spa resorts: Hershey Resorts

Unique Chocolate Treatments Sweeten Meetings

At The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, chocolate is not only non-fattening, it's good for attendees. That's because signature chocolate treatments in which guests are dipped, wrapped, and immersed in Hershey's famous milk chocolate top the menu of services offered by the 30,000-square-foot facility.

A full-service, European-style spa, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey overlooks the hotel's reflecting pools and features opulent décor with marble landings on all three stories. Its most popular treatment is the distinctive "Whipped Cocoa Bath," a foaming, therapeutic bath that was awarded a U.S. patent in 2004 for its one-of-a-kind visual and sensual effects - akin to sitting in a cup of hot cocoa. According to Jennifer Wayland-Smith, spa director and the bath's inventor, the 10-minute treatment is patent-worthy because of the positive effects of aromatherapy produced by the cocoa scent; the benefits to the skin associated with milk baths; and the fine, long-lasting bubbles created by the concoction.

Other treatments are equally appealing. New for this year is the "Cocoa Facial Experience," wherein guests are treated to a facial infused with rich aromas and active ingredients like mint, mallow, cocoa, dark chocolate, raspberry, cocoa and vanilla extracts, oatmeal, jojoba beads, vitamins A and E, and Hershey's Cocoa Powder.

A luxurious body brushing, followed by a fondue of warmed moor mud and a cocoa application, start off the "Chocolate Fondue Wrap." A warm blanket and a scalp massage followed by a Vichy shower end this unparalleled experience. The "Chocolate Bean Polish" treatment offers a softening, exfoliating body scrub utilizing cocoa bean husks, walnut shells, and Cocoa Body Moisturizer, while the "Cocoa Massage" features chocolate-scented massage oil and a traditional massage for an "only-in-Hershey" experience.

For a different type of experience, guests can select from the many Cuban-inspired treatments available at the spa. These include the "Mojito Sugar Scrub," an invigorating sugar lime scrub, and the "Noche Azul Soak," a relaxing bath featuring elements of white butterfly jasmine, hibiscus, and orange blossom.

Once the treatments are over, it's time for a bite to eat. Guests can enjoy specially prepared fare at The Oasis, a lounge and retreat for spa guests only. It offers meals exclusively to spa guests, and it boasts a sanctuary-like environment complete with Marrakesh-inspired architectural details, a water wall, multi-colored crystal chandeliers, draped fabrics, and overstuffed lounge furniture. A menu featuring fresh juices and salads is offered in an adjacent dining area, and a private patio provides additional seating.

The Hershey Peppermint Pattie treatment is a treat for all the senses. Aromatherapists around the world use peppermint for rejuvenation, clearing the senses, and improving concentration.

Hershey Resorts AT A GLANCE

Meeting Facilities: More than 23,500 square feet of meeting space at The Hotel Hershey and more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space at Hershey Lodge

Guest Rooms: 230 rooms and 25 suites at The Hotel Hershey; 665 rooms and suites at Hershey Lodge Spa

Services and Amenities: The 30,000-square-foot Spa At The Hotel Hershey features 15 massage treatment rooms, six wet treatment rooms, nine facial rooms, four soaking tubs, two signature shower rooms, two steam rooms, an inhalation room, an indoor swimming pool, six pedicure and six manicure stations, four hairstyling stations, and The Oasis lounge. The spa's fitness center features Cybex treadmills, recumbent bicycles, EFXs, Stairmasters, hand-held weights, and weight equipment. Classes offered daily include yoga, tai chi, meditation, and stretch For More Information: Call (866) PA-MEETS or visit www.HersheyMeetings.com.

spa resorts: Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa

Spa Is 'Destination Unto Itself'

With a $100 million renovation of its guest rooms and conference center now complete, the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa in Weston, Fla., offers a brand-new product with personalized service. That service includes pampering beyond compare at the hotel's new Red Door Lifestyle Spa, Elizabeth Arden, the only one of its kind in the country. "The Red Door Lifestyle Spa, Elizabeth Arden is, as the name suggests, a destination unto itself," said Chris Fields, senior vice president of operations. "While guests can certainly come in for a single spa treatment or salon service, we offer countless additional opportunities, from executive coaching, to nutritional wellness, to hypnotherapy."

Nestled amongst 24 acres of lush surroundings, the freestanding spa houses 30 private treatment rooms, a full-service beauty salon, a state-of-the-art fitness and weight center with Techno Gym equipment and flat-screen televisions on all cardio equipment, a 400-square-foot hot yoga room, a fully equipped Pilates studio, and a 2,000-square-foot movement studio. The studio offers more than 20 classes a week, including kickboxing, weight training, cycling, trekking, and boot camp. Guests can also enjoy the luxurious spa locker room, relaxation rooms, Zen Garden, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, and private outdoor pool before and after their treatments. The Bamboo Spa Café provides a tempting, nutritionally balanced menu of delectable bites in a tropical oasis.

Additionally, destination specialists stand ready to create personalized spa schedules designed to help meeting-weary attendees maximize their spa experience. Options include private and group classes, techniques, and training, as well as treatments and therapies.

Complementing the spa are three outdoor swimming pools throughout the hotel. Guests can experience the resort's lush 23 acres via a nature trail that winds past koi-filled ponds, exotic plants, and elegant orchids. For active meeting attendees, the nearby Weston Tennis Center and the Bonaventure Country Club, which has two PGA courses, offers service and instruction to Hyatt Regency Bonaventure guests.

Restaurant options are just as plentiful. Fine dining is on the menu at Ireland's Steakhouse, the new formal dining room named for hotel owner Tom Ireland. Views of lush gardens and pristine pools complement the light fare at Bar ZEN, while the outdoor Cabana Bar & Café offers light items and beverages poolside. The Banyan Restaurant, featuring American and Continental cuisine, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Meanwhile, no matter what a group's business, the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure accommodates delegates in style. The property boasts 50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art, flexible meeting space and 50,000 square feet of prefunction and outdoor event space.

The Red Door Lifestyle Spa, Elizabeth Arden at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure is the ultimate getaway destination to find inner peace and balance.

Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Resort & Spa AT A GLANCE

Convention Facilities: 50,000 square feet of meeting space and 50,000 square feet of prefunction and outdoor event space

Guest Rooms: 501 newly redesigned, British colonial-style guest rooms, each with high-speed Internet access, dual-line portable telephones with voice mail and speakerphone, and more

Spa Services and Amenities: The Red Door Lifestyle Spa, Elizabeth Arden has 30 private treatment rooms, a full-service beauty salon, a state-of-the-art fitness and weight center with Techno Gym equipment and flat-screen televisions on all cardio equipment, a 400-square-foot hot yoga room, a fully equipped Pilates studio, and a 2,000-square-foot movement studio. A range of personalized programs, which extend beyond traditional spa services to encompass nutritional wellness, executive coaching, and more, are available.

For More Information: Call (954) 616-1234 or visit www.bonaventure.hyatt.com.

 spa resorts: MGM Grand Detroit

Resort to Offer Zen Oasis in Big City

Finding a full-service destination spa in a big city can be difficult, if not impossible. But the debut of the $800-million MGM Grand Detroit, opening in Detroit during the fourth quarter of 2007, will change all that. Immerse, a 20,000-square-foot spa designed by internationally renowned designer Tony Chi, is slated to be among the focal points of this 400-room luxury hotel and entertainment destination and will serve as a haven for guests looking to renew and reconnect with themselves after a day of meetings.

Boasting a Zen-like atmosphere and design elements for the ultimate in relaxation, Immerse will be managed by WTS International, one of the world's leading spa, fitness, and recreational facilities consulting and management firms. It will feature seven treatment rooms surrounding a garden created especially for use by couples. The menu of services, many of which will center on water-based treatments, will include Vichy showers, shiatsu massage, and much more. Bath products from the upscale H20 Spa line, as well as other marine-based products, will be used during treatments.

At Immerse, guests also will find 10,000 square feet of pool and exercise facilities. For unparalleled tranquility, the pool will have a plinth (island) on which guests will be able to stretch out to relax, as well as two decks equipped with orbital loungers for maximum privacy. Cold showers, saunas, and steam rooms will be available in the men's and ladies' locker rooms.

Topping it all off, Immerse will offer state-of-the-art exercise equipment, including elliptical trainers with built-in TV monitors and headphones. The salon will pamper guests with the latest in hairstyling, manicure, pedicure, and facial services.

Of course, there will be a lot more to MGM Grand Detroit than the spa. Premier chefs Wolfgang Puck and Michael Mina each will bring their unique dining style to the property: Puck, with a one-of-a-kind interpretation of California cuisine at Wolfgang Puck Grille; and Mina, with two upscale dining options including his modern interpretation on the classic steakhouse with Bourbon Steak and his opulent seafood restaurant Saltwater. Sparks also will fly in the destination's casino, hot bars, and entertainment venues.

Productive meetings will be the order of business in the 30,000-square-foot Meetings & Event Center, which houses a 14,000-square-foot ballroom that provides ample accommodations for up to 1,200 guests theater-style and as many as 800 for banquets. The ballroom easily will be divisible into three separate salons, each of which will hold 120 people. Three 1,600-square-foot meeting rooms and two 710-square-foot executive board rooms also will be part of the Meetings & Events Center.

The MGM Grand Detroit's Immerse spa will offer a wide variety of spa services, many of which will center on water-based treatments.

MGM Grand Detroit AT A GLANCE

Convention Facilities: MGM Grand Detroit will offer 30,000 square feet of functional event space, including a 14,000-square-foot ballroom divisible into four separate salons. The ballroom will hold 1,200 guests theater-style or up to 800 for banquets. Additional function space includes three 1,600-square-foot meeting rooms which can accommodate 120 guests each, and two 710-square-foot executive board rooms. The hotel includes 400 luxury hotel rooms and suites.

Spa Services: Encompassing 20,000 square feet of space, Immerse spa will feature seven treatment rooms for Vichy water treatments, shiatsu massage, and more. Other features will include sauna and steam room facilities, a pool with a plinth, 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exercise facilities, and more.

For More Information: Call (877) 888-2121 or visit www.mgmgranddetroit.com.