We all know that planning a wedding is its own type of rocket science, and keeping track of those tiny details can leave the bride-to-be (and even the couple as a whole) beyond stressed. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to make it through the chaos and confusion with some much-needed R&R at the spa. Whether you take the time for yourself, or you include friends, bridesmaids or your hubby-to-be in the process, the choice to de-stress and be pampered is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Once you reset your mindset, you’ll be able to tackle dress alterations, venue securement and cake flavors with an entirely new (and calmer) disposition. Here are some of our favorite local spas to unwind, replenish and ultimately, find your bliss.
If You Have an Hour
Vintage luxury marries modern sensibility at the storied, circa-1893 The Roosevelt Hotel. The Waldorf Astoria property is home of the infamous Sazarac Bar, as well as the Fountain Lounge, Teddy’s Cafe and Domenica resturant. The Waldorf Astoria Spa, which underwent a complete renovation in 2009, offers a full spa menu and uses Natura Bisse and Emergin C skin care, as well as Kevyn Aucoin makeup. Over the past year, the spa was again revamped with particular attention paid to the Relaxation Room. For the busy bride (aren’t they all?) with only an hour to spare, the Waldorf Signature Massage is 50 minute of heaven that will have you feeling like you just spent a weekend at your favorite beach getaway. Ask about The Spa Club monthly treatment membership program, which includes access to the fitness facility as well as other onsite amenities and perks. A glass or two of champagne in the lounge or Relaxation Room, shopping in the spa boutique and a customized massage, which combines therapeutic stretching and other techniques, as well as aromatherapy and you’ll be ready to deflect any wedding dilemmas thrown in your direction. 130 Roosevelt Way, 504-648-1200, therooseveltneworleans.com
If You Have a Half Day
Belladonna Day Spa, which opened at its current Uptown location on Magazine Street in 1995, recently experienced a redesign that includes an expanded retail space and new amenities. In addition to new merchandise (there’s a wide array of professional skin care and personal care products, unique gifts, and seasonal items all on offer), there’s also a new outdoor tea garden complete with a trickling waterfall and a lush canopy of trees that provides the perfect relaxing escape.
Meanwhile, the gorgeous Relaxation Room, and men’s and women’s robe lounges, are additional areas where you can find your zen. The reception area, sauna and nail lounge have also been redesigned with a modern touch. If you have a half day to spare, make the most of it with the Ultimate VIP Experience. It includes a customized facial, a therapeutic full-body massage, a catered lunch, a manicure and pedicure and professional makeup application. The body treatments also are worth exploring, such as the Restore treatment that includes an aromatic still bath, a restorative mud wrap and a relaxing full-body therapeutic massage. For a beauty boost, try out the Hybrid “BeGlam” lashes to fill in spaces and to have a fuller, more glamorous look. Or, you can always customize your spa services for parties and groups, so you can be sure to get all of the services you want. 2900 Magazine St., 504-891-4393, belladonnadayspa.com
If You Have a Full Day
The Spa at Windsor Court is tranquil retreat offering customizable treatments for head-to-toe pampering. The serene, full-service spa, which is listed as the No. 1 spa in New Orleans on the USA Today 10 Best list, features 4,500 square feet of space with 10 luxe treatment rooms (including the Duet Suite for couple’s treatments), a relaxation area, a sauna and steam room, a salon and an inviting spa boutique where high-quality products abound. From the moment you walk in, the spa staff takes over to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Services include everything from body treatments and facials to massages, nail care and waxing. Try the Monarch Detox Wrap, which includes dry-body brushing, a seaweed gel body wrap and a 50-minute or 80-minute Swedish massage. Stretch your spa day to the limit with 110-minute facials, 110-minute massage and 100-minute mani/pedis. Spa packages also can be customized for any occasion and group size. Be sure to book back-to-back services and then spend the rest of your day relaxing by the beautiful outdoor pool (with drink in hand from the brand new Waterman poolside bar). 300 Gravier St., 504-596-4736, windsorcourtspa.com
If You Have a Weekend
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans — a luxury day spa in the French Quarter — boasts more than 100 treatments, including some distinct and indigenous therapies designed to wash your cares away. The most interesting treatment is the Voodoo Ritual, which includes a locally crafted herbal poultice with notes of absinthe, cypress, moss, vetiver and incense, coupled with a full-body massage. Meanwhile, the Southern Ceremony includes a delicate body polish, a full-body massage and an age-defying facial. Or, for the two of you, be sure to try Le Charme Romantique that includes a sugar body scrub, a full-body massage and champagne for two in the couple’s treatment room. In addition to the 22 treatment rooms, the spa features a cafe, fitness center and boutique. While a complimentary lavender champagne cocktail is offered as a welcome drink, the spa cafe (which can accommodate parties of up to 25) tantalizes with a light menu of salads, sandwiches and wraps. Make a full weekend out of it with an overnight stay in a luxury guest room and take in the live music at Davenport Lounge, enjoy a meal at M bistro (offering a farm-to-table dining experience) and kick back in the gorgeous courtyard. 921 Canal St., 504-670-2929, ritzcarlton.com
