Sunday, May 26, 2013

Spa Mandalay at the Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas

Spa Design & Decor- 3.5 of 5 blossoms
Service/Hospitality- 3.5 out of 5 blossoms
Body Treatments- 4 out of 5 blossoms
Prices- $$$
Website- 3 out 5 blossoms
Cleanliness- 4 out of 5 blossoms
Overall experience- 3.6 out of 5 blossoms

My birthday had arrived and it has been a while since I have been out of town or tried a new spa, so when I booked my stay at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas I was also very excited to set up a spa appointment in conjunction with my room reservation.  The staff at the hotel and the spa were pleasant on the phone and in person.  When I was making my reservation I had the choice between 2 different spas—Spa Mandalay and The Bathhouse.  From the pictures online you could see that Spa Mandalay was the more elaborately designed spa with a series of whirlpools, koi fish status and Grecian decor filling the space.  The Bathhouse was much more minimalist using materials like concrete tile and low lighting.  So with my 2 choices I opted for the Spa Mandalay, while I like the minimalist décor I really wanted to feel pampered for my birthday so I chose the more decorative spa of the two.  The website for both spas on the Mandalay Bay hotel website was very underwhelming nonetheless the few pictures that were available online looked amazing so I was definitely looking forward to the experience.

 The entrance to spa was on the lower level of the hotel.  The space, however, still felt very light with high ceilings. It felt as if I were entering a secret, Grecian bathhouse for the gods.  The front desk attendants were pleasant but not memorable. I received a quick tour of the general facilities in the space and given my locker key.  The locker room was very spacious but very bright. I personally like a little bit more of a low lit environment when dressing and undressing at a spa. I do not like to feel as if the locker room is shared by the fitness facilities. I arrived early so I would have time to enjoy the whirlpool and steam room before my massage. Both the steam room and the whirlpool were very clean, spacious and tranquil.  The size and the elaborateness in the spa design definitely had me feeling like I was in Las Vegas!

 The massage was serene and pleasant, along with the room but I do not remember my masseuse having much personality.  After my massage was complete I enjoyed the whirlpool and steam room again, and spent some time in the large vanity room they offered getting ready.  They had everything you would need to feel fresh, moisturized and renewed.  The underwhelming points in the visit were the relaxation room, the boutique, and the website along with the treatment choices. While it was overall a relaxing and pleasant spa experience I can say I have definitely had better. Spa Mandalay receives a gold star for décor, facilities and cleanliness but the service needs refreshing.