Omni Interlocken Resort, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield, 80021; 303-438-6600; themokaraspa.com/denver/home.html
The Treatment: Raw Earth Pedicure, 55 minutes, $65
This spa is for: people who want to get away without going too far away.
First impressions: The big Broomfield hotel is swank, but not too luxe. Say hi at the front desk and then head down one flight of stairs (or take the elevator) to the hushed Mokara Spa. The desk fronts the busy main hall, but you are quickly escorted back to locker rooms and then shown the tranquil waiting area, stocked with hot tea, lemony water and good magazines.
The treatment was: Relaxing and executed efficiently. Soak a few minutes in hot swirling mineral water while you adjust your massage chair to your liking. The technician will sand your rough spots and file your nails, then rub away dry skin with a warm sugar scrub. Once you’re smoothed out, you’ll get an application of volcanic clay meant to soothe and condition and your feet will be wrapped in hot towels and left to steep for a few minutes while you choose from dozens of nail colors. When you’ve picked a color, your feet are rinsed and you receive a foot and lower leg massage. Then the technician sets to work applying a rock-hard lacquer. (Three days of open-toed shoes later, there’s not a mark on a nail.)
Amenities: The locker rooms are compact, with good showers well-stocked with nice-smelling products. The spa is adjacent to a Nautilus gym, a coed eucalyptus steam room and two outdoor pools and hot tub. Massage rooms include a special suite for couples treatments.
Room for improvement: For some inexplicable reason, we were buzzed by flies during the treatment. It probably meant nothing, but it certainly suggested something.
Make the most of your visit: Come early and stay late to take advantage of the two outdoor pools, which are reportedly heated in winter. Even on a busy and sunny Sunday afternoon, when there was a major conference swirling indoors, there were plenty of chaises to stretch out on and read. Though the hotel is close to U.S. 36, the building creates a covelike buffer against road noise that allows you to pretend that you really did get a weekend away. Walk up to the poolside bar and grill, or wait for the efficient servers to take your food and drink order wherever you’re lounging. No need to bring a towel; you can pick one up at the entrance to the pool.
Repeat visit planned? Yes, as much for the pool access as the services. Next time? Perhaps a splurge on a Phytomer organic facial, 75 minutes for $140, or the less-spendy purifying back treatment, 25 minutes for $70.
Know before you go: Plenty of free parking. The spa adds an 18 percent tip automatically. When you’re checking out the spa menu online, make sure you’re looking at the “Denver” list. This is a chain, so not all treatments are offered at all locations. (As much as you might be wishing for a cold-rock massage on a 100-degree day in Colorado, it’s an only-in- Texas treatment.) Dana Coffield
