The Golden Nugget Atlantic City (NJ), which opened in April near Frank S. Farley State Marina, was the previous location of the Trump Marina hotel. Prior to its grand opening, the property completed a $150 million renovation, taking on a fresh, modern look to include a high-energy casino, nightly entertainment, new bars and lounges, world-class restaurants, and a luxury spa and salon. The Spa & Salon at the Golden Nugget is situated on the fourth floor of the hotel and offers guests a relaxing, rejuvenating atmosphere with a modern flair. “The spa has a warm, modern feel,” says spa director Courtney Taylor. “A mix of deep dark woods, bamboo, custom tile work, and attention to every decorative detail creates the inviting atmosphere.”
Attracting a mix of hotel guests, locals, and spa-goers from other hotels in the area, the Spa & Salon at the Golden Nugget offers something for everyone on its menu of services, which includes massages, facials, body treatments, makeup application, waxing, nailcare, and hair services. “During the menu development, we chose a mix of services to provide our guests with options to fit their needs but to not overwhelm them.”
Massages take the gold when it comes to popularity. “Body treatments and facials still fall second to massage treatments,” says Taylor. “Each member of our staff has experienced all of our massage and facial treatments and is able to speak to our guests on a personal level about the experience. Being able to give our guests all the information regarding these types of treatments allows them to feel comfortable booking something they have never tried before.”
The Relaxation ($130, 50 minutes; $185, 80 minutes) massage, which includes classic Swedish techniques; the Desert Hot Stone Massage ($140, 50 minutes; $195, 80 minutes); and the Organic Soothing Massage ($130, 50 minutes; $190, 80 minutes), which utilizes bio-certified organic massage oil with jojoba, are among the popular massage options. In addition, the spa menu also features several signature services that are part of the aptly named 24K Treatments, which include the 24K Signature Facial ($220, 80 minutes), the 24K Signature Massage ($200, 80 minutes), and the 24K Escape ($210, 80 minutes), which features an exfoliation, wrap, and massage. “We offer various options for our guests to depart from their norm and experience an elevated massage experience,” says Taylor. “Our guests are looking to create a custom experience with us that fits their needs. They want personalized service, and our staff is trained to pay attention to every detail and ensure their time with us exceeds their expectations.”
Relaxation and wellness go hand-in-hand at the spa. In addition to soothing and restorative treatments, the spa also features men’s and women’s eucalyptus steam, sauna, and whirlpool areas, offering guests ample places to relax pre- and post-treatments. Guests looking for a more physical experience can break a sweat in the new fitness studio, which is located within the spa and boasts cardio equipment, including treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, and various cycling machines, all with built-in LCD television panels, as well as weight- and strength-training equipment.
Upon entering the spa, guests are welcomed by an expansive retail area stocked with products from Akhassa, Clarisonic, Comfort Zone, FarmHouse Fresh, Fleurs, Kevin Murphy, Moroccanoil, NuFace, and SkinCeuticals. “All of the lines were chosen based on the efficacy of their treatments and protocols, as well as the ability of our guests to take home the finest in their retail products to continue their spa experience at home,” says Taylor. “Retail is a very important aspect of the overall guest experience. Our boutique has all of the products that are used in the treatments, as well as apparel, accessories, and gift items. Retail typically accounts for 30 percent of overall revenue in the spa.”
With established hotel locations already in Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV, Taylor has high hopes that the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City will be just as successful due to its superior offerings and service, and the Spa & Salon at the Golden Nugget is sure to add to the hotel’s success. “The Golden Nugget brand continues to grow, and we are so excited to take the model we created at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City to our new property in Biloxi, Mississippi,” says Taylor. “At the Golden Nugget spa, we strive to pair the finest in services and products with extraordinary guest service.”
Owner: Landry’s Inc.
Spa Director: Courtney Taylor
Spa Manager: Stacy Meyers
Opened: April 2012
CLIENT BASE
55% female
45% male
SPACE
12,000 square feet;
11 treatment rooms
COST OF SPA
$5 million
OFFERINGS
aromatherapy, body treatments, couples’ treatments, facials, fitness, hair and scalp treatments, hand and foot treatments, hydrotherapy, makeup application, massage, nailcare, naturopathic medicine, prenatal services, sound therapy, sunless tanning, waxing
MOST EXPENSIVE SERVICE
24K Signature Facial ($220, 80 minutes)
SIGNATURE SERVICE
Milk & Honey ($195, 80 minutes), which includes an application of fine whipped honey scrub to smooth rough areas, a wrap in a warm honey drizzle, and a light massage
PRODUCT LINES
Akhassa, Clarisonic, Comfort Zone, Evolv, FarmHouse Fresh, Fleurs, Kevin Murphy, Moroccanoil, Primal Elements, SkinCeuticals
EQUIPMENT
Belvedere, Cybex, Oakworks, SpaFinity
ARCHITECT
Cuningham Group Architecture (Minneapolis)
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Monet Tibbits (Houston)