Since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans, philosophers have argued about the existence of the mystical lost city of Atlantis, where residents reside in a state of underwater bliss. In Reno, NV, spa-goers looking for an out-of-this-world relaxation experience can enjoy an enchanted hydrotherapy-focused escape that takes inspiration from the underwater city at the new Spa Atlantis. Part of the recent $100-million renovation of the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, the 30,000-square-foot, 15-treatment-room spa offers a treasure trove of amenities designed to encourage guests to immerse themselves in relaxation. "The layout of Spa Atlantis was planned out so there is no thought process required to get from point A to point B," says publicist Ben McDonald. "You are, quite simply, able to flow through the spa like water."
 The Jacuzzis in the Aqua Spa Lounge combine muscle-relaxing jets and alternating warming temperatures designed to refresh tired muscles. |
One of the best ways for clients to dive into the Spa Atlantis experience is via one of the many relaxation areas, including the Aqua Spa Lounge, complete with Jacuzzi pools, a cold water plunge, and the Nature Experiential Shower, a snail-shaped shower with programmed lighting; the Brine Inhalation Room, where waterfalls of saltwater cascade atop decorative stones and guests inhale salt aerosols while being soothed by a rotating spectrum of colors; and the Laconium Relaxation Lounge, which stimulates circulation with a heated floor and chairs. "Spa Atlantis also sits adjacent to the resort's indoor and outdoor pools," says McDonald. "This is the only Reno resort with an indoor and outdoor pool, both of which complement the spa and add another element to the spa-goer's experience."
 The Laconium Relaxation Lounge, which offers heated lounges, a heated floor, and a water feature, is designed to stimulate circulation, detoxify the body, and reduce stress. |
Though the pools are enticing, the tantalizing treatments performed in a number of suites are what truly encourage guests to take the plunge. The spa features five massage and facial rooms, each equipped with SO Sound Solutions massage tables. Ideal for the spa's selection of body treatments, such as the Cleopatra Milk and Honey Cocoon ($135, 50 minutes) and Sea Spa Ocean Wrap ($165, 80 minutes), two Bliss Suites include treatment tables, showers, and the Dry Float Soft Pack System. This state-of-the-art experience encourages complete relaxation as guests enjoy 25 minutes of weightlessness while their body wrap ingredients penetrate. "The guest lies down on a mutable cushion, which, when engaged by the therapist, slowly lowers away from the body and fills with water until he or she is completely surrounded and floating," says McDonald.
 In the relaxation area, a variety of infused waters help hydrate guests pre- and post-treatment. |
Couples looking to connect are drawn to the Ultimate Spa Suite, which includes two treatment beds, a large steam shower, a private Jacuzzi, and a Rasul Ceremonial Chamber. There, following a number of couple's spa treatments and packages, duos can enjoy the Terra Sigillata Rasul Ceremony ($95 per single or $140 per couple, 50 minutes), during which they apply up to six kinds of Austrian mud to their bodies amid an herbal steam. After the allotted time has expired, the chamber automatically induces a rain storm from the ceiling to rinse. "The results are evident in silky, smooth skin," says Kimberlee Tolkien, executive director of marketing for Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
 Ideal for couples, the Rasul Ceremonial Chamber is an ideal spot to slather on healing muds amid a gentle herbal steam. |
Other treatment rooms include the Wet Experience Suite, which features two tables and a chromatherapy tub, and the Hammam Room, where a heated hammam table is an ideal spot for the spa's signature Pantai Luar ($195, 80 minutes), a massage that incorporates heated sachets of herbs, coconut, and lime and uses a variety of specialized techniques. The Effervescence Pedicure Suite is another highly coveted treatment area, where several clients can enjoy nailcare services together. The spa's aqua theme continues with a selection of infused waters created by the property's beverage manager Erik Tirums. Pineapple Mint, Kiwi Cinnamon, and Citrus are among the thirst-quenching flavors guests can enjoy. Additionally, each treatment begins and ends with the soothing sound of a rain stick. "Spa Atlantis is not just a spa where one might get a massage or a facial," says Tolkien. "Our menu items and spa experiences were created to enhance the lives of our guests every day, not just for the few hours they are here. We've created the menu to be beneficial, unique, and distinctive."
 A series of bathing rituals can be enjoyed in the Wet Experience Suite. |
A staff of 60 experienced full-time and part-time employees is vital in helping achieve this mission of offering an incomparable spa experience to the 160 to 200 clients who can visit the spa on a single day. More than 90 percent of the team has been practicing its craft for more than five years, and all therapists and estheticians must undergo written, verbal, and practical tests before they are hired. "We are extremely selective," says spa manager Stacy Duncan. "All of our spa team members must have refined hospitality skills."
Another thing that sets Spa Atlantis apart from its competition is its large Retail Therapy area. Among the offerings available are homecare selections from the Dermalogia, Pure Fiji, and Swissclinical skin- and bodycare products used in the treatment rooms, Satin Serenity robes and pillowcases, Revolution Teas, Jimmyjane candles, Me! Bath Ice Cream products, and a number of home spa offerings from Sonoma Lavender, including eucalyptus- and lavender-scented mittens, booties, sinus masks, blankets, and more. "The Retail Therapy area of Spa Atlantis is a conglomeration of the highest quality products on the market," says McDonald. "We will not put anything on the shelves for our guests unless we would enjoy using those products as well."
 The hammam wet table provides guests with a hydrating break from Nevada's desert heat. |
Since opening, the spa has been marketed to guests of the hotel with menus in the rooms and advertisements on the digital message boards found throughout the hotel. It is also appealing to locals due to a 15-percent discount, offered to anyone with a valid Nevada driver's license. Still, Tolkien says the spa's biggest challenge has been enticing first-time spa-goers. "We are finding that once we get a future spa-goer in the door, they will return," she says.
McDonald is also confident that these many happy returns, coupled with the growth of Reno, will help Spa Atlantis continue to make a splash with both visitors and locals, ensuring that it will outshine and outlast its fabled undersea namesake. "The future is bright for Spa Atlantis, the property, and the city," he says. "Reno is a booming convention city and a haven for outdoor activities and entertainment. Spa Atlantis is a pivotal point on the road to Reno's Renaissance."
 Complete with chromatherapy, the Brine Inhalation Room involves the inhalation of salt aerosols that positively affect the respiratory tract. |
SPA ATLANTIS (Reno, NV)
SPA MANAGER: Stacy Duncan
OPENED: January 2009
CLIENT BASE
90% female, 10% male
SPACE
30,000 square feet; 15 treatment rooms
OFFERINGS
aromatherapy, body treatments, chromatherapy, couples' treatments, energy work, eyelash and brow tinting, facials, fitness, hair and scalp treatments, hammam, hand and foot treatments, makeup application, massage, nailcare, prenatal services, salon services, sound therapy, sunless tanning, waxing
SIGNATURE SERVICE
Pantai Luar ($195, 80 minutes)
MOST EXPENSIVE OFFERING
Desert Passage Couple's Treatment ($630, 2 hours 55 minutes), which includes massages, a soak, facials, and pedicures for two
PRODUCT LINES
Ahava, Aveda, Bumble and bumble, Dermalogica, Me! Bath, Pure Fiji, Revolution Teas, Sonoma Lavender, Swissclinical
EQUIPMENT
Chadsworth & Haig, Living Earth Crafts, Okabashi, Satin Serenity, Silhouet-Tone, SO Sound Solutions, SpaEquip, Spa Visions, Technogym
ARCHITECT
Waldemar Eklof (Reno, NV)
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Tandem Design Company (Las Vegas)
SPA CONSULTANT
Spa Visions (Swedesboro, NJ)