A Deliciously Decadent Chocolate Spa, Hershey, Pa.

The world is full of amazing destinations but one of the sweetest is right here in the good ole’ USA.  In Hershey, Pennsylvania the smell of chocolate permeates the air.   Avenues have names like Cocoa and Chocolate and street lamps shaped like Hershey’s Kisses light up the town.  This is Chocolate Town and who doesn’t love chocolate?

Here chocolate indulgence doesn’t end when the bag of Hershey’s Kisses is empty.  Restaurant menus offer sweet and savory chocolate entrees and desserts, chocolate martinis rule and the Spa at the Hotel Hershey – affectionately known as The Chocolate Spa – takes the indulgence to the point of chocolate Nirvana with its array of chocolate based spa treatments.

Located in the Hotel Hershey, the interior of the spa is largely based upon the design of High Point Mansion, the former residence of chocolate magnate, Milton Hershey and his wife, Kitty.  The three story 40,000 square foot European style spa showcases marble landings, hardwood flooring, warm pecan paneling and yellow walls.  Yellow, Kitty’s favorite color, assumes a primary role in the decor.  A replica of a stained glass window from the Hershey’s home provides the backdrop for the reception area.  The surroundings evoke the sense of luxury and timeless elegance.

This spa is fully loaded with 54 service areas, 15 massage treatment rooms, ten facial rooms, six wet treatment rooms, four soaking tubs, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center.  The Oasis lounge located on the first floor offers lunch exclusively to patrons.  Its environment is sanctuary like and includes Marrakech inspired architectural details, a water wall and overstuffed lounge furniture.

After stepping on the scale so graciously provided in my room at the Hotel Hershey, I thought it best to put down the Hershey’s Kisses and indulge in a non-caloric form of chocolate – the Spa.   I checked in, changed into a luxurious robe in the ladies locker room and followed the hostess to the relaxation areas.

At the Chocolate Spa relaxation options include an aromatherapy room, an elegant room overlooking the resort’s formal gardens or reflection pool and the Quiet Room – as in no talking allowed.  I knew better than to attempt complete silence and opted for a spot overlooking the gardens next to a never ending bowl of Hershey’s Kisses. The little devils are inescapable.

The spa menu offers both signature and seasonal treatments including options for men and teens. The seasonal Chocolate Dipped Coconut Immersion provides a perfect summer experience by combining a sweet tropical aroma with the super-hydrating properties of Hershey’s exfoliating Coconut Sugar Scrub followed by the moisturizing and skin soothing benefits of a rich Chocolate Fondue Wrap.

Signature treatments include a Chocolate Bean Polish which combines the gentle exfoliation of cocoa bean husks and walnut shells with a softening Cocoa Body Moisturizer, leaving you smelling so delicious you will be tempted to take a bite out of yourself.

Other options for indulgence include a Cocoa Massage, a Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Hydrotherapy and the first edible chocolate treatment – the Cocoa Facial Experience.  I know the Chocolate Spa was supposed to eliminate the need for eating more chocolate, but who can refuse an edible chocolate facial?  Certainly not me.

This one-of-a-kind treatment begins with a warm foot bath followed by a revitalizing hair brushing technique and a citrus cleansing and exfoliation ritual.  Then, the aroma of chocolate fills the air as an edible dark chocolate mask is applied to your face then removed afterwards with a small baker’s spatula. A protective tinted moisturizer finishes off the experience giving you a cocoa-kissed look that is truly delicious.

As you can imagine, the biggest dilemma is choosing from the array of treatments.   Save yourself the agony by customizing a package or choose one like the Chocolate Decadence Day.  It starts with a soothing Whipped Cocoa Bath followed by a skin smoothing Chocolate Sugar Scrub, a nourishing Chocolate Fondue Wrap, a relaxing Cocoa Massage and the delicious edible Cocoa Facial Experience.  The package also includes lunch in the Oasis lounge, a Chocolate Martini and a complimentary retail gift.  It is five hours of pure chocolate decadence!

When your spa indulgence is done, order an extra chocolate martini and throw out the scale.