No one needs a reason to get a massage, but if there ever were a reason, New Orleans in the summertime would be it. This summer, we bring you some of the best of the city’s spas and retreats to help you recover from the sweltering heat – or just relax. Whether you’re looking for a new experience, a day of pampering or a weekend retreat, these spas will have everything from New Orleans- and Louisiana-based treatments to the classic Swedish massage. Take some much-needed “me time” this summer!
The recently refurbished Audubon Cottages (509 Dauphine St., 586-1516, AudubonCottages.com) is a luxury retreat located in the French Quarter. The hotel offers in-room spa services by Le Jardin Spa. If you want the total package of relaxation in a cozy and secluded hotel, this experience is for you. They work with Eminence Organics products that are guaranteed to be all-natural with herbal craftsmanship. They also offer a variety of massages, facials and hand and foot treatments that are all given their own New Orleans-inspired name. “The Big Easy” is their take on the classic Swedish massage, the “Fleur de Lis” is a deep-tissue massage with aromatherapy and the “Flambeau” is a warm stone massage.
They just created a spa/massage package that incorporates: a one-hour Swedish Deep Tissue Massage for two guests (other spa services available at additional cost), choice of one or two bedroom cottage with private or semiprivate patio, access to the heated saltwater pool, “French Quarter Butler” service, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, free parking and free Wi-Fi. When booking your visit, be sure to ask for the “spa special” for this package.
With 24 years of service on Magazine Street, Belladonna Day Spa (2900 Magazine St., 891-4393, BelladonnaDaySpa.com) is proud to provide massage as well as retail therapy. A visit during the summer would be especially picturesque because of their lush “hidden” gardens. The staff’s mission is to serve the client with individually tailored treatments and specialty packages to fit any occasion.
Their newly launched website has an accurate and up-to-date list of services and also offers clients the ability to make appointments online. The spa packages are especially designed for every different need or intention. The “Be With Mom” package is specifically intended for mothers and daughters to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day together with facials, nail services, makeup, lunch and a disposable camera included to remember your day. The “Be Totally Detoxed” package is for those who want to purge excess water, firm and tone skin, and release toxins.
The three co-owners of Le Visage Day Spa (8110 Hampson St., 265-8018) have had over 20 years of experience in the industry and bring all they have learned to this intimate spa. They stay up to date on new technology and also focus on what’s healthiest for your skin. No two visits are the same because Le Visage understands that your skin and its needs have changed since your previous appointment.
Le Visage specializes in facials and is concentrated on customizing them to meet every individual need, season and age. Some of their offerings include enzyme peels, microdermabrasion and vitamin and oxygen infusions. A signature product of their spa is the all-natural nail line, Butter London, which includes runway-inspired modern colors.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa (921 Canal St., 524-1331, RitzCarlton.com/en/Properties/NewOrleans/Spa) offers an award-winning experience having won the “Best Resort/Hotel Spa, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic” award from Spa Magazine last year. Although the Spas of The Ritz-Carlton are all over the world, their New Orleans location offers exclusive New Orleans- and Louisiana-themed services. They created nine massages to match any preference. If you’re interested in a bit of New Orleans flair, indulge in their 70-minute “Marie Laveau Voodoo Love Massage and Bath.” First you soak in an enchanted Voodoo Love Bath, which is inspired by Marie Laveau’s own concoctions. Then comes a relaxing massage in an incense-filled room with red candlelight, a winning combination for any New Orleanian or visitor. For flower-lovers, The Ritz-Carlton Spa has the “Essence of Magnolia Bath and Massage,” which is centered around the beloved Louisiana State Flower. This 70-minute service includes a magnolia milk bath in a hydrotherapy tub and a Swedish massage with the essence of magnolias permeated in the oils used.
If you’re interested more in facials, hydrotherapy, body treatments, haircuts or nail services, The Ritz-Carlton Spa has an expansive menu for these as well. In keeping with the Louisiana theme, they offer a Magnolia Sugar Scrub that combines magnolia and botanical extracts to leave your skin smooth with a delightful aroma. You can also pamper yourself with a 50- or 80-minute Ritz-Carlton Signature Facial, which uses different cleansing and toning masques and products tailored to each individual to ensure the best treatment for your unique skin.
The Spa at Windsor Court (300 Gravier St., 523-6000, WindsorCourtHotel.com/spa) is one of the newest spas in New Orleans, being just over one month old, and offers an extensive list of services. The spa’s focus is on the individual, so that each visit is customized. There is something for everyone in their 25 distinct services, which ranges from oxygen facial massages and exfoliation-enzyme applications for your toes. Whether you’d like to relish in hair services in a private room or with your bridal party, the spa can accommodate guest lists of any size. In addition to manicures and pedicures, every manicurist is licensed to apply a shellac manicure, a revolutionary polish that can last up to 14 days without losing shine or shimmer and doesn’t scratch or smudge. For your face, they have facial treatments available that use innovative products, such as LED (light-emitting diodes), full-strength solutions that will turn back the hands of time while giving your skin a softer and healthier glow.
The Spa at Windsor Court proves their versatile appeal by offering a multitude of different massages. They recognize that pregnancies during the summer are never easy, especially in New Orleans’ heat and humidity. For expectant mothers, they suggest the “Mother-To-Be Massage,” which is designed to provide relief and improve circulation, muscle activity and joint function during pregnancy. For couples looking for a relaxing way to spend time together, they suggest a romantic getaway with massages in their exclusively designed duet room. For maximum benefit, you can also enjoy four-handed massages, where two therapists work pressure points simultaneously.
The Woodhouse Spa (4030 Canal St., 482-6652, Nola.WoodhouseSpas.com) was recently opened by Stuart and Siobhan Rome. The husband-and-wife co-owners want to provide a welcoming environment that focuses on the entire experience. A special feature at their spa is their rewards program that allows you to build up points by referring guests, booking online or frequent visits, and the points go towards services at the spa. They are equipped to accommodate any event, including corporate, bridal showers and private parties.
The spa offers a large menu of services, from customary massages and facials to reflexology and scalp massages. Men are more than welcome to try the “Gentleman’s Hot Towel Facial” based on the traditional hot towel technique used by barbers to relieve irritation from shaving or sun exposure. Another popular service is a head-to-toe treatment, “The Woodhouse Escape,” which involves a bamboo body scrub, a stone massage, a neck and shoulder massage and reflexology.