The Spa at Trump
Ego-centric Trump never does things in half measures. He built his tower a few feet higher than those of Wynn, his counter-ego across the boulevard, the entire hotel is slot-machine free, and there’s so much marble and glass to shine (exterior windows are gilded in 24-carat gold) that polishers appear to work 24x7.

The gi-normous lobby is akin to those you find in Dubai and is the absolute antithesis of the spa. With only nine treatment rooms, this refreshingly small spa emanates a modern elegance as in grape colored suede walls and lounge furniture with quiet finesse. New York Magazine voted it the best hotel spa in Las Vegas and it’s already made Conde Nast’s hot list.

Spa treatments embrace the philosophy described in the best-seller The Secret: each blends your personal intention with oils and lotions that are mixed to embody balance, healing, revitalization, calm and purity. These words reverberate throughout the spa industry but here, they’re cleverly packaged. Rooms, too, are named for the healing intentions of various gemstones as are many oils. Choose Ruby to fire the enthusiasm and detoxify the body, blood and lymph systems. Opt for Emerald to overcome misfortunes (at the tables, perhaps?) or go for rebalancing Diamond. The latter’s pretty hot on loving relationships, too. The personal spa attaché is what really sets this spa apart though others are sure to follow. Again, it’s partly packaging but still, having someone who will customize your care products, shine shoes, serve tea on a silver service and press clothes is above and beyond. Curiously, there are padded walls in the massage rooms; presumably it’s aesthetics though one is left to wonder!

Recommend: Royal Lulur Ritual - created in 17th century Indonesia for royal brides who were lavished with this ritual for 40 consecutive days prior to her wedding. It involves a body scrub, bath and moisturizing massage with Jasmine and frangipani infused products.

Love: the morning after eye cure – a 30-minute make-over for real tired eyes

The ultimate for winning decadence: Trump Luxury – a 7-hour package for $1,120

Tip: Spa amenities complimentary with any spa service over $95; $12 hotel guests; $22 non guest. Pass includes access to fitness center


The Spas at Wynn
Wynn is all about over the top indulgence – after all, his is the only resort in town with a private golf course, so when his Encore tower opened in December 2009, Wynn’s opulence just got sassier.

Both the spa at Wynn and at Encore radiate lavish elegance that appeals to the heavy wallet brigade with impeccable highlights, honeymooners, and for any ‘feel like a million bucks’ special occasion.

At Wynn, hoteliers obviously designed the layout with its 36 treatment rooms running off either side of the proverbial long corridor. At least you’re walking on a handcrafted rug to give your feet a pampered touch, and sounds of trickling water and high-octane soothing music accompany you en route to your service. The full spa experience is as much about anticipation as it is delivery and on this, in both spas, Wynn scores top marks.

Encore’s spa, however, raises the bar even higher with an opulent zen-inspired tropical environment – Buddha statues dominate the setting, as well as a number of natural-light garden suites (think, lush foliage) which for Vegas, is pretty radical. The staff is excellent. Not only have they been drilled in customer service (they seem to mind-read your name), the spa practitioners are knowledgeable, professional and top of their form. Wynn has a good number of male estheticians so make sure to specify if you have a gender preference.

In terms of services, the menus may appear different in treatment descriptions between the two spas but in reality, a number of therapies are quite similar. That’s probably more a common-sense rationale in tough economic times than anything else -- though Wynn seems pretty resilient to such trends. If you have the time, enjoy a treatment in both. If not, go for Encore. It has an atmosphere of tranquil glitz which is an oxymoron only possible in a place like Las Vegas.

Spa amenities are complimentary with treatments and exclusive to hotel guests Friday and Saturday. Otherwise, non-guests can purchase a day pass for $30.

Recommend: the signature Good Luck Ritual Massage is based on the five elements of Feng Shui: health, wealth, prosperity, happiness and harmony. It’s a yummy head to toe event involving a heated Thai herbal body massage, a lemon verbena and peppermint foot treatment, an ultra-moisturizing hand therapy, and a wild lime botanical scalp service.

Love: the couple’s stone-massage in one of the four oversized couples suites; the nicest on the Strip

Tip: spa is exclusive to hotel guests Friday and Saturday