Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of reports on visits to area day spas and salons.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa 1881 Curtis St. Denver; 303-312-3830;
The treatment: Signature massage, 50 minutes. (Regular price is $110; we paid $50 during Spa Week in April)
This spa is for: Men and women who want serious pampering and don’t mind paying for it.
First impressions: From the moment the valet takes your car and the doorman welcomes you into the lobby of this downtown hotel, this place is all about service. Artfully tiled floors, a neutral color palette, fireplace and deep upholstered chairs in the spa reception area are among the welcoming touches.
The treatment was: Blissful. If you like a quiet massage more than a talkative therapist, Jennifer is for you. She asked at the beginning about trouble spots and then occasionally checked in to see if the pressure was OK, easing up when she hit sore spots. Using the Swedish technique of alternating light, medium and firm movements, she kneaded knots out of the shoulders and neck, releasing tension with long, flowing strokes. A dimly lit room and soft music added to the relaxing effect, as did the application of a damp heated towel on the back, and around the neck. Another nice touch: the massage table can be elevated so you’re not lying completely flat on your back, and when it’s lifted so your top half is in an upright position at the end of the massage, it eases your transition back into reality.
Amenities: Scented candles, low lighting and amorphous background music keep the mood soothing. In the relaxation room, fruit-infused water or tea is available as are yogurt pretzels and dried fruit. (You can also order food from a spa menu.) After a service, clients can recline on chaise lounges, flip through magazines and throw a blanket over their legs to keep the warm glow going.
Room for improvement: The locker-and- dressing area, in an otherwise comfortable and well laid-out space, is too small and doesn’t afford privacy, save a gauzy curtain.
Make the most of your visit: By arriving early to use the whirlpool tub or steam room. These are amenities offered in hotel spas and resorts that are often lacking in day spas, so take advantage.
Repeat visit planned? Affirmative: This is a place to go when it’s time for a getaway without leaving town. Among the treatments that look tempting is the couples massage, which features side-by-side tables and a private relaxation room.
Know before you go: The spa adds an automatic 20 percent service charge (i.e., tip) onto your bill. You can tip more if you’d like, or presumably, less, if you want to haggle with the counter attendant.
The valet parking is free.
Check the website for monthly deals and specials. Also on premises: a salon for hair and nails. Suzanne S. Brown
