Spas have become big business; magazines are devoted to them, options abound, and almost all resorts have spa offerings. Even this magazine has a spa section.
Situated on the busy I-15 corridor between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, Mesquite, NV is a convenient overnight stop or short get-away for many. Only 90 minutes from Las Vegas, it could never be mistaken as a competitor, but Mesquite has its devotees; primarily retirees and families, who like the small, prosperous town with resorts which provide gambling, entertainment, golf and spa options at a less frenetic pace.
Two of the major casinos provide complete spa packages, and I drove to Mesquite to explore the offerings at the Oasis and the Casablanca.
The Oasis, sitting alongside I-15, has made a market in the two-night golf/spa package, called the Ultimate Spa and Golf Getaway. For $129 from Sunday through Thursday (subject to availability), you can book a 2-night stay with 2 rounds of golf or 2 spa treatments or 1 of each!
Another option that is heavily promoted is the “couples’ spa”. From the looks on the faces of the men in their skimpy robes as we convened in a “quiet room” awaiting a call from our spa attendant, many regretted letting their wives talk them into this option.
Although a bit difficult to locate at the outer edge of the Oasis Resort grounds, the spa, itself, was a large, well-organized business. My attendant, Ellie, was professional and explained the treatment that I had chosen; a green tea/aloe rub, meant to hydrate one’s body after the drying winter. I remember being liberally doused with a green leafy gel and wrapped in warm towels, a sheet, plastic and heavy rug. Mummification is not for the faint of heart! I spent the next day removing dried bits of green tea leaves from my body niches, overlooked when she performed her full body scrub. I left the spa $70 and many skin cells lighter.
The Casablanca, located across the street from the Oasis, seems more oriented to the individual traveler and small conferences. The entire ambience of the resort is one of quiet elegance, from the stylish rooms, to the comfortable casino, to the lush grounds and oversized swimming pool. If possible, book a dinner reservation at their fine restaurant, Katherine’s.
The Casablanca Spa with its private pool
The spa is discretely located near the pool and is subdued and first-class. There are no long lines or busy “quiet rooms”. Those with spa appointments may bring a swimsuit and stay for the day at a private pool and sunning area within the spa complex. Birds and the murmuring of a nearby fountain were the only sounds I heard as I relaxed and read prior to my appointment. My European facial by Ellie cleansed and refreshed my skin and left me wishing that I could stay longer and try another spa treatment or two.
Both spas have good facilities and excellent staff; and although I live in Las Vegas and have access to hundreds of spa options, I can recommend a night or two at Mesquite and a spa treatment for a relaxing, budget-friendly experience.
Real Travel Adventures 