Cushy, extravagant, luxurious, gracious, sophisticated. Words not usually associated with destinations along the Gulf Coast.
But they can be, and there are destinations all along the Gulf Coast willing to put you into the lap of luxury. The only decision for you is which one of these charming facilities fits your lifestyle, or wannabe lifestyle. Yes, you’ve “done” the Coast many times, but you’ve never done it like this. And you are in for a great treat.
Most of the spas are actually “day” experiences but they spoil you in every way. Have a particular part of the body that requires some extra attention? Every one of these folks can make that happen. Want to just be mindless for a few hours in soothing conditions? Consider that an easy order. After a grand day in the pool, or in the chair, or on the couch, head back to your room or to the beach to complete the relaxing and rewarding spa experience.
Bellisimo Spa & Salon
Grand Biloxi Hotel
280 Beach Blvd.
Biloxi, Miss.
grandcasinobiloxi.com
A separate Men’s and Women’s Salon provides services catering to particular needs. Try the massage, exfoliation, body wraps, skin care, facials, hair salon and waxing for both sexes, or choose from packages of services that entail exactly what you would like, as you would like it.
The Grand Biloxi is in the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast resort area, and even caters to pet owners who never want to be separated from their furry friend.
The Waldorf Astoria Spa
Roosevelt Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way
New Orleans, La.
504-335-3190
therooseveltneworleans.com/health-beauty/waldorf-astoria-spa.html
New Orleans can be tough on the body, so there’s nothing like specialty spa treatments to help a body snap back from too much “living” in the Big Easy.
The rooftop pool and the fitness center are just the beginning of body pampering. There are 10 private spa treatment areas, along with programs geared to couples and individuals that will have you back out in America’s greatest dining and drinking city in no time. Of course, you don’t need to leave The Roosevelt for any of those activities.
Spa Aria
Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal St.
New Orleans, La.
504-523-9990
spaaria.com
The grandest hotel in New Orleans’ premier neighborhood is all about feeling well as well as feeling good. The French Quarter provides the perfect out-the-front-door escape should you desire to avail yourself of the pleasures of the Vieux Carré, as the locals call the French Quarter.
Spa Aria uses only premier creams and cosmetics to bring a new you to the forefront. Facials, wraps, manicures, pedicures, jet lag rejuvenation, waxing, tinting, even make-up will put a whole new outlook in your life and on your body.
The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
26 N. Royal St.
Mobile, Ala.
251-338-2000
marriott.com/hotels/travel/mobbr-the-battle-house-renaissance-mobile-hotel-and-spa/
A stay in historic Mobile, Alabama will show you the precise meaning of Southern Hospitality.
That promise is fulfilled at The Battle House, so named for its founder, James Battle. Since 1852 this place has hosted Mobile society through Debutante and Carnival Seasons.
An invigorating swim in an outdoor heated pool can bring back the vigor. The whirlpool and fitness areas will put the pep back into your step. The spa is complete service with all amenities, in addition to the steam rooms and therapy baths.
The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club, and Spa
1 Grand Blvd.
Point Clear, Ala.
251-928-9201
marriott.com/hotels/travel/ptlal-grand-hotel-marriott-resort-golf-club-and-spa/
Once you turn into the driveway of The Grand Hotel, you will have no doubt where you are. You have stepped back in time to a more genteel moment with a decidedly slower pace of life.
The main building was constructed in 1847 and the journey was begun as a 40-room guesthouse. The classic lodge look feels timeless, and your comfort is the most important aspect of the property.
Feel yourself go limp after the body massage, a visit to the steam room, a workout in the lap pool, a waxing, or take togetherness to another level in the couple’s program. Or jump on a bike and cycle the grounds with grand oaks festooned with moss while in the background dynamic views of Mobile Bay are in constant view.
Spa Sandestin
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway
Miramar Beach, Fla.
800-622-1038
sandestin.com/ExploreSandestin/DaySpa.aspx
Everything is a relative term, unless it’s applied to Sandestin. Think of something you really want to enjoy and you will find it here. The emerald waters of the Gulf gently meet the sugar-sands of Walton County. Want to dine on the beach? Walk on the beach? Wade in the surf? Set sail? Shop? Whatever, you won’t have to go far or hardly ever leave the property.
Massage? Then you’ll have to make a choice from Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, even express if you’re late for the tee time. Body buff or body wrap; facials or manicures; pedicures or salon services: Your challenge will be deciding what to do from a complete array of offerings.
And there it all is. Whatever you were traveling for, it’s all on the Gulf in accommodations, settings, services, and spas. Head on out and relax. Break the routine in your life and embrace the unique. Or let the unique embrace you.
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