Written by Jennifer Graham. Photos courtesy of the Spa at MINT.
From high heels to heavy handbags, fashion takes a toll on a woman’s body — especially during the cold months. Aching shoulders, tired feet, and dry skin are par for the course, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer! In fact, it’s the perfect reason to splurge on a little spa time! Getting a facial or a massage — combined with a sauna or steam — are the perfect remedies for your winter woes. And I had the opportunity to do just that at The Spa at MINT in Washington, DC.
I had always heard good things about the gym and The Spa at MINT, but I didn’t know that you actually don’t have to be a member of the gym to enjoy the spa — bonus!
When I arrived at MINT on California Street in Dupont Circle, I checked in with the woman at the front desk who led me to the locker room and gave me a plush terry cloth robe and mint green colored sandals. The locker room was complete with all the amenities that you would find at any luxurious spa — razors, shampoo and conditioner, hair products and dryers, mouthwash and more. I came early and was able to take advantage of the sauna and steam rooms before my treatments. My masseuse, Allison, greeted me in the waiting area and led me to the massage room where I was welcomed by the sound of spa music and the scent of orange blossoms in the air. As I slipped under the covers of the massage table, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth that enveloped my body from the heated blanket. The leg bolster was perfectly positioned to alleviate pressure on my back and I rested my hands on the soft blanket that covered my entire body.
It was pure bliss.
In fact, at that point, even if Allison never came back into the room, I would have been content! After inquiring about my pressure and oil fragrance preferences, she placed a warm lavender-scented pillow under my neck and proceeded to start the massage. With nearly 2 decades of experience, Allison expertly identified my tight neck and shoulders to be focus areas and spent the next hour slowly working out all the knots. I have had massages all over the world from the Hunsa Samui Spa in Thailand to the Ritz Carlton in DC to the Darling in Sydney, Australia and this was on par with or even better than any of those! The combination of the warm blankets, rich scents, and amazing technique were the perfect recipe for relaxation.
After my massage ended — much too quickly! — my facial began. In the same warm nest, I relaxed as Kate analyzed my skin under the lamp looking for areas of concern. I was pleased to hear that my skin looked great overall and she would be focusing on rehydrating and exfoliating my skin to restore my healthy glow. Using all Dermologica products, she started with the Skin Resurfacing Cleanser and then applied the Skin Hydrating Mask with what felt like a large soft paintbrush. While the mask was working, she massaged my neck, arms, and shoulders. After removing the mask with a warm towel, she did some extracting. It was slightly uncomfortable, but I was happy that she was taking care of business to make my skin clear and flawless. Finally, she applied the Active Moist moisturizer and the Multivitamin Power Serum and finished with a generous spraying of the Ultracalming mist.
Warm towels, hot compresses, and steam were used throughout the 50-minute treatment (can’t we just round that up to 2 hours?) — leaving my face hydrated and glowing!
I returned to the women’s locker room to shower and was even impressed with the high quality shampoo, conditioner and body wash available in each shower — no cheap products here!
Needless to say, I definitely plan on going back very soon! I encourage you to check it out and even if you are on a budget, you can try Tranquil Tuesdays and enjoy a 30-minute facial or massage for just $49! They also have packages available — 5 massages for $475 ($95/session), 10 massages for $850 ($85/session) and 5 facials for $475 ($95/session).
MINT DUPONT
1724 California St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.328.MINT (6468)
MINT DOWNTOWN
1001 16th St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.638.MINT (6468)
Both locations offer the following services: Massage, Facial, Waxing, and Spray Tanning using Whole Glow’s organic spray tanning system – the same one that Jessica Alba and Giuliana Rancic use. For more information visit http://www.mintdc.com/home/the-spa-at-mint/
For questions about the article, please email Jennifer Graham at jgraham[at]consultjmg.com
