First Massage at Spa

Hello all,

I am heading out in a few weeks. I am staying at Encore but I have a ton of mlife Express Comps that have piled up and was thinking of using some of them to get a massage at Mirage or Bellagio.

I am a male in my 30s and have never stepped foot in a spa so I am looking for any advice that you can give me.

-First of all, am I correct in assuming you can use the Express comps?

- I am not looking to spend a day there - just maybe some time in the sauna/hot tub and the massage. I'm assuming you can do this in a couple hours?

- What do you wear? Do you need to bring anything (like a bathing suit)?

- How does the whole process work? Are you given a locker or something to put your valuables etc?

- Will I get a female masseuse automatically or is that something that you have to request?

- I think that there is a 20% service charge added. After that, are you expected to provide an additional tip or does that cover it?

I'm sure this info is elsewhere on the board but I couldn't find it with the search function so I appreciate any help you can provide.

 

I go to a conference with my boss every year, and my boss gets a massage each time.

I always hope he will not ask me to go along, as he often asks the other faculty member that comes with us. They are both older and I am in my thirties.

The whole situation creeps me out, and I have no clue if they get guys or gals.

Anyway, I am glad you asked all of the questions, because those are the ones that go through my eyes when they go. I hope you get some answers.

 

See above for my answers

 

Vegas spas are very nice. After checking in and arranging payment - we always do room charge, and pay later with Express Comps. This gives you more visibility to charges (double, screw ups, etc).

You can tip in cash or write it in and pay later. Tips not cover by EC.

I would say it is rare that guys wear bathing suits. Most I have seen are down to birthday suit. No matter when you arrive, you change into bathrobe. If early, take in other facilities. When it is near time, you go to waiting area to meet your "person". You can request male or female. Most do the 50 min, but others do longer. First time I would do shorter in case you do not like it. (very rare).

You will need a good shower to wash off oils they use in massage. Not a quick one.

Guys tend to use hot tubs, steam room, sauna in birthday suit.

 

You got a great response from Saeldway. Let me add a couple.

You mentioned Mirage and Bellagio in particular. I have been to both and love Bellagio. Mirage is good as well. Bellagio has an outdoor balcony off of the men's locker room that I really enjoy. It is overlooking the pool but is secluded by trees.

I understand that you do not want to "spend the whole day" But committ as much time as you can. If you are into it, the use of the spa also usually includes the use of the fitness center. I enjoy working out first, then showering and using the steam and whirlpool and relaxing a bit before the massage. Of course, they will generally prefer you not workout out au-naturale, so sneakers at least are required.

Also, when you get a get a massage you usually have access to the spa for the entire day. So you can leave and come back later if you want.

Definately ask for a female if that is your preference. They will usually ask your preference when you make the reservation.

 

I'm a male and I'm weirded out by the entire massage thing as well. But I have done it twice before but not in Vegas. Both experiences were very similar....and both were couples massages with my wife so she was with me and could give me pointers.

When you check in you can request a female massuese but there is an overwhelming chance it will be a female anyways. You can wear anything to the spa. Most will give you a room to change. I certainly have to believe the Wynncore has a top notch spa. At that point I would suggest putting on some gym shorts or a bathing suit. Bring a bathing suit if you are interested in hot tubbing later. Wear underwear. I assume they usually don't want you to be nude below the waist. I wouldn't be real comfortable being nude anyways. They will give you a robe to change into. So now I'm in my underwear, gym shorts, robe and flip flops that they also provided.

They took me to the massage room and then advised me to get undressed down to my underwear, hop up on the table and get under the blanket. They left the room while I did this too. They come back in and start massaging. The last massage I just had in jamaica the chick did a great job. She even rubbed my butt. It was a little weird though....not in an unprofessional way but in a some chick is rubbing my ass while my wife is next to me weird. Honestly though it was never sexual. I'm still not comfortable with the whole process but it was a good experience both times.

 

Some questionable information above....

I have done over 50 massages - in Vegas and elsewhere.

If you want a female, ask for one when you make the reservation. Very important. If you wait until you get there, you may not get a female. Some guys prefer male therapists and they are available. If this is important to you, specify when you make the reservation.

Most guys do not wear a bathing suit or gym shorts. Most will be nude - below the waste and above the waste - in the sauna, steam and whirlpool. You wear a robe in the lounge and walking to the therapy room. Most guys are nude under the sheet on the massage table.

 

I would agree that most are nude. You will get over it.

As to not washing off the oils.... I think I saw you in the casino, slip sliding away......

 

Thanks all for the great info! Still kind of on the fence but leaning towards doing it. Will definitely spend more time but not the whole day. Will try to do 9-12 in the morning or something.

Of the mlife spas, is Mirage good enough (closest to me) or would you make the trip to Bellagio or Aria? Are they that much better?

Thanks again!

 

I was at the Aria spa in July. Nice facilities, and they do have some interesting touches, like a salt room and a room with heated, tile lounge chairs. The also have a nice pool out on a balcony (this is a co-ed area so suits are required) kind of like a long, narrow soaking pool, not really for swimming. I did not care for their Gym.

I have not been to the Miirage spa in several years. From what I recall, it had a nice TV area in the men's locker room and a big men's area where the whirlpool and steam rooms are with lounge chairs.

And I have said before, I like the Bellagio spa a lot. Great gym, nice facilities and I love the balcony.

For me, if I were staying at one of these three, I would use the spa where I am staying. The aggravation of traveling to and from another proprerty is not worth it. It is all about relaxing.