Grand Velas Riviera Maya Launches First Spa Atelier Workshop

Riviera Maya, Mexico  – Se Spa at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya has launched its Spa Atelier, workshops inspired by local Mexican culture and based upon the principles of ancient Ayurvedic medicine that center around self-discovery. The first offering at the resort is a workshop to make energy bites full of superfoods. Recipes will vary from Cacao and Matcha-Pistachio to Cranberry-Orange and Carrot. Superfoods are foods that increase energy and improve retention, as well as provide antioxidants, minerals and vitamins and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The Spa Atelier concept initially launched last year at its sister property Grand Velas Los Cabos. It features Mandala meditation, tea discovery, DIY body scrubs based on one’s Dosha and a Natura Bissé Facial Masterclass. The Energy Bites Workshop at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an hour long, held every Thursday, July through September, for small groups of 3 – 6 people. The class costs $65 USD per person. For those who can’t make it to the resort to try out the class, Grand Velas Riviera Maya shares a recipe to make some of the energy bites at home. Cacao Energy Bites 1/3 cup            powdered cocoa 16                    dried dates 7 tbsp               honey 1 tsp                 coconut oil 1 tsp                 Maca root powder 1 tsp                 acai ½ cup               rolled oats 4 cups              cashews For toppings: amaranth, chia, hemp seeds and grated coconut Process: Chop the dates in a food processor before adding the cocoa, Maca, honey, coconut oil, oats, acai and cashews. Pour the mixture into a bowl and mix until well combined. Roll into balls a little under an inch and finish with topping of choice. Nightly rates start at $393 USD. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include all tour arrangements and transportation, luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com. About Grand Velas Riviera Maya: The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances, including adults-only oceanfront, family-friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, L’Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands ofworld renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Se Spa is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids’ Clubs and Teens’ Club; baby concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including Virtuoso’s Best Spa and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visithttps://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

Celebrate St. Lucia's November Health And Wellness Month At The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

Windjammer Wellness Retreat Package:

Providing guests with a well-rounded fitness program to encourage healthy lifestyle practices, the Windjammer Wellness Package starts at $439 (subject to 10% VAT and 10% service charge) per night, based on double occupancy for travel Nov. 1 – 30, 2016. A minimum of five nights is required, and guests can upgrade to multi-bedroom villas so friends and families can enjoy resort and wellness offerings together.

Complimentary daily activities include pool volleyball, aqua aerobics and water polo, while classes include six-pack abs, step aerobics and body conditioning.

For added indulgence, guests can choose from a menu of treatments at The Spa at Windjammer Landing, including massages, facial treatments, body treatments, natural body wraps, hand and foot treatments, among a variety of others (prices will vary based on treatment).

About Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort:

A Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort premium all-inclusive vacation experience includes accommodations; all meals and beverages at five on-property restaurants and four bars; the luxury of six swimming pools; a 24-hour fitness center; water sports, including waterskiing, snorkeling and windsurfing; complimentary Wi-Fi resort wide; Jacquot Fun Club, with supervised daily activities for children 4 – 12 years of age; teen activities for kids 13 – 17; a weekly Manager’s Cocktail Party; and the conveniences of a mini-mart and boutique shops.

Overlooking Labrelotte Bay, The Spa at Windjammer Landing encompasses 6,500 sq ft. of mindfully crafted space including a fitness center and exercise studio, a private yoga studio, a private yoga studio, outdoor yoga deck, six treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and garden, an outdoor terrace, separate male and female steam rooms, a Japanese soaking tub, an outdoor rain shower and juice bar.

The resort’s spa was a main focal point of the recent $41 million resort expansion at Windjammer Landing. The extensive treatment menu and wellness program that was designed for the spa has a specific healing/holistic purpose – from the spa’s signature scent and massage therapies to its specialty classes including Paddle Board Yoga, Candelight Restorative Yoga, Full Moon Yoga and Mindfulness and Meditation, to name a few.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas To Open Its First North American Property In New York In 2019, Its First Urban Hotel

 

BANGKOK – October 6, 2016 – Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is delighted to announce the brand’s long-anticipated debut in the United States with the opening of Six Senses New York, a luxury hotel being developed by HFZ Capital Group in New York City between Manhattan’s popular High Line and the natural wonder of the Hudson River.

The extraordinary setting combined with an exciting new development project made this opportunity an idyllic ‘urban home’ for the first U.S. hotel project for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas and its flagship urban property, as announced today by Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs. “This project is a fascinating and exciting contrast to the typical Six Senses locations where we operate resorts in settings with azure waters, UNESCO heritage listings and lush rainforests,” said Jacobs. “Six Senses New York will have the same touch-points and DNA, with some creative adaptation of course, but with no compromises on our commitment to community, wellness, sustainability and design. We are delighted to be partnering with HFZ on this fabulous urban development.”

The development project by HFZ Capital Group is located on 10th Avenue, the site encompasses the entire block between 17th and 18th streets in the heart of the city’s vibrant and artsy Chelsea neighborhood. The overall project, named The Eleventh, features two soaring towers designed by award-winning architectural and design group BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group).  The towers’ design draws inspiration from New York City's classic Modernist structures and cultural institutions, while also playfully skewing the traditional skyscraper form with their rotating appearance. The stone and metal facades will add a dynamic yet harmonious twist to a vibrant West Chelsea neighborhood that has become known around the world for its groundbreaking contemporary architecture. The towers are approximately 300 and 400 feet (90 and 120 meters) tall, making them far taller than surrounding buildings and create expansive vistas of the High Line, Hudson River and Downtown and Midtown skylines. This mixed-use development will bring luxury to downtown Manhattan’s West Side with its first five-star hotel, approximately 240 condominium residences and high-end retail shopping.

The hotel will be located in the east tower directly adjacent to the High Line with ten floors and 137 keys. A popular New York City landmark, the High Line has helped transform the area into a must-see destination for both locals and tourists. Hotel accommodations will begin at a generous 400 square feet (37 square meters) to enable Six Senses New York to deliver the high level of personal service and lifestyle quality for which the brand is synonymous. 

“We are setting a new precedent for architecture, design and lifestyle in downtown Manhattan, in a world-class location squarely between the High Line and Hudson River,” said HFZ Capital Group Chairman and Founder Ziel Feldman. “Six Senses will bring something completely unique to the New York City hospitality space while helping us realize our vision for The Eleventh. As a company we share in Six Senses' commitment to a forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious mentality that makes no compromise on quality and service, making this the perfect partnership." 

Pegasus Capital Advisors L.P., a New York-based private equity fund, acquired Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas in 2012. Pegasus is partnering with HFZ in the development of the hotel. “We are delighted to join forces with HFZ to make this vision a reality,” said Craig Cogut, chairman and president of Pegasus.
 
A prime project commitment is to the environment and the project is being meticulously planned with the intent to attain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. Hotel guest rooms will be designed and appointed in compliance with the Six Senses brand’s dedication to sustainability and reverence for the environment.

Spas are an integral part of the Six Senses brand. Six Senses Spa New York will offer a layered approach to wellness with treatments that are an intuitive mix of science and human awareness, where a high-tech and high-touch approach defines service that is crafted around the individual.

Two restaurants will be located in the hotel and showcase the brand’s popular culinary approach to wellness by serving fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced produce and ingredients. Plans are also underway to create a unique private members club within the hotel and innovative meeting space to cater to small groups and board meetings. 

Six Senses New York is slated to open in 2019. 

From left to right: Ziel Feldman, chairman and founder of HFZ Capital Group, Bjarke Ingels, founding partner of BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) with Neil Jacobs, chief executive officer of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas at the site of Six Senses New York.

 
Six Senses New York will occupy 10 Floors of The Eleventh in the East Tower adjacent to the High Line. The development features two soaring towers designed by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group).

Six Senses New York is a key component of The Eleventh development by HFZ Capital Group, set between Manhattan’s popular High Line and the Hudson River.

 

Becoming Part of Manhattan’s skyline, Six Senses New York features two contemporary towers (right) set between the popular High Line and the Hudson River.

About Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas operates 11 resorts and 28 spas in 19 countries under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas. Aggressive development plans will triple the portfolio over the next five years with resort, hotel and spa openings underway in Austria, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Nicaragua, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and United States. Six Senses operates resorts in far-flung locations of incredible natural beauty known for their distinctive and diverse design personalities. Each of the 9 properties is supported by a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, wellness and design. Six Senses hotels which share the same vision and values found at their award-winning resorts will premiere in urban locations in 2019. 

Six Senses Spas offers a wide range of holistic wellness, rejuvenation and beauty treatments administered under the guidance of expert therapists. Six Senses Spas are located in all Six Senses and Evason resorts; 18 additional standalone spas are located in prestigious hotels and resorts as well as the premier class lounges of two major airports.

Evason introduces a collection of two unique resorts that follow the Six Senses philosophy of uncompromised responsibility to sustainability and to the community. Family friendly, these properties also provide a strong value focus while offering a vast array of guest services and personal attention.

Treat Yourself To Spa Luxury In Dominican Republic #GoDomRep

The country's diverse natural beauty offers

 the perfect setting for rejuvenation and restoration

 Set against a backdrop of diverse natural beauty,

 Dominican Republic is an idyllic destination 

for travelers seeking world-class luxury and

 spa offerings to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

Luxury takes many forms in the country,

 providing rest and relaxation in unique

 settings that include

 bustling cities, all-inclusive resorts and eco lodges tucked away in the tropical jungle.

"We are a country known for spectacular nature, but also for our warm people and hospitality," said 

Magaly Toribio, marketing advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "When you bring 

the two together, it's easy to see why Dominican Republic is home to some of the best destination

 spas and luxury tourism in the Caribbean and the world."

In easy-to-access Punta Cana on Dominican Republic's east coast, spa aficionados don't have to

 look far for pampering. All-inclusive hotels—perfect for families or budget-conscious travelers—are 

dotted along the coast and throughout the region, many offering on-site spas. Most spas come fully

 equipped with amenities such as whirlpools and saunas, with menus of familiar services including

 facials, full-body treatments, massages and beauty services—perfect for brides or for guests visiting

 for a special occasion. Punta Cana is also home to luxury boutique accommodations that offer unique

 wraps and body scrubs that revitalize the skin using natural ingredients such as coffee or hot lava

 stones. Boutique properties also may offer yoga lessons and healthy cooking classes to provide

 a well-rounded wellness experience. For visitors that love to shop, nearby Bávaro is home to

 familiar designer brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Swarovski and others.

La Romana, a favorite getaway among celebrities, is a chic coastal area replete with spa offerings

 across the region. This ultimate luxury destination is an ideal spot for seaside pampering, with an

 array of boutique and all-inclusive resorts offering spa services that run the gamut from facials to

 intimate couples' massages. Need to stock up on your favorite top-of-the-line skin care products?

 Book a stay with a resort that has its own spa boutique. For entertainment outside of the spa,

 visit the nearby Casa de Campo marina to partake in world-class sport fishing and polo or tour a 

cigar factory to learn about one of Dominican Republic's oldest traditions and finest exports.

Away from the bustling hubs of Punta Cana and La Romana, Barahona is an unspoiled tropical

 Eden on the southwest coast of Dominican Republic. Nature-lovers will be in spa heaven after 

booking a stay at one of the area's luxury eco hotels, offering organic and natural treatments for

 guests in the tranquil setting of Barahona's coastal and wooded areas. From exfoliation to healing, 

it's easy to find peace in both body and mind in Barahona.  

Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic, offers relaxation from the comfort of a

 cosmopolitan hotspot. Several hotels offer on-site spas and an assortment of amenities and 

treatments, from massages to manicures and pedicures. After a relaxing spa day, take advantage

 of your close proximity to everything the capital has to offer, from high-end shopping featuring

 brands such as Armani Exchange, Massimo Dutti and Carolina Herrera, to the historic charm

 of the Colonial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax in a local cigar club to experience

 one of Dominican Republic's fine cigars with a rum drink in-hand.

In the northeast Samaná peninsula, visitors can rejuvenate by booking a massage or spa 

treatment or connecting with their spiritual side in yoga and meditation classes, offered at

 many resorts. Just west of Samaná, tourists will find Puerto Plata—an area that routinely

 attracts adventure seekers for kite surfing, ATVing and more. After a day of adventure, a trip

 to the spa is the perfect way to unwind. Area spas and on-site spa facilities at resorts offer 

facials, massages and other treatments for a restorative experience that addresses needs

 ranging from stress relief to anti-aging. For yogis, some companies offer dedicated yoga

 retreats to refresh the mind—the perfect complement to a relaxing day at the spa.

If you're ready to relax and indulge both your mind and body, learn more about Dominican Republic's

 luxury offerings atwww.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

About Dominican Republic 
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical 

and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, magnificent resorts and hotels, and 

a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding

 thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics

 of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in

 our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other,

 featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and 

festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue,

 amber and larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen

 escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's

 official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

Download the Go Dominican Republic App, available in the App Store and Google Play

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @GoDomRep Like us on Facebook GoDominicanRepublic

The World's Best New Spas

 By Krisanne Fordham, for CNN

(CNN)Whether it's a full-scale detox or just a serious pamper session, there's no shortage of terrific spas to choose from.

The past year alone has seen the debut of hundreds of wellness oases across the globe -- a sign, perhaps, that spas have transitioned from being a mere extravagance to an essential part of travel.

From health retreats on Sicily's sun-kissed Mediterranean coast to high-end hammams in the Caribbean, we've handpicked the world's 10 best new spas, based on service, treatments, amenities and ambiance.

Rocco Forte Spa at Verdura Resort (Sicily, Italy)

There's no spa in Italy quite like the new, 43,000-square-foot Rocco Forte Spa on Sicily's southwest coast.

For starters, it sits on its own private stretch of coastline, with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean from almost every angle.

Unsurprisingly, the focus here is on thalassotherapy: the medicinal and therapeutic use of seawater and marine elements.

It has an extensive thalassotherapy circuit, consisting of four outdoor pools offering varying levels of salinity and heat.

Treatments, like the Seaweed Body Scrub ($130), incorporate locally sourced marine ingredients like kelp, sea salt and micronized algae to purify and detoxify the body.

Thalassotherapy aside, there's also an infrared sauna, a 65-foot-long swimming pool and a juice bar that serves up organic, antioxidant-packed juices all day long.

 

Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Bali (Bali, Indonesia)

Though it's just six months old, the spa at the Ritz-Carlton Bali is already proving to be as impressively luxurious as the hotel itself.

Decked out in suar wood and glossy marble, the spa features a state-of-the-art hydromassage pool comprising of five sections that target different areas of the body.

There are also two Jacuzzis, cold plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms, and a yoga studio overlooking the Indian Ocean.

In addition to 14 free-standing treatment rooms, there are four private spa villas outfitted with their own Balinese bathing pools and open-air lounges.

Treatments blend ancient Balinese methods and modern techniques, and incorporate locally harvested ingredients like coconuts, seaweed and pearls, which are said to have nourishing antioxidant properties.

 

Shiseido Spa at Excelsior Hotel Gallia (Milan, Italy)

Shiseido is now Milan's largest spa.

Sprawled across the sixth and seventh floors of the plush new Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan's newest spa -- opened late last year -- is also the largest in the city, clocking in at just under 11,000 square feet.

It has an indoor swimming pool with hydromassage and waterfalls, a Turkish hammam, an ice room and even a salt chamber, with walls made from sea salt imported from the Himalayas (said to promote better breathing).

But guests are really here for the high-tech treatments: The spa uses a cutting-edge Japanese formulation called Skingenecell 1P, said to be the first ingredient in the world to repel the fundamental cause of skin damage and aging.

After something a little more low-key?

The spa's Zen Bathing Ceremony ($285), a two-hour-long, mineral-rich soak, is a perfect pick-me-up.

Thai House at Zemi Beach House Resort and Spa (Shoal Bay, Anguilla)

This isn't just any thatched-roof island spa: the newly opened Thai House is a full-fledged wellness center on the shores of Shoal Bay.

Here can be found the island's only hammam, a meditation garden, mud deck, yoga studio, hydrotherapy showers and vitality pool set to guests' body temperature.

There's even a juice bar.

Its treatment rooms, built inside a traditional, 300-year-old Thai House (hence the name), have their own private relaxation lounges with ocean or garden views.

Treatments are inspired by the wellness rituals of the local Taino people and use the healing benefits of local herbs, flowers, mud and sea salt.

The signature Zemi Sun Ritual ($305), for example, uses salt, papaya and macadamia nuts to exfoliate skin, followed by an oil treatment infused with local frangipani and jasmine oils.

Baglioni SPA at Baglioni Hotel London (London)

Baglioni SPA offers a select menu of 14 treatments.

Located in the bustling heart of London opposite Kensington Park, this sleek newcomer feels like an oasis hidden in plain sight.

Launched in 2015 after a total makeover, the spa is ultramodern yet earthy, with nature-inspired artwork, warm colors and dark wood decor throughout.

With just five treatment rooms and a menu of only 14 treatments, the cozy spa focuses on quality over quantity.

As a result, treatments are as indulgent and luxurious as possible, from circulation-boosting 24-carat gold masks ($200), to diamond nectar-infused facials ($180) said to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten skin.

There's even a rare facial made just for gents ($120) which uses green tea and mushroom extracts to detoxify and reduce pore size.

Spa at Bernardus Lodge (Carmel Valley, California)

The views from the newly relaunched spa at Bernardus Lodge are worth the visit alone.

Situated in the heart of Monterey wine country, it's flanked by 28 acres of sun-drenched vineyards, orchards and oak forests.

It has all the features of a five-star spa: a sprawling pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, a eucalyptus steam room, Vichy showers, a dry sauna and a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center.

But it's the spa's strict "garden-to-treatment" philosophy -- which sources ingredients used in treatments from the lodge's own organic garden -- that makes it truly stand out.

Everything from facials to pedicures are infused with homegrown lavender, mint, rosemary and Chardonnay grapes from the lodge's own vineyards.

Guests can even soak in a Chardonnay-infused bubble bath.

Spa at Reverie Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

Opened last September, this two-level, 13,000-square-foot space is more like a full-fledged wellness center than a hotel spa.

With two open-air Jacuzzis, an 80-foot-long (almost Olympic-sized) swimming pool, several thermal areas and a 1,300-square-foot gym, it's the largest spa in the city.

It's also as unabashedly opulent as the hotel itself, decked out completely in Carrara marble, hand-laid mosaics and gold accents.

Treatments are fittingly decadent, from mother-of-pearl scrubs ($90) to over-the-top couples' treatments featuring red wine body wraps and massages by candlelight, with champagne and caviar refreshments ($820).

Bohemia Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague (Prague)

In the heart of Old Town Prague, with sweeping vistas over the Vltava river, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, Prague's newest spa might also be its loveliest.

Location aside, the space is architecturally striking -- set in a historic neoclassical building that shares the same elegant Baroque touches as the hotel itself.

Inside are mineral-rich thermal baths and an oxygen-intensified vitality pool said to have healing properties.

Treatments are inspired by traditional Czech and Hungarian therapies and use local ingredients like linden oil, drawn from the blossoms of the Czech Republic's national tree.

Though the new space won't officially open until the summer, a taste of its treatments can be found at the hotel's current spa, which continues to be fully operational.

Spa at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain (Sichuan, China)

Spa at Six Senses focuses on traditional Chinese therapies.

Situated in the picturesque foothills of China's Qing Cheng Mountain -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- this brand new spa's tranquil, river valley setting is as healing as the treatments themselves.

Here, traditional Chinese therapies and Tao principles reign supreme, with little regard for modern, Western spa trends.

Instead of high-tech treatments, there's acupuncture, cupping, which uses heated cups to promote circulation, and Gua Sha, which detoxifies and heals through repeated, pressurized strokes.

In lieu of stem cell-infused creams and diamond nectar serums, wraps and scrubs are formulated from simple but potent local ingredients like gingko, lotus, ginger and bamboo.

 

Thermes Marins at Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo (Monaco)

Thermes Marins, which underwent a multimillion dollar makeover and relaunched last year, is exactly the kind of spa you'd expect to see in Monaco.

The ultramodern, four-level space overlooks Monte Carlo Harbor and boasts its own hammam, an ocean-facing saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art gym and a full-service beauty salon.

It's also home to the only spa in Europe with a cryotherapy complex, which consists of two cold chambers set at -60 C and -110 C. (Cryotherapy is said to stimulate the immune system, treat inflammation and help with anti-aging).

There's even a dedicated organic restaurant onsite, L'Hirondelle, which serves up seasonal dishes of 500 calories or less.

3 Trends That Will Define Las Vegas In 2016

PHOTO: Bellagio Hotel and Casino. (TravelPulse file photo)

If there's one thing that's come to define Vegas, it's change. From a sleepy desert town to a gambling mecca to a family-friendly resort destination, the character of Sin City is constantly changing.

As 2016 brings another chapter to the desert, we're looking ahead at three ways Las Vegas is transforming itself once again.

Goodbye molecular gastronomy, hello food

We can all breathe a sigh of relief: Molecular gastronomy is a thing of the past in Vegas. You can once again enjoy your meal. This year, Las Vegas is implementing a refreshed version of classic food service – and a whole lot more – as the destination welcomes more millennials, more international guests and transforms to meet the demands of a technological age.  

READ MORE: Aria's High-Tech New In-Room Tablets

“Restaurants are beginning to resurrect the ‘classic’ dining experience that has been seen in the past,” Aria Executive Chef Anthony Amoroso said.

Rather than focusing on passé gimmicks and all the bells and whistles of out-of-the-box techniques, chefs and restaurants are looking to elevate the dining experience by mastering the core elements of service and cuisine. For example, the recently opened Italian-American restaurant Carbone at ARIA offers a table-side cut of veal parmesan and presentation of the banana flambé, while Bardot Brasserie at ARIA features a classic roast chicken.

Joshua Smith, executive chef at Bardot Brasserie, agrees that restaurants are returning to the basics. “Guests just want honest food – no tasting menus, no micro herbs, no ‘deconstructed’ – just an authentic dining experience.” 

Of course, where would we be without social media? Possibly catering to a more Instagram-worthy dining experience, the city’s establishments will focus on plating, according to celebrity chef Rick Moonen.

Along with plating, guests are turning away from the “fine” dining experience and moving toward comfortable design, as seen in restaurants such as Alain Ducasse’s Rivea at Delano Las Vegas.

While “comfort” and “classic” seem to be buzzwords in the Vegas food scene in 2016, don’t think that there won’t be a focus on clean eating.

“Not only are we seeing trends in how chefs present their food, but we are seeing trends in spices, types of food and what is being put in the food people are eating,” said Moonen. “People are looking to go back to the basics with cleaner and healthier food. Artificial flavoring will be the enemy in 2016. Guests will start to see bold flavors and spices used in African and Indian cuisines and many other diverse cultures. Along with these bold flavors, restaurants will begin to offer guests more alternatives, vegetarian options and even more gluten-free options. Twenty-sixteen will be a year of trying new things along with dining at restaurants with cleaner menus.”

Expect to see vegetables take a center stage with dishes such as Aria's Bardot Brasserie offering of Parisian gnocchi with black trumpet mushrooms and celery root; cauliflower steak at Jean Georges Steakhouse; roasted panisse and confit sweet bell peppers served at Rivea; and Lago by Julian Serrano at Bellagio’s extensive list of veggie-based shareable plates for vegetarian and meat-eaters alike.

“It’s become increasingly important for chefs to cook cleaner, nutrient-dense food,” said Amoroso.

Another new trend taking over Vegas this year: the chicken sandwich. Yes, as travelers are becoming more aware of their health, they are requesting alternatives to the beef burger. In response, chefs are vamping up the chicken sandwich options on their menus.

“In the next few years, we will see a significant rise in popularity of the chicken sandwich in Las Vegas,” Amoroso predicts. “Restaurants know that this is becoming a menu item that is high in demand and will influence the burger-heavy culture that we currently see in the city.”

Where to find the best chicken sandwiches? Try the marinated chicken breast sandwich at Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay or the chicken saltimbocca sandwich at Five50 Pizza Bar at Aria.

As far as what you will be drinking, chefs and mixologists are noticing a heavy influx of mezcal on menus. The spirit has found its way into libations on The Strip, such as Lago by Julian Serrano’s smoked peach margarita, made with El Silencia Joven Mezcal. Hecho en Vegas at MGM Grand presents a variety of mezcal, including its diablo rojo cocktail. Hakkasan at MGM Grand’s bird’s eye margarita offers Bird's Eye chili-infused Alipus San Andres mezcal.

Tableside beverage service will also be making a splash this year.

Hospitality for the International Traveler

The hospitality side will cater to three things in the coming year: technology, international visitors and an elevated guest experience. Mobile is key according to Shannon McCallum, ARIA’s executive director of hotel operations who noted the development of cutting-edge, consumer-based technologies that allow for growth of more mobile-centric services such as smartphone room keys, in-room ordering, mobile-friendly website platforms and the ability to shop or pay for attractions directly from a mobile app.

Hotels are also catering to the needs of the international traveler, particularly the Chinese market.

“The number of international travelers to Las Vegas grows each year and, as a result, hotels are always looking for more ways to make those guests comfortable,” said McCallum.

At Aria, for example, all in-room messaging is translated to multiple languages for ease of understanding and complimentary international television is provided to guests.

Aria has also introduced Baijiu, China’s national spirit and the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world, to the spirit lists and cocktail menus at ARIA, Bellagio and MGM Grand.

Experiential travel is trending at the moment and, even in Vegas, hotels are capitalizing on this in a big way, providing unique experiences that guests couldn’t have anywhere else.

“Travelers are looking for educational experiences, a sense of exploration and discovery,” said Bellagio’s general manager, Olivia Brown. “With this trend, offerings such as going behind-the-scenes for a closer look at The Fountains of Bellagio or VIP/backstage passes to big ticket shows will take center stage.”

New Spa Experiences

Spa is making a resurgence in Vegas with high-tech treatments, a focus on wellness and social experiences.

Technology-driven treatments are becoming more significant in the spa landscape. Look for LED and tech-savvy treatments in 2016 to focus more on skin protection and maintenance via cell therapy and machine-based techniques, targeting the younger generation.

There will also be an increase in the number of spa offerings that combine the body, mind and spirit.

According to Spa Bellagio’s director of operations, Tammi Furce, wellness from within also will be a focal point of this trend, with treatments heavy on cellular restoration and deep stretching, such as Spa Bellagio’s Watsu and AquaStretch therapies – the only treatments of their kind on The Strip.

Taking the spa outside the traditional arena and supplanting it in a social setting will be prevalent in 2016 as well, with most hotels now offering poolside massages and treatments for both individuals and large groups.

By JANEEN CHRISTOFF