The modern casino resort is as much a wellness destination as a gaming one. From Las Vegas and Reno to Atlantic City and Macau, the larger properties tend to have full-scale spas with steam rooms, saunas, treatment suites and quiet lounges. A morning there before an evening at the tables is one of the more civilised ways to spend a weekend away.
A little planning makes the difference between leaving glowing and leaving blotchy.
Timing your treatments
The golden rule: the closer a treatment is to an important event, the gentler it should be. Book anything that might leave redness at the start of the trip, not on the afternoon of the big dinner or tournament final.
- Safe for the same day: massages, hydrating or "express" facials, scalp treatments, manicures and pedicures.
- Book a few days ahead or skip: chemical peels, extractions, microdermabrasion, waxing on the face and anything described as resurfacing.
Treatments that suit a short stay
A hydrating facial. Resort climates are often dry, either because of the desert or because of strong air conditioning. A facial built around cleansing, a mask and plenty of moisturiser gives a visible lift with little risk.
A massage. Hours on a stool at a poker or blackjack table take their toll on necks and shoulders. A back and shoulder massage is often the most appreciated booking of the trip.
Heat experiences. Saunas and steam rooms are pleasant, but heat can make rosacea and some kinds of eczema flare. Keep sessions short, drink water and cool down gradually.
Tell your therapist
Mention any prescription skincare, especially retinoids, which make the skin more sensitive to exfoliation and waxing. Mention allergies, including to nuts or fragrance, since many spa oils contain both. You can always ask for a fragrance-free option.
Bring a few basics
- Your own gentle cleanser and moisturiser, if your skin is reactive.
- Sunscreen for the pool afterwards.
- A hair tie and lip balm, small things that are easy to forget.
After the spa
Skin that has just been steamed and exfoliated is more vulnerable to sun. If you move from the spa to the pool, apply a high-SPF sunscreen and reapply. In the evening, a light moisturiser and minimal make-up let the results show. A spa day is a treat, not a treatment, and its effects are about comfort and a fresh look rather than lasting change.
