Nurturing Night Owls

Wanting to attract time-pressed spa-goers and create a memorable experience for others, many spas are expanding their hours and offering a host of nighttime treatments and packages. Nitespa (Los Angeles), one of the first spas to adopt later hours, is no longer the novelty it once was, as more spas recognize the need to be flexible and accommodating when it comes to spa-goers’ busy schedules. “Being one of the first spas open at night was definitely a risk,” says owner Julia Martin-Wrobel. “But, we’ve found that our clients absolutely love being able to come in later in the day to unwind.” According to her, people are busier than ever and don’t always have time for a spa treatment in the middle of the day. “I think people also want a social experience—the idea of hanging with friends while sipping wine and being pampered is so appealing to busy individuals,” says Martin-Wrobel.

After dark spa experiences also appeal to spa-goers looking to add a bit of romance or celebrate a special occasion. In fact, these special spa experiences have become a highlight at many resorts. At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, guests can opt for the After Eight Spa & Gourmet experience ($753 per couple), which involves a 90-minute couple’s massage with candle wax blended with bergamot, rosemary, and ylang ylang oils in a private spa suite and an après-spa dinner. According to spa director Pedro Catarino, the exclusive privacy afforded couples helps make the experience one of the spa’s most popular. “Part of the attraction for an after-dark treatment, especially in our Indian Ocean lagoon location is the sense of complete tranquility,” says Catarino. “The darkness adds almost a sense of magic to the experience, with candles and soft lighting being required to light the scene.”  

Full moon massages and yoga sessions are also showing up on numerous treatment menus and appealing to those who want to take advantage of the full moon’s energy. For example, Terranea Resort & Spa (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) recently introduced monthly Full Moon Yoga Classes on the property’s Ocean Lawn. Participants pay $20, which is then contributed to Cancer Support Community. “We have experienced an enthusiastic response to our Full Moon Yoga class offerings,” says spa director Sharon Holtz. “Guests appreciate the opportunity to have a restorative wellness class that is immersed in nature and available to them at the end of a busy day. This new offering allows them the opportunity to quiet their minds while doing something positive for themselves and others.” The time has come for after-dark spa experiences, as spa-goers find there truly aren’t enough hours in the day.