You know when you book a service at an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa you're in for a treat. There's the reassurance in the "brand name" that you're getting top notch professionals and a luxurious experience. But the Atlantic City, NJ location inside the Harrah's Resort is an extra special treat. Without the space constraints many city spas have to work with, this rambling facility seems to go on forever with a new relaxing space around every corner and plenty of privacy. Plus, your spa treatment also gives you access to The Pool at Harrah's Resort right across the hall. What's more luxurious than swanning over in your spa robe to have lunch in a cabana by the pool in the resort's "indoor oasis?" Not much. It was absolutely perfect after a late night of Atlantic City fun.
I arrived early to receive a tour of the facility with its retail boutique and beauty department for hair and makeup services, manicure/pedicure area, locker room, rest rooms, dining room, steam, sauna and jacuzzi pool with a fireplace (so luxe!), female-only and coed lounges and 23 treatment rooms. I don't think I've forgotten anything. By the end of the tour I wanted to live there. Luckily I had some time before my treatment. I changed into my bathing suit and robe and stashed my stuff in a locker (also very convenient for when you're using the pool later!) and soaked in the jacuzzi by the fireplace. If you follow us on twitter you probably got the play by play!
Now to get to the treatments! I like to select a spa service that combines a body treatment with a massage and there's plenty to choose from at Red Door. I took their PR's recommendation of a Magnolia Body Scrub, $120. This was done in a wet room with its own shower so you don't have to pad around in public spaces in a towel covered in grit. My massage therapist was friendly and professional. She used products from the new organic skincare line Villa Floriani. I love a citrusy cent and this was very nice, the scrub contains both sugar and salt crystals to slough off dead winter skin. I already felt completely moisturized after I rinsed off the scrub in the shower, but I still had my hydrating massage with rich Magnolia body cream to go. Apparently Magnolia contains soothing antioxidants to replenish, moisturize and protect skin. It was a wonderful massage that definitely left me relaxed.
My friend had the Shea Butter Wrap, $135, and also enjoyed her experience and found it very moisturizing. She did think it was perhaps shorter than wrap services she's had at other salons. We both thought the level of professionalism of the massage therapists and aestheticians was above average - the perfect mix of friendly without being too talky.
After our treatments we relaxed by the pool for a few hours and had lunch in our Red Door robes. The perfect antidote to the previous nights excesses!
There is such a difference between a salon that offers spa services and a true day spa with all the lovely extras that come with such a luxurious space. I would highly recommend the Red Door Salon in Atlantic City. It isn't much pricier than your average spa, but I felt it was more luxurious. If you're headed there this spring be sure to check out the brand new White Tea Harmony Manicure and Pedicure service. With a refreshing bouquet of white tea, jasmine and honey melon, the service includes an exfoliating sugar scrub followed by a moisturizing massage with whipped body creme infused with vitamin-rich natural Grapeseed oil. A warm paraffin wrap seals in hydration for the softest skin possible. It's all finished up with pretty new polish, of course!
