Sometimes the only escape from the sweltering heat is a dip in a pool. These spas take the “cool factor” one step further by offering uniquely invigorating and relaxing experiences performed in or around the pool.
The Spa at Travaasa Austin is known for holistic treatments that incorporate the use of plants and essential oils to treat, revitalize and heal the body naturally. Perhaps the best-kept secrets on the menu are two deeply invigorating and totally unique water therapies. Utilizing a series of in-water stretches to increase mobility Watsu sessions help release tension and pressure in the body. Taking it up a notch, Integrated Aquatic Bodywork includes a broader range of movements and stretches while gradually moving fully underwater for a totally transformative experience.
Although it's technically not a pool, you'd be hard-pressed to find water-based treatments as unique as those offered at Blue Lagoon. One of the most noteworthy full-body options is the Silica Salt Glow, performed entirely in the rejuvenating geothermal waters. An exfoliating scrub made up of the lagoon's skin-perfecting mineral salts and oils polishes the skin and stimulates blood flow, leaving you with a noticeably smoother, refreshed, glowing complexion.
At the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, a private heated Watsu pool sets the stage for several in-water options. Motherhood Watsu offers expectant mothers a nurturing and soothing respite from the physical changes that occur during pregnancy. Another option, The Lotus Flower Aquatic Reflexology, focuses on your reflex points in your hands, feet and ears to clear your energy centers, stimulate your immune system and leave you feeling energized and invigorated.
The surrounding natural geothermal springs at California's Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa are truly one-of-kind. While Water Yoga and Ai Chi (an aquatic version of Tai Chi) take place in these natural waters, it’s the Watsu pool that creates a weightless environment where 60-minute sessions include stretching exercises and a relaxing Shiatsu massage.
The healing benefits of water are at the core of all treatments at the luxurious Spa Aquae at JW Marriott in Las Vegas. But the ultimate experience is in the Spa Aquae Ritual, which can be done at your own pace. After experiencing either soothing hot or refreshing cold water showers, you move on to enjoy a peaceful soak in the warm water float pool, followed by the outdoor Hydrotherapy Circuit Pool, which includes six varying chambers. Complete the experience with a stimulating water massage in the cascading waterfall shower.
A private 94-degree pool serves as a serene setting for a variety of unique aquatic treatments at the stunning Bellagio Las Vegas. Aquastretch helps increase flexibility and releases tension through a series of movements and stretches utilizing weights for added resistance. Couples can deepen their connection with one another by experiencing the Couples Learn-to-Float Massage, during which an aquatic therapist will help each partner discover how to support one another and share a sense of total relaxation.
Spa Tapas at the Four Seasons Spa in Houston provides a different approach to poolside treatments with offerings you can enjoy from the comfort of your chaise lounge. Relieve tension with the Mango Mini Massage, a muscle soother for your back, neck and shoulders. The Coconut Scalp Soothie helps relax your mind with the added benefit of infusing strands with a little hair therapy. The Tropical Foot Smoother leaves your feet feeling completely refreshed after a coconut milk bath and pineapple and coconut scrub.
The famous oval-shaped pool, once a horse-riding ring, takes center stage at Hotel Bel-Air in Beverly Hills, CA, once the beloved hideaway of such famous guests as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly. Exuding “California cool,” poolside guests are treated to “pop-up refreshments” like refreshing frozen grape skewers and farmers-market-fresh fruit sorbets. Meanwhile, therapists from the hotel’s La Prairie Spa are on hand to provide 15- and 30-minute reflexology foot massages.
