How to spa: tips from the director of spa operations at The Spa at The Mirage

March 24, 3:45 PMLas Vegas Spa ExaminerHeather Turk

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The Spa at The Mirage's wet area

Everyone loves a day of pampering at the spa, but let’s be honest: how many people really know how often to book a certain treatment? While it’s easy for me to recommend a particular facial or body wrap when asked by friends and family, when it comes to answering questions like the above, it’s best to ask a professional.

That’s why I went to Stephanie Doud, director of spa operations for The Spa at The Mirage, to get some answers. A professional in the spa industry for more than eight years, Doud has been at The Spa at The Mirage since July and worked before that at the Westin Casuarina just off the Strip. She helped answer all of my questions, from how often guests should book certain treatments to how they can make the most of their day at The Spa at The Mirage (which underwent a renovation 15 months ago, for those who haven’t been to Las Vegas in a while). She even answered the question I was almost too afraid to ask: is it possible to actually go to the spa too often?

Treatments: While Doud recommends getting a facial once a month, at the very least, she recommends guests get a facial with each change of season. “Your skin changes with each season, so it needs a refresher.” For pedicures, Doud recommends every four to six weeks, although “for women who wear open-toe shoes, it’s best to get a pedicure monthly.” She also recommends getting a manicure monthly “even if it’s without the polish” and a nice, full-body massage. For body wraps, she suggests booking them twice a year, and getting an exfoliating scrub seasonally.

How to make the most of your day at The Spa at The Mirage: “Arrive early. If you have a 9 a.m. appointment, try to arrive by 8 a.m. or at least 30 minutes before your appointment if you’re down to the wire. You want to give yourself time to relax. You don’t want your muscles to be all tight during your treatment from rushing [to your appointment]; you want to be unwound. Plus, then you’ll have time to visit the steam room and hot tub. Also, always shower before your treatment. We get so many people who come in straight from the pool with all their sunblock still on…by showering beforehand, you’ll be able to experience the products used during your service to their fullest.”

Must-try treatment at The Spa at The Mirage: “I would recommend any one of our body treatments. People are always amazed by how their skin feels afterwards--it glows!” Columnist’s note: The 80-minute Pear and Apple Facial and Body Treatment ($235) and the 50-minute Hot as Fire Wrap ($155) are both to-die-for!

What makes The Spa at The Mirage different from other Strip spas? “The one compliment we always get is, we’re in a hotel with 3,000 rooms, but our spa only has 17 treatment rooms. We’re very intimate, so guests get that one-on-one feeling. It feels like our staff is trained to read people’s minds, as they’re always anticipating a guest’s needs. Every spa on the Strip is beautiful, but for us, what makes us stand out is the level of intimacy we provide on such a large property.”

What’s the biggest misconception people have about going to the spa? “I would say a lot of people look at a day at the spa as a luxury. But now, especially in these challenging economic times, it’s really become a necessity. You really need to take care of yourself or else you won’t be able to take care of anything else in your life.”

Is there such a thing as going to the spa too often? “No, I don’t think so. I’ve been to different properties and I used to run a day spa that was attached to a fitness center, and we had people who would come in there every day. We knew their names, their kids’ names…I think if you can find a moment to relax, go ahead and do it.”

Finally, how can guests recreate their experience at The Spa at The Mirage from the comfort of their own homes? “If it’s in your price range, I would recommend taking home a piece of the spa with you, like picking up a good moisturizer. If you got a facial, find out what moisturizer was chosen by your aesthetician. Also, the body wash we have in our locker rooms is another big seller. You could also buy a nice scrub to scrub yourself with at home once a month. Or you can just do something simple, like lighting candles by your bathtub [to help you relax].”

The Spa at The Mirage is located next to the Kim Vo Salon and is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. It offers plenty of amenities to help guests unwind, including a sauna, steam room, three cozy whirlpools and one cool whirlpool, as well as a menu of indulgent services featuring botanical elements meant to revive and rejuvenate. For a complete list of treatments and to check out the latest spa packages available at a discounted rate click here, and call 702-791-7472 to book your appointment or visit The Spa at The Mirage’s online reservation page.