Now that we’ve shown you around, it’s time to dive into a remarkable massage experience…
In part one of this series, VEGAS 411 introduced you to SPA AQUAE, a lush welcoming destination within JW Marriott Las Vegas. Located in Summerlin next to Rampart Casino, the beautiful resort spa offers everything you can expect from a world-class facility.
In today’s edition, we venture to the spa’s second-level treatment rooms, where physical and mental health come together. Let’s call it “bodywork for the spirit”, as that’s how you’ll feel for an extended period after your visit. The powers of nature, touch, technique, atmosphere, and aromatic blends come together, allowing you to shed anxiety and leave feeling as if the “reset” button has been pressed.
If you’ve never had a spa treatment, there are a few things to know. You should be free of alcohol, avoid a heavy meal beforehand, and be in good general health. Your therapist will ask specific questions and you’ll fill out a questionnaire prior to the appointment. As your scheduled time is therapist-specific, no-shows and last-minute cancellations will result in a fee.
Photo by VEGAS 411
Feel free to arrive an hour or so before your start time. An attendant will guide you to the gender-specific relaxation area, where you’ll be supplied with a robe, sandals, and a locker. Be sure to bring a swimsuit if you plan on using the water facilities, especially the co-ed pool. Learn more about these amenities by visiting here.
Above photos by VEGAS 411
A spa attendant will locate and notify you when it’s time to prepare for your service(s). You’ll be taken to the second level and led to a relaxation room, where you can grab a bottle of water, lie down, and rest your eyes until your assigned therapist is ready to begin.
There are several services available at SPA AQUAE. They range from Swedish and deep-tissue massages to facials, body scrubs, and desert stone treatments. But what’s really exciting is the addition of experiences that delve deeper, both literally and figuratively. For instance, you can add aromatherapy in a session they call an “Aromajourney” –
“Recharge with our aromatic ritual designed to bring balance to both the mind and body. Carefully applied spinal pressure and foot reflexes are seamlessly blended together with an infusion of beautifully appointed oils. Your therapist will help you choose the blend that matches your intention.”
This month, the spa has added a number of treatments that increase the benefits of bodywork. They include the following:
- Inner Strength Body Scrub -this treatment includes a full body scrub and moisture application infused with a powerful blend of clary sage, cardamom, and frankincense. Frankincense as well as cardamom support you when you feel run down and worn out while clary sage offers clarity and balance. Feel restored, nourished, and ready to take on the world.
- Cupping Therapy -a restorative negative pressure therapy that allows space for the muscle fibers to relax, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. As the therapist moves the cups along the body, it feels like a massage from the inside out. Excellent for athletes as a recovery treatment or anyone who experiences chronic pain.
Both of these treatments can be selected at various lengths of time. You can take it even further by adding options like percussive muscle therapy, a gemstone collagen eye or facial mask, an invigorating foot scrub, or warm stones. As recommended by Cleveland Clinic, “You should talk to a healthcare provider before trying cupping or any alternative therapy.”
Being a former licensed massage therapist, I was eager to try something unfamiliar. The Spa Aquae team eagerly suggested a CBD Journey To Remember. Here’s the official description:
“Unwind your mind and drift into a state of profound peace with this immersive CBD experience. The journey includes a custom full-body CBD massage, infused with arnica and ginger. Steamy hot towels cleanse your feet while a penetrating menthol and eucalyptus CBD foot treatment soothes and hydrates. Fall into bliss with a chamomile and rose CBD facial massage. Total euphoria awaits!”
Having transitioned from a trained bodyworker to a professional writer, I know that the words above sound like hyperbole. But I assure you that they’re absolutely true.
My session was assigned to Johnny, who leads the team of therapists at SPA AQUAE. Johnny is a very devout believer in the use of CBD with massage. The Hawaiian native is trained in the ancient art of Lomi Lomi, a Polynesian kneading technique that integrates spiritual beliefs with the harnessing of nature’s power.
Johnny was enthusiastic to share the benefits of a CBD massage, stating that CBD has been around for thousands of years and is part of our physical being. Johnny’s knowledge and calming presence were immediately relaxing, allowing me to completely respond to his two decades of experience. It was clear that I was in the best of hands.
Photo by VEGAS 411
It’s important to emphasize that CBD has no psychoactive effects, despite being part of the cannabis family. In other words, it won’t cause you to get “high”. The calming and anti-inflammatory benefits do allow you to reach a deeper state of relaxation, which in turn may cause your mind to create a state of natural euphoria.
At the beginning of the massage, I was given a vial of sublingual CBD oil. By placing a few pipets under the tongue and keeping it there for several minutes, the benefits began from the inside. Johnny also applied cupping and percussive muscle therapy to the session, which increased the body’s ability to restore and regenerate.
Photo via Shutterstock
Time became meaningless as I drifted to a place that wasn’t quite “sleep” and more akin to a dreamscape. Warm feelings of comfort and safety swirled with thoughts of family, pets, friends, and beautiful locations. CBD Journey To Remember is the perfect name for this treatment. It’s difficult to describe the amazing places my mind and body went for the next hour or so. My response might not be typical, but it was an unforgettable trip (no pun intended).
After the session, you’ll be given the remaining doses of sublingual CBD and a similar vial of facial oil to take home. You’re welcome to enjoy the spa’s facilities until closing time, which is especially inviting if you happen to be a Marriott guest. My own state of bliss at home continued throughout the evening, culminating in a full night of restorative sleep.
Spa Aquae offers a number of “couples experiences”. You can enjoy the comfort of their co-ed steam and sauna rooms together before heading to one of the Specialty Couples Suites. Expectant mothers can benefit from BabyMoon, a nurturing treatment designed to ease pregnancy discomforts. The spa also offers monthly and seasonal specials that you can take advantage of by clicking here.
Photo by VEGAS 411
In the final segment, I’ll visit Gentlemen’s Tonic, JW Marriott‘s upscale barber shop, for a luxury wet shave. The service will be performed by Timothy “Trim” Stephens, the spa’s newest professional team member.
JW Marriott Las Vegas is located at 221 N. Rampart Boulevard. SPA AQUAE is open from 8 am to 7 pm daily, hours may vary during holidays. Treatments and services are available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. by appointment. Call 702-869-7807 or toll-free at 1-877-869-8777 for more information.
All photos by JW Marriott/Spa Aquae unless otherwise noted
