By: Susan B. Barnes
Mineral-rich Gold Mud
As the aesthetician gently painted my body with a warm, mineral-rich gold mud, I couldn’t help but smile softly as I imagined myself as an Emmy Award preparing for her moment in the spotlight. Fortunately, however, instead of appearing onstage, my golden self-remained in the dark, warm Hammam as my mind drifted beyond Emmy images and into a state of deepest relaxation.
When it comes to luxurious spa treatments, there is no question that Spa at JW Chicago will have the Midas touch with next month’s (late-JUNE) debut of its decadent 24K Gold ($375) and 24K Gold Luxe ($775) packages.
“The new 24K Gold series is the first of its kind at Spa at JW Chicago,” said Marie Parodi, Director of Spa & Fitness, Spa at JW Chicago. “The luxe gold treatments provide a complete detoxification, while also offering an exclusive and extravagant experience where spa-goers are truly treated like royalty.”
24K Gold Treatments Beneficial
What may be surprising is that in addition to its sumptuous feel, the use of gold in each of the 24K Gold treatments is, in fact, beneficial to your skin, too – the gold is known to stimulate skin cells, resulting in an increase in the skin’s firmness and elasticity, while at the same time improving circulation and slowing down the depletion of collagen.
The four-hour 24K Gold Luxe Package of sheer pampering bliss begins in the spa’s Hammam, a steam room similar to a Turkish bath, with an 80-minute 24K Gold Body Envelopment with Scalp Massage – an all-over exfoliation using a Moroccanoil Cleanse Bar, followed by the application of the gold mud a la paintbrush before being wrapped in a golden cocoon. While the mud and its minerals hydrate and work their magic, fall into a very deep relaxation during a 25-minute Moroccanoil Scalp Massage.
After seemingly floating into the spa’s relaxation room for a brief respite and perhaps a cup of hot tea, it’s then into the aesthetics suite for an 80-minute 24K Gold Collagen Facial. Again, total relaxation envelops you as the aesthetician gently cleanses and moisturizes your face before applying a golden mask, its benefits melting into your skin as your cares continue to melt away.
Another stop in the relaxation room, this time with an indulgent plate of sweet treats flaked with 24K Gold, and it’s onto the final stop on your golden journey – an 80-minute Signature Massage. During the massage, the masseuse uses a shea butter-rich Moroccanoil Body Soufflé to help knead away any remaining tension that may somehow linger.
If you want all the gold but have less time for pampering, opt instead for the two-and-a-half-hour 24K Gold Package, which includes the 80-minute facial and 80-minute massage and their myriad benefits.
Whoever says diamonds are a girl’s best friend has yet to meet the 24K Gold Package at Spa JW Chicago.
From Gold To Reality
It may be hard to return to reality after the complete relaxation experienced during the 24K Gold treatments, but the JW Marriott Chicago does offer even more to keep you on the road to good health.
Back at Spa at JW Chicago, the Fit Squad is ready to jumpstart your fitness routine to match your newly rejuvenated spa body. The team of Nike Personal Trainers – including a Lead Nike Pro Master Trainer, an American Ninja Warrior contestant, a certified yoga instructor and a nutritionist – are all at-the-ready to help you be the best you can be. With various group classes and personal training available, not to mention a state-of-the-art fitness center, you’ll easily continue on the road to better health.
Healthy living isn’t all work and no play, however, and healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland. Walk about a mile in the Windy City to True Food Kitchen, where you’ll find a seasonal health- and a flavor-driven menu featuring nutrient-rich and fresh ingredients. And you can toast all your hard work with a drink, too!
Or, if you’d rather not leave the hotel, simply make reservations at The Florentine on the second floor and dive into fresh, seasonal Italian dishes such as antipasti, handmade pasta, or even wood-fired pizza.
After all, there’s always the Fit Squad, the fitness center and walking the streets of Chicago to burn off the calories – or another 24K Gold treatment.
