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Glo Day Spa at the Hartford Marriott Dowtown
Hartford, Connecticut
www.marriott.com
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LetsGoSpa Review- June 2006
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The Vibe
A new, modern, professional day spa located on the 22nd floor of the one year new Hartford Marriott. The spa facility includes a small spa boutique that sells gifts, products and makeup, a reception desk, locker room, three treatment rooms, and a small waiting room. There is also a state of the art fitness center, pool and jacuzzi available to spa and hotel guests.
The décor had all the elements of a modern day spa with its earthy colors and textures, including bamboo walls, circular carveouts in the ceiling, and the right mix of orchids and greenery. The spa was dimly lit and played calming music.
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The Little Things
Check in and check out were fast and easy…comfortable robe and slippers…handicap accessible lockers and shower…single flowers (although fake) strategically placed throughout the spa including in your locker and under the face cradle of the massage table…cucumber and lemon flavored water, a variety of teas, dried fruit, nuts, oranges and apples in the waiting room…fully equipped locker room complete with lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes, razors and shave gel, and hair products.
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The Star Treatment
Glo’s Signature Treatment, Get Gloing Body Scrub. The treatment started off with a Welcoming Ritual, where I was able to take slow, deep breaths of the spa’s Tranquility Oil, a citrus/rosewood oil. This instantly relaxed me. Valerie, my esthetician, then used a fruity peel product from Comfort Zone, a product line out of
Parma
,
Italy
. The peel went on like an exfoliating lotion, but as she massaged it into my skin, it dried up and flaked. The flakes were then brushed off with all of my dead skin cells, leaving only the smooth skin. Although this was a body treatment, it wasn’t a “wet” treatment, since the lotion dried |
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| quickly and then was easily able to be brushed off. After I was exfoliated, Valerie applied a citrus lotion, which was very refreshing. As she applied the lotion she gave me a great massage. I also opted for the Foot Awakening add-on treatment. I figured, if the rest of my body was getting exfoliated, why not give my feet a little attention too? The lotion used on my feet was tingly and it certainly ‘awakened’ them! After they were exfoliated, she applied steamy towels that felt fantastic on my tingly feet. Valerie also gave me some samples to take home. One thing to keep in mind about the treatment is that disposable underwear is not used, but rather a towel is wrapped around you like thong underwear. If you are uncomfortable with this, you may want to request disposable undies.
Although we did not name the Deep Tissue Massage as the Star Treatment, there are some impressive “little things” worth mentioning…large treatment room…heated massage table…prior to the start of the treatment involved inhaling the wonderful scent of lemon essential oil…I really enjoyed the technique of lightly pinching my skin to begin the massage…the towels rolled up and used as shoulder rests were comfortable…my legs were elevated to take pressure off my lower back.
The Distinctive Element
Glo has the advantage of being the only major hotel spa located in
Hartford
County
. The views of the city and the river from the 22nd floor spa/health club are absolutely stunning and refreshing.
What to Keep in Mind
The spa has convenient hours, open until
8pm
Wed-Sat and
6pm
on Sunday… The spa has limited web presence on the Marriott.com website which is currently under construction. If you need a spa menu, you can email or call to request one…The spa is easily accessible from the highways, but if you aren’t coming from a highway, be sure to call ahead for directions, as it can be difficult to get to, especially if you are unfamiliar with downtown Hartford. Parking in the attached garage was plentiful when we visited, but could be more crowded during conventions at the Convention Center…Note that the spa is located on the 22nd floor in case it’s not clearly labelled on the elevator…If you aren’t given a tour of the spa and health club upon arrival, be sure to ask for one so that you can see the amazing views and become aware of all the facility has to offer…The waiting room provides the only accessibility to the treatment rooms, so do not be surprised to find therapists waiting in the room as well…The spa menu does not include manicures or pedicures but that could change in the future…This hotel and spa is a great addition to New England’s Rising Star, the city of Hartford. There is definitely plenty to do if you want to spend the evening in the area, including the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Vivo.
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