It’s no secret that corporate travelers want to spend some time in the spa. In fact, according to the 2008 State of Spa Travel study by SpaFinder, the key finding is that spa access is the No. 1 consideration to travelers, followed by proximity to a beach, shopping and hiking opportunities, says Stacey McLoughlin, publisher of SpaFinder.
“So when planners are looking for meeting or conference space, spas are a big part of their focus,” she says. “And in Nevada, there’s a lot of growth in the spa industry, especially in Las Vegas.”
Even in Nevada, where fun via vast entertainment options is generally the name of the game, visitors and convention delegates need to de-stress, according to McLoughlin.
“You go to Nevada for gambling and shows and dining, but you still need that escape,” she says.
McLoughlin adds that spas contribute a special something to meeting itineraries—everything from blocked treatment times to in-meeting neck rubs and yoga breaks.
“Almost every spa right now is open to customizing an experience for a meeting or a conference—planners just have to ask,” she says. “Plus, it’s common in Vegas for spas to offer day passes for about $25 so guests could access the sauna and steam room to relax without getting a treatment—it creates a feeling of ease.”
Following are a number of noteworthy spas that work to enhance a group agenda in the Silver State.
Las Vegas
The Hibiscus Spa (702.836.5945; www.starwoodhotels.com) at Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa has 15 treatment rooms.
According to Spa Director Elvia Avila, Hibiscus Spa works with groups to customize “renewal experiences that energize the mind, body and spirit by making their stay especially memorable.”
One signature treatment is Hibiscus Island Paradise, which combines stress-relieving fingertip reflexology and a soothing facial.
The group-friendly, 30,000-square-foot QUA Baths & Spa (866.QUA.0655; www.harrahs.com/qua-caesars-palace) at Caesars Palace has a whopping 51 treatment rooms and, according to SpaFinder’s McLoughlin, emphasizes the healing powers of water.
“It’s really one of most elegant, upscale spas, known for its Roman bath experiences,” she says.
Unique aspects of the spa include the 55-degree Arctic Ice Room, which features snow falling from a dome ceiling, glass-tiled walls and heated floors and benches; separate women’s and men’s tea lounges; and an in-house tea sommelier, who will create and pair beverages, hot or cold, with spa treatments.
The Canyon Ranch SpaClub (877.862.0583; www.canyonranch.com) in the Palazzo Tower at The Venetian is one of the most luxurious and expansive spas in North America, according to McLoughlin.
At 134,000 square feet, SpaClub’s facilities include massage, skin care and body treatment rooms; a fitness center; a 40-foot indoor rock-climbing wall; a Pilates studio; a cycling gym; relaxation lounges; two restaurants; and North America’s only Aquavana, a complete European-inspired suite of thermal spa cabins, experiential showers, cold rooms and thermal bathing experiences.
Among the activities the spa plans for groups, says Nikki Pishotti, spokesperson for Canyon Ranch SpaClub, are cooking demonstrations/wellness lectures for up to 50 people, 15-minute fit breaks to spice up a meeting and keep attendees in tune, and team-building exercises on the rock-climbing wall.
Lake Tahoe
Onsen Spa (866.895.7894; www.montbleuresort.com), an Aveda Lifestyle Spa & Salon at the MontBleu Resort, Casino & Spa, features views of the Sierras and uses all organically plant-derived products.
“Companies hosting meetings and conventions at MontBleu can reward their employees with a gift card to Onsen Spa for some well-earned relaxation and rejuvenation after a long day of meetings,” says Spa Manager Jennifer Burk.
She adds that all treatments at Onsen include a day-pass to the spa, which features a grotto-style pool and hot tub, fitness center, saunas, whirlpool baths and eucalyptus steam rooms.
The Stillwater Spa (775.832.1234; www.laketahoe.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas) at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino also sports views of the Sierras and recognizes that wellness-themed meetings are on the rise, according to Spa Director Julia Chang.
To that end, the spa offers a menu of treatments specifically for groups, as well as spa lunches to break up day-long meetings, during which spa therapists provide brief chair massages and mini treatments while guests enjoy a healthy menu of dishes incorporating light proteins and fresh vegetables.
At 6,000 feet above sea level, Chang adds, “the uniqueness of the Stillwater Spa is location. We promote wellness through the power of nature.”
The signature treatment is the Aromastone Fusion, incorporating a therapeutic Swedish massage with the healing powers of warm Lake Tahoe stones.
Reno
The Spa at Siena (775.321.5868; www.sienareno.com/spa) at the Siena Hotel, Spa & Casino offers groups a 20 percent discount on spa services, according to Spa Director Michael McGlynn. He adds that larger groups are often given a higher discount or free services such as complimentary time in the hydrotherapy tub or a free yoga class.
“We also now offer groups the option of adding yoga breaks or chair massage to their meetings,” he says. “Many large groups who do giveaways and raffles are often donated free spa treatments to their event.”
McGlynn says guests really enjoy the spa’s seasonal treatments, including the Gingerbread Cream Body Conditioning Cocoon or Hot Body Tottie Treatment around the holidays.
Mesquite
The Casablanca Spa (702.346.6760; www.casablancaresort.com) at the Casablanca Resort Casino also features seasonal treatments, including the autumn-inspired Harvest Facial and Pumpkin Pedicure. A unique and recommended treatment is the Hammock Massage, during which the hammock’s sway encourages the body to enjoy a greater range of motion, according to SpaFinder’s McLoughlin.
