Two Of Our Favorite Spas in City Center Las Vegas

Up and down the Strip, and throughout the downtown area, spas are serious business in Las Vegas. Two of our favorites are located within City Center, Las Vegas' newest complex nestled between Monte Carlo and Bellagio - The Sahra Spa & Hammam at The Cosmopolitan and Spa & Salon Vdara. Our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, recently spelled out their perks.

"The Sahra Spa & Hammam at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas covers 43,000 square feet and has an impressive range of spaces: Think 16 massage rooms, four body treatment rooms—each with private steam showers—six skincare treatment rooms, two hydrotherapy rooms and a series of specialty suites designed for group treatments.

The Hammam has proven to be a popular spot to unwind in for an afternoon. The 1,200-square-foot space can be used individually or by up to four guests, and has separate alcoves for steam and cold water plunge pools. Guests can also relax on the heated stone loungers or get a scrub massage to complete the treatment.

The signature Hammam treatment, the Sahra Journey, incorporates several cleansing, purifying, and exfoliating methods into a 2.5-hour package that also includes the Red Flower Hammam Experience. This unique therapy uses 11 flower oils and fruit essences, including Red Flower Lemon Coffee Blossom Olive Stone Scrub for varied scents and healing properties. A "vigorous scrub" is followed by a purifying clay wrap with essences of cardamom; all the while guests relax on warm stones.

Tops for girlfriends: The Sahra Suite has a living and entertaining area and private spa accommodations. (Perks include a flat-screen TV with DVD player, wet bar, whirlpool tubs, steam room, shower, changing and vanity areas.) Beyond massages and facials, girls can get nail treatments, hair and makeup, and can even order room service for dinner and champagne.

Good to know: Try to book at least a week in advance. Some services are only scheduled once per hour, so the farther out the booking, the better the likelihood of getting the dream treatment.

When staying at the hotel, ask to be booked into Terrace One Bedroom Suites, which have private terraces and deep Japanese soaking tubs (great for continuing the relaxation after spa treatments, we say).

At CityCenter, the three-year-old multifunction city within a city, Vdara has an 18,000-square-foot, two-story spa, salon and fitness center.

The Naturopathica French Lavender Soothing Massage is a specialty treatment offered by the spa, but we hear the signature Bamboo Fusion Massage is tops. This signature treatment uses bamboo for Balinese ritual techniques, such as compression, tapotement, ringing, and skin rolling.

Good for kids: A children's manicure/pedicure is available for anyone under 14 years old. This children's service features a strawberries-and-creme (not "cream") pedicure, which we hear uses "farm fresh products."

Bridal parties are also in luck: Brides should try the "Head Over Heels" pedicure treatment, "Body & Soul" massage package, and Day-of Hair and Make-Up services. Grooms, meanwhile, can get a Men's Cut & Style and MAN-icure. Bonus: After the ceremonies, the couple can join up for a "Happily Ever After" couples massage package.

And at Vdara Pool & Lounge, book one of the six specially designated Spa Cabanas, which have a media unit for television and music, ceiling fans, safety deposit boxes, hand sinks, as well as a refrigerator stocked with mineral water and fresh fruit. Spa treatments can also be booked at the cabanas, including the Cabana Purifying Body Treatment & Massage.

Top Tip: At the hotel, book the Two Bedroom Penthouse Suite, which has two full master bedrooms, spa-style bathrooms and a full kitchen and living room. (Guests staying in the suite get four one-time use Spa Facility passes, so this is an especially good pick for spa-focused vacations.)"

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