at The Lion King!
I stopped coming to this forum for awhile-I got tired of the snotty people telling people not to wear white tennis shoes-ha ha....so, I'm back but I've changed my screen name to Shadow.
Back to travel-
My husband and I leave for 8th trip to Ireland (his 5th)in late April!!
Where have you been traveling?
Thanks folks for being understanding!
Shadow
Mar 25th, 2005, 09:17 AM
#33
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there are spa reviews on the website spaindex.com (not to be confused with spandex 
spas i'd like to try besides Sanctuary on Camelback: Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, spa at Hotel Hana Maui, Ten Thousand Waves, spa at the Setai in Miami (i thought i'd read wrong when it listed room prices for the hotel starting at $900...guess i'd need to win Megabucks for this one!)...
will check out the spas at Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani on the Big Island this summer.....
spas i'd like to try besides Sanctuary on Camelback: Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, spa at Hotel Hana Maui, Ten Thousand Waves, spa at the Setai in Miami (i thought i'd read wrong when it listed room prices for the hotel starting at $900...guess i'd need to win Megabucks for this one!)...
will check out the spas at Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani on the Big Island this summer.....
Mar 25th, 2005, 03:10 PM
#34
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sallyjane3,
If you can stand any more suggestions....
I enjoyed the spa at the Diplomat Resort in Hallandale Beach, FL recently. Very nice, new facility with a private pool area where you can lounge around all day. You can use all the spa facilities for the full day of your treatment. You can also order lunch from the country club menu and they will bring it to you poolside.
L'Auberge de Sedona. I love everything about this place.
Spas at the Rancho Las Palmas Marriott and Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert, CA. It's been a while, but both were pleasant experiences.
Spas I have not been so impressed with:
La Costa (after the renovation) worst massage I ever had, and indifferent service. Beautiful facility, though.
Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, CA. Don't even get me started on this one.
Murad Spa, Manhattan Beach. So antiseptic, it felt like a hospital (and I hate hospitals).
I'm going to try out the spa at the Princeville Resort on Kauai this summer. Anyone have any feedback on this one?
If you can stand any more suggestions....
I enjoyed the spa at the Diplomat Resort in Hallandale Beach, FL recently. Very nice, new facility with a private pool area where you can lounge around all day. You can use all the spa facilities for the full day of your treatment. You can also order lunch from the country club menu and they will bring it to you poolside.
L'Auberge de Sedona. I love everything about this place.
Spas at the Rancho Las Palmas Marriott and Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert, CA. It's been a while, but both were pleasant experiences.
Spas I have not been so impressed with:
La Costa (after the renovation) worst massage I ever had, and indifferent service. Beautiful facility, though.
Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, CA. Don't even get me started on this one.
Murad Spa, Manhattan Beach. So antiseptic, it felt like a hospital (and I hate hospitals).
I'm going to try out the spa at the Princeville Resort on Kauai this summer. Anyone have any feedback on this one?
Mar 25th, 2005, 05:55 PM
#35
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Hi,
Just thought I would add my thoughts! I am a holistic spa therapist and have worked on cruise ships and travelled all over the world to many different spas, my personal requirement when needing a spa break is needing to know how I will be treated.
Hotel spas are great in the main, however if there are alot of therapists chances are you will be just another body! attention to detail and attentiveness to you the client is paramount.
My advice would be to seek out a retreat type spa, there you are more likely to find some really lovely treatments and great therapists.
Mandara Spa though they boast fabulous treatments lack in the fabulous therapist dept. They are affiliated to a company called 'Steiner' who operate on most cruise ships...they are all about the money. Your promised slice of heaven is irritatingly interrupted by the sales pitch!
To get the best treatment, decide on your need first, then go through each spas list of services until you find the one that makes you go...ahhhhh!!!
check out this website and I hope you find your paradise!!
www.spafinder.com
Just thought I would add my thoughts! I am a holistic spa therapist and have worked on cruise ships and travelled all over the world to many different spas, my personal requirement when needing a spa break is needing to know how I will be treated.
Hotel spas are great in the main, however if there are alot of therapists chances are you will be just another body! attention to detail and attentiveness to you the client is paramount.
My advice would be to seek out a retreat type spa, there you are more likely to find some really lovely treatments and great therapists.
Mandara Spa though they boast fabulous treatments lack in the fabulous therapist dept. They are affiliated to a company called 'Steiner' who operate on most cruise ships...they are all about the money. Your promised slice of heaven is irritatingly interrupted by the sales pitch!
To get the best treatment, decide on your need first, then go through each spas list of services until you find the one that makes you go...ahhhhh!!!
check out this website and I hope you find your paradise!!
www.spafinder.com
Mar 25th, 2005, 10:12 PM
#36
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lvk,
Re. the spa at the Princeville: The spa is part of the Princeville Health Club & Spa and a short shuttle ride away if you're staying at the Princeville Hotel. I was there last August and got the impression that this was more of a deluxe health club spa than a destination, lounging about spa. I only had time to have a massage done, but the massage therapist was one of the best I'd ever had.
Re. the spa at the Princeville: The spa is part of the Princeville Health Club & Spa and a short shuttle ride away if you're staying at the Princeville Hotel. I was there last August and got the impression that this was more of a deluxe health club spa than a destination, lounging about spa. I only had time to have a massage done, but the massage therapist was one of the best I'd ever had.
Mar 26th, 2005, 04:52 AM
#37
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My favorite spas, ones I've been to in the past 18 mos: (I've been to many but not in the past two years)
mandarin oriental: miami
Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes: orlando
Boca Raton Resort: boca raton
All three are complete offering all services in gorgeous settings.
LMF
mandarin oriental: miami
Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes: orlando
Boca Raton Resort: boca raton
All three are complete offering all services in gorgeous settings.
LMF
Mar 26th, 2005, 04:56 AM
#38
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After I posted, I glanced through the preceding posts again and want to say that while I used to prefer spas that were strictly spas like Canyon Ranch, La Costa, etc. I find that the past 5 years has seen a revolution in spas attached to hotels. The luxury hotels have the money to invest and the newer hotel spas are complete in every way. Gone are the days that a room for facials and massages and a pedicure chair could pass for a "spa".
These new hotel spas are less oriented to the old spa program which was primarily a fat farm thing. About 6 years ago my late husband and I spent a few days at Safety Harbor Spa which was an old style spa. I enjoyed it very much. We padded around in our bathrobes and took all our meals in the communal dining room. We played tennis and had many treatments and each lost a few pounds. This spa actually had a spring and we drank the water from it all day. This spa is being torn down and replaced with a resort which will still have a spa, but a new style one.
These new spas are about luxury, pampering, stress reduction with the health component taking a second seat. LMF
These new hotel spas are less oriented to the old spa program which was primarily a fat farm thing. About 6 years ago my late husband and I spent a few days at Safety Harbor Spa which was an old style spa. I enjoyed it very much. We padded around in our bathrobes and took all our meals in the communal dining room. We played tennis and had many treatments and each lost a few pounds. This spa actually had a spring and we drank the water from it all day. This spa is being torn down and replaced with a resort which will still have a spa, but a new style one.
These new spas are about luxury, pampering, stress reduction with the health component taking a second seat. LMF
Mar 26th, 2005, 08:10 AM
#40
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I definitely agree with this posting:
"Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, CA. Don't even get me started on this one." What a pretentious and paranoid place! Never again!
And I also agree with posting about Safety Harbor near Tampa airport--
Great hot springs pools (I only visit spas with natural hot springs!)
and extremely reasonable rates--
"Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, CA. Don't even get me started on this one." What a pretentious and paranoid place! Never again!
And I also agree with posting about Safety Harbor near Tampa airport--
Great hot springs pools (I only visit spas with natural hot springs!)
and extremely reasonable rates--
