The Spa Relaxation Room at the Mandarin Oriental New York (Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group)
Planning a wedding is no easy task: Guest lists, seating arrangements, and the requisite family drama (because apparently you just have to invite your cousin Mildred) can all add up to a nerve-wracking experience for even the most clear-minded of brides. There are so many things to consider before tying the knot, and brides-to-be can often forget about themselves – and the importance of maintaining their own sanity – amidst all the hustle and bustle. Our friends at Oyster.com are here to play fairy godmother (well, sorta) and remind all the future Mrs’s (and Mr’s!) out there that they need to take some time for themselves, too. Because the last thing you need right now is more planning and researching, they have done the legwork and have picked our favorite spas for pre-wedding pampering. Check ‘em out and say “ahhh” before the big “I do”!
Viceroy Miami
The Viceroy’s 28,000-square-foot, Philippe Starck-designed spa is arguably the most striking — and extensive – wellness center in Miami. It features ten treatment rooms, redwood saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, and a gorgeous water lounge complete with white marble floors, three Jacuzzis, a shallow reflecting pool, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay.
Oyster’s Spa Menu Pick: For those who want to leave behind the stress of planning a wedding, we’d argue that the 60-minute Milk and Honey Body Treatment ($180), which “exfoliates and moisturizes the body, harmonizes the senses, and encourages relaxation” is a must. We wouldn’t mind the 30-minute Papaya and Pineapple Foot Scrub ($65) either.
Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa & Casino — Las Vegas
Vegas may be better known for its wild parties, but it is also home to some pretty glorious spas that make you feel worlds away from the hectic casino floor. Our favorite is the serene Spa at the Green Valley Ranch, which seamlessly combines class with comfort. From Orange Oasis cleansing scrubs (80 minutes; $190) to Hot Cinnamon facials (50 minutes; $150), the spa offers everything one might need to face the big day with renewed energy. Inexpensive collagen, eye and lip treatments are also available.
Oyster’s Spa Menu Pick: If you’ve never had a reiki session (50 minutes; $150), you gotta try one. A traditional Buddhist method, reiki is meant to align and balance your energy as a means of healing all types of ailments — and it’s pretty darn relaxing to boot! [Ed. note: We've sworn by it ever since it healed a lobster-like sunburn after just one session.]
Terranea Resort — Los Angeles
With 25 treatment rooms and a beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the spa at the Terranea is one of the best — and most picturesque – in the L.A. area. There is a salon, several hot tubs, and a top-notch fitness center with an array of classes, but the cherry on top is the uber-extensive spa menu, which features treatments such as hot stone massages (60 minutes; $190) and shiatsu therapy (60 minutes; $190). For added luxury, the spa offers three VIP suites, one of which features a copper tub with views of the Pacific.
Oyster’s Spa Menu Pick: We’d recommend the volcanic clay wrap (60 minutes; $195), which is a morning ritual meant to wake you up — and help you face a day packed with planning!
Mandarin Oriental New York
This gorgeous spa, with Asian accents and fresh orchids throughout, offers a full range of treatments, from Eco-conscious facials to Thai yoga massages and customized spa packages. These luxurious treatments don’t come cheap — a 50-minute traditional massage runs over $200, and most menu prices increase over the weekends – but if you purchase a spa treatment, you also get access to Experience Showers, an Amethyst Crystal Steam Room, and a Vitality Pool.
Oyster’s Spa Menu Pick: For the ultimate relaxation, book the Oriental Harmony (110 minutes; $625), a four-hand massage (yep, you read that right — two masseuses!) and warm scrub complete with a soothing foot bath, perfect for forgetting about the guest list and table arrangements — at least for a couple of hours.
Four Seasons Hualalai — Big Island, HI
The Spa at the Four Seasons Hualalai is second to none on the Big Island. With a tranquil water garden, gorgeous treatment rooms — with hard-wood floors and sliding doors that open onto the lush gardens, and deep, outdoor soaking tubs, the spa blends a soothing, natural vibe with the signature sophistication of the Four Seasons brand. Treatments range from island-inspired scrubs, wraps and massages ($170 – $250), to acupuncture, atoxelene infusions, and lip therapy.
Oyster’s Spa Menu Pick: Envious of the locals’ glow? Book the Island Glow treatment (80 minutes; $230). Its blend of sugar cane, honey, and coconut oil will have you looking like a sun-kissed surfer in no time (or, actually, in an hour and 20 minutes).
Psyc is a stylish spa that transports a trendy South Beach vibe to Palm Springs. With dark blue walls and sexy white accents, the space is striking and contemporary — while maintaining a tranquil ambiance, of course. Upscale packages, body treatments, facials, and salon services are all available for between $90 and $340. For those seeking a full day of wellness, the spa is complete with a fitness center that offers yoga, tennis, and cardio training classes, as well as an indoor and an outdoor pool, and hot tubs. Plus, spa-goers can purchase a full day pass for just $50 during the week (not available on weekends).
Oyster’s Spa Menu Pick: Not only does the Vanilla Sundae (210 minutes; $340) sound delicious, it packs in a massage, facial, and mani/pedi.