Sin and Serenity at G Spa, Foxwoods

While trying to plan a girls’ getaway for a milestone birthday, we came to a crossroads … we wanted to make the most of our time off but our busy lives had made it so difficult to get away.    Everyone agreed a spa weekend was the answer to escape from life’s daily stresses — to relax, unwind and pamper ourselves.  But we also wanted a place with some nightlife so we could enjoy fine food and wine, let loose and PAR-TY, even if we just wanted to prove that we still could.  We were also residing throughout the Northeast and no one wanted to travel that far.

Foxwoods Resort Casino was the perfect choice.  About three hours from New York City and two hours from Boston, this mini-Vegas right off the highway in Mashantucket, Connecticut, was strategically located and offered something for everyone.

Owned by The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods sits on a 1600 acre reservation and the Native American heritage is brought out in the art and décor throughout the property.  With 7 casinos, world-class restaurants with celebrity chefs, 25 upscale boutiques, big name entertainment and hip nightclubs, there certainly was enough temptation to get into some serious girl trouble.  They also had a luxe bowling lounge, topnotch golf course and a Museum of Native American History nearby just in case you got tired of having fun and wanted a little culture to balance things out (we didn’t).

But who would’ve thought that amidst the flashing lights, clinking coins and frenetic atmosphere, a serene oasis awaited. Inside the posh MGM at Foxwoods, past the swanky restaurants, clubs, shops and casinos, the elevator transported us to another world – The G Spa. This sleek, modern spa in warm beiges and earth tones with a nurturing, tranquil atmosphere is so Zen, it should change its name to “Z Spa”.

Upon arrival, we changed into plush robes and proceeded to the heart of the spa where we immersed ourselves in hydro heaven with their “East Meets West” pre-treatment hydrotherapy series; a transformation for the body (and soul) that merges local Native American culture and the Eastern healing arts.

First, we sunk slowly into the Waterfall Whirlpool to loosen and release.  Eastern Philosophy states that a waterfall strips the negative energies and stresses that build up in the body.  Then we glided over to the steam room to detoxify.  Steam helps the body release toxins internally and externally.  They recommended placing an iced towel on the top of the head to keep the “Seventh Chakra” (a place of entry and exit for energy) cool, allowing more time to steam.  Then, we cooled our bodies with a quick cold shower, which I dreaded but ultimately loved.  The final step was to relax and unwind in the sauna, where the dry heat gets deep into the muscles and joints.  This preparation allows one to maximize the benefits of the therapeutic treatments, but at this point I forgot whatever aches, pains and issues I came in with. I could have just kept up with that “trifecta” routine all day.  When my therapist called my name and guided me down the petal strewn hallway for my treatment, I practically floated, and no one had laid a hand on me yet.

Many of the offerings at G Spa pay tribute to their Native American hosts with replenishing rituals utilizing essential elements such as water, clay, maize and other local materials. The Maize and Mountain Laurel Body Scrub uses an exfoliating mix of ground maize and the essence of the mountain laurel flower indigenous to southeastern New England, and the Red Clay Manicure and Pedicure uses a Clay Masque, which is fortified with hydrating vitamins and grape seed extract to moisturize and condition.  They also offer a Raindrop Wrap and Massage which embraces the benefits of the sea’s vital elements to calm, hydrate and soothe the skin. One of the newer treatments is a cutting edge “Hydra facial” with a special exfoliating/extraction process that merges corrective therapy with luxurious skin products.

At this point, I was thoroughly soothed and softened yet more pampering was still to come. With a little bubbly and chocolate covered strawberries, we watched the sun set behind the hills from the lap pool-sized Jacuzzi built above the stunning indoor pool.  I could only imagine what this magnificent view would be like in autumn with foliage ablaze in shades of red and orange.

We couldn’t bear to leave, so we decided to shower at the spa.  The attention to luxurious details was consistent right down to the Swiss showers with multiple massaging jets, overhead deluge showerheads and towel warmers in every stall.

This soothing sanctuary rivaled some of the best destination spas.  By the end of our visit, we felt like we’d been away for the weekend instead of only a few hours. We were refreshed, renewed and ready to PAR-TY, to prove we still had it in us!  The G Spa at MGM Grand at Foxwoods provided such a rejuvenating experience that we felt like winners before we ever hit the slots.  Afterwards though, not so much.