For visitors in search of luxurious pampering or serious skin care, Denver spas offer a full slate of first-rate treatments without the fuss. Denver’s finest downtown hotels house some of the city’s favorite spas, creating a convenient luxury for travelers. Whether you favor classic European treatments or Aveda salons with a Colorado flair, these urban spas make beauty an everyday indulgence. Author: Rebecca Landwehr

The Spa at the Brown Palace

www.brownpalacespa.com
Downtown Denver’s crown jewel, the historic Brown Palace Hotel, recently opened one of the city’s most luxurious spas, the Spa at the Brown Palace.

• Tucked away from the hustle of the Brown’s opulent lobby, the Spa at the Brown welcomes visitors with a soothing waterfall that sets the stage for the spa’s signature soaks. These invigorating bathing treatments enlist the hotel’s exclusive artesian well located 750 feet below the lobby. Among its six state-of-the-art treatment rooms, the standard spa favorites from massage to body wraps are all available in these exquisite surroundings.
• For a truly memorable experience book the couple’s suite—a breathtaking room big enough for any couple to enjoy their romantic spa meal, side-by-side massages and a private soak in a tub to die for.
• Skin behaves differently at 5280 feet above sea level, and the Spa at the Brown Palace addresses these skin-care qualms with exclusive treatments using the Auriege product suite. Try the “Moisture’s Kiss” 80-minute facial to rehydrate and revitalize. Or opt for the “Colorado River Stones” massage, a must for weary travelers as they acclimate to the Mile High City’s altitude.
• Although this historic hotel was built in 1892, the spa opened in 2006 with special thought to male business travelers, providing a well-appointed men’s locker room and several treatments designed just for “him.” Although many treatments can be offered to hotel guests in their rooms, but it would be a shame to miss these luxurious spa surroundings.

Renaissance Aveda Spa & Salon at the Hotel Monaco

www.monaco-denver.com
Another chic downtown hotel offers a sumptuous spa with a seasoned staff, the Renaissance Aveda Spa & Salon, located within the Hotel Monaco.

• Famous for its toe treatments, don’t leave the spa without indulging in its “Hydrating Spa Pedicure,” a treat for the feet with a salt scrub exfoliating rub followed by a multi-faceted foot massage and decadent moisturizing treatment—finished off with an expert application of polish.
• An Aveda-concept salon, enjoy how nature and the elements play a role in all Renaissance treatments. In particular the spa offers several water-based therapies, the marquee treatment being the “Total Body Elixir.” This 60-minute Aruyvedic massage enlists various essential oils and sea salts for an invigorating scrub. Afterwards the therapists use a Vichy shower to bring water pressure to specific pressure points, finally finishing the treatment with a warm application of flower and plant compositions.

The Oxford Club at the Oxford Hotel

www.oxfordclubspa.com
The Oxford Hotel, located in the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo), houses a sophisticated spa that pampers visitors with skin and body care tailored to Colorado’s elements.

• Long a destination for locals craving expert skincare, The Oxford Club offers clients a choice of Colorado-created Astara skin care products or industry favorite Dermalogica for facial treatments.
• Traditional massage and body wraps are also available at the Oxford Club, including its unusual “Herbal Steam” a lymphatic dry brushing of the body followed by time spent in the spa’s detoxifying steam tent.
• Afterwards an aromatherapy massage encourages circulation. It’s a cleansing treatment any spa junkie will appreciate.
• Before leaving the Oxford Club, treat yourself to expert nail care in the spa’s sunniest spot. Expert technicians here are equally adept at a quick manicure or an indulgent pedicure. The view of Denver’s bustling downtown and nearby Union Station from this second-floor spa makes for excellent people watching while your digits dry.

Spa Universaire at the Belvedere

www.spauniversaire.com/spa.htm
Even if your downtown hotel doesn’t offer a spa, there are several neighborhood sanctuaries worth seeking out. For a first-rate massage—often earning the top nod from local media—visit Spa Universaire located in an upscale apartment building, the Belvedere.

• Known for its discerning (and sometimes famous) local residents, the Belvedere is the perfect address for this wordly spa. An Aveda-concept salon, Spa Universaire tailors its service menu to the health and wellness traditions of exotic locales.
• Treatments rooms pay homage to 10 destinations ranging including the Taj Majal, the Pacific Rim and the Rainforest. Arrive early for a complimentary stint in the spa’s steam room and enjoy a pampering footbath with every treatment.
• Whether you want a traditional Swedish massage, a “Caribbean Therapy Body Treatment” or a heavenly “Hiker’s Foot Treatment” (perfect after spending the day on one of Colorado’s myriad trials), Spa Uninversaire consistently ranks among the best in Denver with locals.

The Woodhouse Day Spa

www.denver.woodhousespas.com
Just east of downtown a classic Victorian home has been transformed into a modern spa oasis at The Woodhouse Day Spa.
A trip to the spa begins with refreshments on the large, glass enclosed wrap-around porch, the perfect place to unwind.

• One of the largest spas in the area, the Woodhouse is ideal for hosting pampering parties whether the occasion is a bridal or baby shower, a birthday party, or simply a girl’s night out.
• With two adjacent rooms filled with pedicure thrones, the Woodhouse can accommodate most any size group. The elegant yet homey setting sets the tone for a day of relaxation. A well-rounded menu of facial options offers skin care solutions for every malady.
• The body treatments at the Woodhouse are not to be missed, all of which include time under the Vichy Shower, a massage-like rain shower from above. From its decadent “Magnolia Soufflé” exfoliating and moisturizing combination to the “Peppermint Sea Twist,” these relaxing skin treatments leave skin silky and the whole body refreshed.

A New Spirit Wellness Center & Spa

www.anewpsirit.com
Those looking for a spiritual spa experience need only drive 5 minutes from LoDo to experience A New Spirit Wellness Center & Spa.

• Located in the charming Highland neighborhood, A New Spirit encourages clients to book “float” time, in its exclusive flotation tank. The tank is a dark, soundproof box filled with shallow water and Epsom salts designed to relax users into a meditative state. Devotees claim a few minutes in the tank leave them refreshed and invigorated. Owner Andrea Hawkins Leigh quickly created a following of floaters among her regular spa clientele.