A taste of the Strip’s delicious spa services
By Emma Trotter
Las Vegas may be spoiled with some of the richest culinary gems in the world, but it’s also pampered by award-winning spas, many of which are globally recognized destinations. Infusing food substances into spa treatments may be nothing new, but ever more unique ingredients are working their way into spa therapies, including wine and chocolate, both of which have health benefits. Green tea, raw sugars, caviar and citrus are other popular choices.
“(Those treatments are) becoming more and more popular as people are learning how wellness is a whole body health program,” said Chrystal King, director of Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace. “Aromatherapy also plays a role. We all have pleasant memories of certain food smells, and it just so happens some of the foods are really good for the skin and offer natural benefits. Fruit is high in vitamin C, and this is one of the main antioxidants in fighting airborne toxins that land on the skin … using it in skin care helps undo the damage everyday free radicals play on skin.”
At Rio Spa & Salon, the Papaya Pineapple Polish treatment uses products with enzyme-laden fruits in addition to an aloe and ginger mud mask that draws out impurities. Spa at Flamingo features food of the tropical variety, in treatments such as the Coconut Creme Scrub or Honey Body Polish, which uses real honey and crushed almonds and the Fiji Passport, which combines a Fijian cane sugar scrub with warmed coconut oil.
With the rough desert climate and often dehydrating travel, Vegas is the ideal place for a treat that leaves your face glowing. Try the vegan Hylunia Papaya Mango Facial at Luxor’s Nurture Spa, which leaves you smelling like a smoothie. An exfoliation, toner and tingly enzyme mask removes surface blemishes and dead skin.
Another destroyer of free radicals? Pumpkin. Vdara Health & Beauty at Vdara Hotel & Spa, the only official local spa in the Green Spa Network, uses professional-grade pumpkin enzyme peel products to penetrate a few layers of skin, leaving it extra smooth and radiant.
“Naturopathica is a company that uses 100 percent natural plant-based products free of synthetic solvents, thickeners and emulsifiers,” said Shannon Mariani, manager of Vdara Health & Beauty. “All facials offered by Naturopathica absolutely represent the avant-garde of natural beauty and the importance of getting back to basics.”
One of the Strip’s mega-spas, Qua Baths & Spa features several mouthwatering treatments like the Chai Tea Mud Mask, which incorporates a grape seed body scrub, a mineral-heavy mud mask infused with chai tea and a vanilla bean lotion.
Wine’s antioxidant properties aren’t just beneficial for your heart—they also benefit skin, as exemplified in the Vino Veritas treatments.
“Grape seed extract from the vineyards of Burgundy, France, are very high in antioxidants,” said King. “Chardonnay grape seeds are removed from the grape before fermentation, so this leaves almost all the antioxidants intact. Vino Veritas is done with Le Vin skin care that is certified organic and uses a unique exclusive ingredient that helps the antioxidants and vitamins penetrate deep into the layers of the skin.” A chardonnay manicure and pedicure using the same product line is available at Color Salon next door to Qua.
More Spa Picks
- Cucumber Mint Body Treatment or Champagne, Caviar & Truffles Facial at The Mirage Spa
- Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap at Paris Las Vegas’ Mandara Spa
- Lime and Ginger Salt Scrub at Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara
- Soothing Oatmeal Facial or Acai Berry Scrub at Rio Spa & Salon
- Orange Peel Buff at Mandalay Bay’s Spa Mandalay
- Arabica Coffee Scrub or Chocolate Raspberry Anti-aging Facial at MGM Grand Spa & Health Club
- White Chocolate Ice Cream pedicure at Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian
- Blue Corn & Avocado manicure and pedicure or Yummy Mocha Java Sculpting Treatment at TheBathhouse at TheHotel
