Story: Cynthia Barnes   
Photography courtesy of Bellagio and The Mirage

There are places in Las Vegas where you always win—the spas. No longer just the province of diamond-drenched heiresses and pampered movie stars, these pleasure domes cater to real people who work hard and deserve the relaxation and wellness that comes from complete indulgence. Taking this into consideration, I embarked on a quest to find the best that Las Vegas has to offer.

With nothing but rejuvenation on my mind, I jump feet first into the spa at the Golden Nugget for a pedicure. The elegant Victorian décor disguises a 21st century salon where Janet invites me to slip my feet into a scented bath to free them of desert dust. She tends to my toenails and cuticles, then goes to work on summer sandal callouses with a diamond buffer. It tickles, but in the end my feet are baby-smooth. They get even softer with a salt scrub and lotion massage. Tootsies rejuvenated, I get to pick my polish. “Clear, colored or French?” A French Pedicure, hmmmmm, is that legal in Nevada? It is. My finished nails—a spiffy combination of white tips and a sheer pink top coat.

My adventure in pampering continues at the spa at Treasure Island, a soothing combination of blond wood and warm hues. I relax on a heated chaise before Cynthia begins my Anti-Aging Facial. She applies cleansing milk and a mild exfoliating soft scrub and then does a skin analysis under a bright, magnified light. My pores need a cleaning and she does so gently. Next, a mask of firming botanicals and spring water. While the mask does its magic, Cynthia gives me a hand and foot massage with a cooling, mint-scented cream. She peels the mask off and applies a rosewater toner. My skin is glowing. Feet and face magically reborn, it’s time to take care of the body.

I carry on in blissful anticipation to The Mirage spa, a real oasis in the desert, decorated in watery blues and greens. Siegfried & Roy must have lit this place—everyone looks magically healthy. Sachie treats me to the Body Masque by first coating me with oil and a creamy emulsion polish made with teensy synthetic granules. With gloved hands, she works in fast, circular strokes. It’s pleasantly rough and gentle at the same time. I rinse off in the shower and get a second massage with a rich, emollient cream. I am as smooth and pretty as a showgirl.