Spa Review: The Spa at Charleston Place (Charleston, SC)
Spa Review: The Spa at Charleston Place (Charleston, SC)
July 11, 2009
Michele McIntyre
Examiner.com
205 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
1-888-635-2350
SPA AMENITIES:
* Sauna
* Whirlpool
* Lounge area
* Showers
* Robe and sandals provided
* Co-ed Swimming Pool (Swimsuits required)
* Keyless lockers
* Showers and vanity area
* Iced tea, orange infused water, mixed nuts, bowl of fresh oranges and Ghiardelli Dark chocolate with mint were available during my visit
I made an appointment in person the night before my treatment. I was able to schedule a 9 am pedicure. The spa receptionist could not have been more accommodating.
The spa is located within Charleston Place Hotel, recognized as one of the top 20 in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Top 100 Awards for 2008.
Check In took just a few moments. A spa receptionist pointed out the pool area, fitness center, relaxation room, locker room areas and treatment rooms. Since the area is small and very well signed, a tour was not given or necessary.
Prior to my treatment, I utilized the fitness center which consisted of a Cybex weight system, Lifefitness cardio equipment and a power block free weight system. Towels and individual cups of fruit juice were available to guests.
I also utilized the clock tower jacuzzi, a jacuzzi tucked away in an octagon shaped room bathed in natural light with hand painted murals on the walls. The jacuzzi is part of the indoor/outdoor pool area, featuring a horizon-edged pool with a retractable roof. The pool area is surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and tables. Just outside of the pool is the rooftop terrace.
When it was time for my treatment, I headed to the locker room to put on my robe and slippers. The locker rooms feature:
* Shampoo & Conditioner
* Combs
* Body lotion
* Deodorant
* Toothpaste & Toothbrush
* Razors and shaving cream (on request)
* Lockers
All of the facilities were clean and well maintained. Inside the locker room was a sauna, which I did not use. Once I was ready for my treatment, I waited in the relaxation area. This consisted of two rooms. One room was mostly cushioned wicker furniture. Soft, spa-like music was playing in the background. The second room was filled with couches, throw pillows and cozy throw blankets and featured tile flooring. It was a comfortable and functional space, but not what I would call luxurious.
My treatment, the Champagne of the Sea Pedicure, was described as follows:
Sip a glass of champagne as we indulge you with this deluxe five-star pedicure. A rich cocktail of exclusive marine ingredients removes dead skin and recharges the skin’s ability to hold moisture. Feet and legs are transformed – softer, smoother, totally rejuvenated.
I was offered champagne or a mimosa when I arrived in the nail treatment room. I requested a mimosa, but the therapist brought me champagne. No complaints though, I was enjoying champagne while having a pedicure – a first for me! The nail treatment room featured 3 pedicure stations and 2 manicure stations. The massaging pedicure chairs had a soaking tub for your feet, but not the usual jetted soaking tub. The therapist added fresh red rose petals to the warm water. My feet and lower legs were slathered in a heated mud mask, wrapped in sheets of Mylar (like pliable foil), then wrapped in hot towels. I was treated to a scrub and then a lotion massage in addition to traditional nail care. When the pedicure was over, I was invited to the relaxation room while the polish dried.
Spa and pool-goers can order lunch from a spa cafe menu that can be enjoyed on the pool deck or sundeck. The menu featured light fare – such as fruit, sandwiches and salads. An emphasis on healthy cuisine was evident from the menu that boasted no butter, and limited amounts of salt, sugar, olive oil and grapeseed oil. I did not get a chance to sample the spa menu.
The spa facilities are not exclusive to spagoers – they are shared with hotel guests. This is certainly good planning on the part of the hotel/spa designers, but takes away from the exclusivity that you normally feel when spending time at a spa. The pool and pool deck area were beautiful, but the locker room, relaxation room and sauna were not memorable.
Votes:4
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