Spa Day in New Orleans

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New Orleans, LA -
Have you ever been on vacation and it rains the entire time you are there? Or got excited to go attend a convention and weather keeps you inside? It just seems the bad weather can suck the fun right out of any vacation, especially in New Orleans if it creeps up on you.

Just to let you know, I do know a thing or two about spas. In my life I was the meeting planner for Aveda and was fortunate enough to be a "test monkey" for various products and services.

Recently, well this past Labor Day Weekend, my holiday plans were taken away because of Tropical Storm Lee. On Friday I was already getting mad at Lee for taking away three days of overdue yard work and a bar-b-que or two. Then it hit me, as the rain started pouring I needed to save my holiday with some good old fashion IN-DOOR events.

I have a new favorite rainy day activity and HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend that you try it too. It was a spa day at the Ritz Carlton, and it changed my rainy day blues into I can't wait for another rainy weekend. I had visited the spa on several occasions, but never had gotten a service. When the opportunity came, I jumped on it! I was fortunate enough to do Essence of Magnolia Bath and Massage. It was one of the best spa experiences I have had in my life! From walking into the ladies locker area, to chatting with the ladies while getting ready to leave... it was a true spa experience.

Just to let you know, I do know a thing or two about spas. In my life I was the meeting planner for Aveda and was fortunate enough to be a "test monkey" for various products and services. I was also part of classes that taught people how to run spa. So I do have some spa experience to tell you the Ritz Carlton is TOPS, and one of my very favorite spas in the city!

There are many spas in New Orleans that are lovely- my other TOP Pick is Spa Aria inside the Hotel Monteleone. This small spa may lack in space, but makes up with amazing service people. After years of searching, I believe the best mani/pedi in the city is done by Millie, and for a relaxing facial that makes you feel like a million bucks visit Gabriela. I have also heard word on the street that Bridget has a loyal following of people swearing no one can give a massage like her. They have top products, some are hard to find, like my favorite lotion- Jean Baptist. The feeling is very positive in their location; just don't bring a big bag, because the space is limited.

Now if you have a group of gals in town and you want to "whoop it up" on a rainy together, grab yourself a daiquiri and head over to Kinetixs on Bienville Street. This salon and spa has fun area upstairs where two of you can get your toes done while the rest of you get your nails done- but call ahead because they do fill up! And for you men, Michael, the spa owner does the best deep tissue massage.

I just have to say was the whole experience at the Ritz Carlton that was so pleasurable -- I even caught myself giggling out loud before I left. The staff was wonderful, I loved the showers and sugar scrub they gave you to use, I felt so comfortable. To feel comfortable at a spa is must! I really have to thank Eddie Varner, the lead massage therapist for making me feel so at home and feeling so good!

After saying all this, I must give a warning too -- I am NOT a fan of foot and hand/reflexology/massages places. You know the places that grab you off the street with a "free sample". I truly believe you get what you pay for, so if you want a foot massage go get a pedicure. Unfortunately these places that offer "free samples" aren't the cheapest! They get you in and almost force you into massage, they won't tell you a price until the massage is over or make you feel like you are being held hostage over your "free" sample." If you do go to these places, ask to see their license... if only one person has one, only let that person massage you. I have come out hurt from a "hand massage" that ended up being an "aching arm." Go in with exactly what you want -- your feet are killing you after walking up and down the French Quarter -- tell them you only want 10 minutes on your feet. It will be a quick fix, but nothing like the true pleasure of having your feet in paraffin wax!

So the next time you are caught in the rain in New Orleans, do like me and SPA day it! These are my favorite places in town, there are a few in the Garden District, but they feel so pretentious to me. And another spa at a certain hotel on Poydras does not have a good reputation... nor have I have had a good service there (as mama says, if you can say anything nice don't say anything at all). There is a difference between a salon and a spa, find out which fits your needs and budget the best. I have to admit, there is one spa I have yet to go to, that is the Roosevelt's spa. So if anyone from the Roosevelt is reading this, email me, I would love to find out if your spa makes my Top 5!

What's your favorite spa in New Orleans? Tell us in our New Orleans Travel Forums!