Things Are Getting Steamy!

Scintillating Spa Treatments A Deux

By Irvina Lew

Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort
Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Ariz.

A romantic rendezvous away from work and family distractions is the key to creating magical memories. This Valentine’s Day, choose a spa where the sexy ambiance soothes your senses. Then, spark your unique connection by indulging in spa treatments for two. Let your spirits soar: frolic in a whirlpool, play with mud, linger over a suggestive book, stare at a starry sky, stimulate your body with sensual—non-sexual—pleasures. Be sure to pack some seductive "play" clothes, plus bubbles, toys and games. Share quality time together and you’ll remember the day forever.

Starlit skies entice nature lovers…

Red Mountain Spa

Hike, bike or ride (the trails) through the red rock bluffs at Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah. The Do Not Disturb package ($2,045 per couple for three nights villa accommodations, meals, a multitude of activities and one massage each) gives access to an à la carte menu of seductive Adventures in Romance experiences. The Private Star-Gazing Service ($150) offers a magical telescope viewing and interpretation of clear skies, stars and planets. Call 800-407-3002 or go to www.redmountainspa.com

Ancient rituals inspire present-day passions…

At the Red Door Spa at The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, the ceremonial Native American foot bath includes tea service and begins the 135-minute Wigwam Warm Water Ritual ($320). What follows? A clay, cornmeal and oat body mask, a scalp and foot massage and a Desert Sage Oil massage by the fireplace or on the private balcony. Linger in the Jacuzzi for twenty minutes (or add $55 an hour). Call 623-535-4967 or go to www.wigwamresort.com

Lolling in a grotto reduces tension…

The Bachelor Gulch Spa at The Ritz-Carlton

Ski out the back door and return to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa (near Beaver Creek and Vail, Colorado) and into its rock-walled refuge: The Grotto. Snuggle in its dimly–lit, swim-size, lazy river hot tub. Reserve two hours for The Romance Package ($435) and step into the copper soaking tub for two and toast with Champagne during the sensual Vanilla Bourbon Milk Bath. What follows? An 80-minute Couple's Massage! Call 970-748-6200 or go to www.ritzcarlton.com

Scenic countryside invokes closeness…

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a destination spa in an over-the-top country inn in the historic Connecticut countryside (outside New York City). Reconnect during partner yoga, tandem indoor swims and a Sensual Self workshop. Reserve the chic Wisteria Suite for any combination of wet and massage treatments for two. The all-inclusive three-night package at The Mayflower Inn ($4,500 per person) includes unlimited spa and salon services. Contact 860-868-9446 or go to www.mayflowerinn.com

Physical play excites the mind…

The WELL Spa at the Platinum Hotel & Spa

The WELL Spa within The Platinum Hotel & Spa, in Las Vegas, offers the unique Pittura Festa (for February only, $356.25) 125-minute session. Between the body scrub and massage, there's time in the Hammam-style Turkish Bath to "Scrub and Paint" each other with silky mud. This brand-new, non-smoking, non-gaming, 255 room condominium-hotel features an indoor/outdoor swimming pool with views of the "Strip" just one block away. Call 702-365-5000 or go to www.lvplatinum.com

Orange-scented air invigorates the spirit…

Receive an Acqua Dolce Ritual ($200) on twin heated stone tables topped with overhead showers in the couples’ suite at the Alvadora Spa at the intimate Royal Palms Resort and Spa in sun-kissed Phoenix, Arizona. The 90-minute Botanica session starts with a body scrub (overhead rain showers rinse you), an herbal soak in a whirlpool for two overlooking a water garden with a romantic fireplace and a light massage. Call 602-977-6400 or go to www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com

Naughty aphrodisiacs boost the libido…

Hotel Gansevoort

"The Valentine's Day Indulgence Escape Package (from $860 per night) at the Hotel Gansevoort—in Manhattan's trendy restaurant- and boutique-lined Meatpacking District—includes a deluxe room with a basket of sensual goodies: Champagne, chocolate body frosting, a red, toy-filled Mile High Kit, both a Kama Sutra book of love-making techniques and a 269 Amazing Sex Games book and two 30-minute foot (or body) massages in the subterranean G Spa and Lounge, breakfast at Ono, a first drink at the rooftop indoor pool plus, an in-room movie. Call 212-660-6700 or go to www.hotelgansevoort.com

Sun-swept beaches inspire closeness…

Escape to the soft, sandy oceanfront near historic St. Petersburg, Florida and the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Its glamorous new spa features the Unwind Together package ($675). The four-hour private session in the couple’s suite includes: body massages, time for the steam room and shower, facials, an aromatherapy soak in a Jacuzzi for two plus pedicures. Then, enjoy the wine and cheese lounge indoors or on the private patio. Call 800-234-7842 or go to www.pvspa.com

Simultaneous treatments stimulate the senses…

The Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Views of Biscayne Bay through a grand window wall, bamboo flooring, twin massage tables and a glass-enclosed shower set the stage for the two-hour “Spa Couples’ Suite Ritual.” Priced at $850 per couple, it lasts for two hours at the serenely exquisite Mandarin Oriental, Miami and includes a Red Rose Petals Foot Ritual, Mandarin Oriental Signature body scrub, Oriental Oil Massage, Oriental Scalp Massage, Raspberry Love-tini and Deviled Fortune Cookies. Go to www.mandarinoriental.com

Steamy hammams ignite basic instincts…

At the glamorous Argyle Salon & Spa (within the art-deco designed Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood) you can swim, linger over lunch in the celeb-friendly Tower Bar (or in your oversized spa haven with its day bed, shower, flat screen TV, vanity, soaking tub and bath.) Begin you spa session on a marble chaise in the Hammam. Splash in the silky, sweet Hot Cocoa Bath, snooze through the Specialty Scrub Wrap, savor champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and enjoy simultaneous Argyle Ambassador 80-minute hot stone massages ($820) includes 45 minutes to ready yourselves for a night on the Sunset Strip! Call 310-623-9000 or go to www.argylela.com

Irvina Lew, a freelance spa journalist, is the author of Romantic Weekends in and Around New York (Hunter, 1997)
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(Updated: 01/15/08 AK)

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