Luxury spa treatment we’re dying to try: A 20 hands massage

There are luxe spa treatments and then there are one in a lifetime experiences. In honor of the resort’s 20th anniversary, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is offering the lavish 20 Hands Duo Massage, a two-and-a-half hour couple’s experience offered in celebration of Spa Grande’s 20th anniversary through September 4, 2012.

Begin with an hour in the hydrotherapy circuit, which features a Roman whirlpool hot tub and cold plunge, eucalyptus steam and redwood saunas, traditional Japanese furo bath, three cascading waterfall massages, Hawaiian tropical jet showers and a complimentary full-body exfoliation.

Then, don a robe and head to the spa’s suites to enjoy a 30-minute foot soak, exfoliation and pressure-point foot massage. Guests are then asked to prepare for their full-body 20-Hand Massage by laying on the massage tables, face down on lavender-scented neck pillows. Just don’t expect to be alone.

The massage begins with the 10 therapists connecting and harmonizing the energy of the room by bonding their hands, palm to palm. Once the energy is centered, they begin the “hula wave” on the entire body as therapists walk around the guests massaging the two bodies in synchronized harmony.

Following the “hula wave,” therapists will split into two groups of five for each guest. One therapist is focused on the scalp, one on the lower left side of the body, one of the lower right side of the body and two on the upper portion of the body including back and torso.

Guests are then ask to turn around and lay on their back, therapists continuing the massage with the two therapist that were focused on the upper portion of the body now providing greater attention to the arms and hands.

The price? A hefty $2,000, doubled to $4,000 if you wish to book the spa for a private appointment in the evening hours. That said, the pricing, if you divide out by therapist, comes out to $200 per therapist for the hour-long massage, which isn’t *that* much higher than an average resort spa. Still, is it worth the splurge? We’d have to try to find out. Anyone want to send us to Hawaii?

Bliss spas discounting for college students

When I was in college, relaxation came from the best six-pack of beer I could find for under $5. But, it looks like times are changing. The W’s Bliss spa chain is kicking in 20 percent discounts on spa treatments for college kids this year. With fewer business travelers on the road, it looks like Bliss wants to get at least some cash from someone.

For Bliss, targeting the coed demographic is a first. The 21-location spa has typically stayed with a target market that can afford its luxury offering.

So, what’s it take to get your 20 percent discount? Well, you’ll be expected to bring your student ID with you. Wearing sweatpants and smelling like you haven’t showered in three days doesn’t constitute evidence of being a student … though it probably should.

[Photo by Design Packaging via Flickr]

Cannes spa special in two nights

You deserve to be treated like royalty. So, skip the local spa and head off to Cannes for a couple of nights. The 1835 White Palm Hotel has a great new package that provides just the quick fix you need to recharge.

The two-night “Summer Spa Extravaganza,” which is available through August 31, 2010, includes six treatments per person in the hotel’s 32,000 square foot Thermes Marines de Cannes spa, not to mention breakfast and dinner every day. The package includes four hydrotherapy treatments, a massage and an esthetic treatment. At approximately $1,100 a person, you can save close to 25 percent. And, you can add nights for around $550 each (and gain three additional spa treatments per night).

The 1835 White Palm Hotel is a new property, having been open only since May 2009. It connects to the Thermes Marines de Cannes via an underground tunnel, so you can get back to your room without encountering the stress of the outside world.

Free spa experience at the Ritz-Carlton Naples

Any spa-lover needs to visit the Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, because the Elements treatment at the beach property is nothing short of incredible. Now, the chance to visit the spa free makes this an absolute no-brainer. This is one of my favorite spas, and the deal might be enough to get me to book a flight.

Stay at either the Ritz-Carlton beach or golf resort, with the Spa Escape Package, and you’ll get a $200 spa credit, basically making your treatment free. You may want to have a little extra work done, but to have $200 knocked off the price from the start makes that a lot easier to handle. Rates start at $349 a night for the beach resort and $259 for the golf resort.

Need more incentive? From June 1, 2010, through the end of October, you can take advantage of the spa’s “Me Time” deal. When you book a 50-minute massage or facial, you can have your choice of two complimentary enhancements (a $50 value). On the list are hair masks, back scrubs, collagen masks and lip treatments. This is available every Sunday through Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM (but it can’t be combined with other promotions or discounts).

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A unique retreat at the Lost Iguana Resort in Costa Rica


So, what are you doing in May? If your plans are open, check out the “Volcanic Yoga & Spa Retreat” at the Lost Iguana Resort in Costa Rica. You’ll save almost 40 percent off the price of the six-night getaway with a price tag of only $800 while enjoying the “eco-chic” property and (more important), giving yourself the break you deserve.

From May 14 – 20, 2010, the Lost Iguana is hosting this unique retreat, which includes airport transportation, breakfast and dinner every day (you’re on your own for alcohol, though) and a $300 Golden Gecko spa credit along with your accommodations. And, there are daily yoga and water fitness classes to keep your body moving – when you’re not out on a guided nature hike.

Now, let’s get to the spa – nothing beats an amazing spa treatment. With your $300 spa credit, you can take advantage of a wide range of treatments in private open-air thatched bungalows. Volcanic clay and stone facials are on the menu, not to mention exotic body polishes to help you push out the toxins and stimulate your circulation. I’m particularly interested in the cocoon stream therapy treatment, which purifies and softens your skin.

If you have an open week in May and an itch to get on the road, this is the only way to scratch it. Sit in a spa, and let someone else do all the work of stretching your muscles for you.