Spa Index Secret Spa Reviewers's Reviews

I was one of 3 Secret Spa Reviewers for the Best of Washington DC Assignment.

I was a little nervous about the consultation, at first. I want an involved therapist when I get skin care or a massage, but would I be able to just enjoy the experience on my own without someone hovering, guiding me from step to step before I was ready, or eyeing me from around the corner to be certain I was in my Zen Place?

I shouldn’t have worried. In fact, there are so many options to enjoy your staff that you could overlook a terrific experience without an able guide. My spa guide walked me through my various options — the heated Vitality Pool (a very large whirlpool), the signature Amethyst Steam Room, so called because of the impressive chunk of amethyst geode, and the Experience Shower (tropical rain shower or rain forest mist). I was invited to relax in this oasis in order to prepare me for my massage. Fortunately, I took the advice of my booking agent and arrived a full hour in advance to get the most out of the experience.

After enjoying my alternating hold and cold water experiences, I was led to the relaxation lounge, where white draped lounges were separated by billowing white curtains to foster privacy and quiet. I read a magazine, sipped on spa water, and nibbled on the fresh fruit provided, until it was time for my massage.

There was only one other guest in the relaxation room, a woman who reached into her bag and took out a vibrating cell phone. While she was definitely trying her best to whisper and keep her voice down, it was of no use after less than a minute as her voice got increasingly louder as she tried to conduct business at her office. She thought she was whispering, but all she was doing was rasping really loud. This barely lasted 1 minute before my spa guide came through, and with the utmost in professional behavior, addressed her by name and said “Mrs R., let me guide you out of the lounge to an area where no one will disturb you, and you won’t disturb others, with your telephone call.” In order words “You can turn off the phone and stay, or keep talking, and leave.” I was impressed how people just can’t turn those phones off, and equally impressed how quickly this was shut down.

My treatment of choice was the Oriental Essence Massage, so recommended because I travel so often. “This massage is a part of the Mandarin Oriental’s signature spa therapies and has been designed for the tired traveler, stressed executive or some one who just wishes to relieve neck and shoulder tension. This massage centers on all stress areas of the body. Utilizing Signature Quintessence oil blended with warming ginger, uplifting mandarin and sacred frankincense all come together to realign the mind and emotions. A completely relaxing treatment.”

It was perfect. I was particularly bothered with heel pain from having been stuck in a pair of high heels longer than I usually wear them, and I was given extra attention on my feet, heels, toes and calves. The rest of my massage focused on my back and shoulders, with special focus to knotted muscles my therapist found very quickly.

By the end of my afternoon, I’d spent just over an hour in the relaxation pools and steam room, and nearly an hour and a half in the massage room. My massage was $195, more than I typically pay for a massage, but considering I received nearly 3 hours of service for this price, and left feeling like a new woman, it actually was a great price for a great experience. Within a week I purchased a gift card for the same experience for my sister, as a pre-wedding gift. We’ve vowed to return on a regular basis.