The Mandarin Oriental hotel is redefining luxury with a twist of sustainability in Las Vegas.

Prior to one’s first visit to Las Vegas, the recommendations are clear, and the expectations high. Go nuts. Go dancing. Gamble. Drink…a lot. The phrase most commonly attached to the city is practically a household name: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

After staying at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, however, what happens in Vegas, should also make the return trip. It’s a brand known among travelers as one that sets a gold standard and, among those with the privilege of staying there, there is reluctance to refer to it merely as a “hotel.” No, the Mandarin Oriental is far more than a place to rest one’s head. It’s an experience: A place that one leaves feeling confident, fulfilled, and restored.

That’s correct: It is possible to leave Las Vegas with a sense of restoration.

The Mandarin Oriental, among its many global locations, carries a commitment to wellness: To guests, and to the planet. It’s one of the few hotels on the Strip that doesn’t contain a casino, features a tea lounge, and offers seasonal, organic cuisine throughout its restaurants and cafes. It’s luxury with a twist: Yes, some rooms have bathtubs large enough to sleep in, but behind the scenes, the individuals who bring the Mandarin Oriental to life are quietly recycling water, protecting endangered fish populations, and deliciously sneaking superfoods onto restaurant menus.

It’s easy to question how one operates sustainably, or sources food locally, in a city essentially located in the desert and known for its water crisis. In fact, there is so much that can be – and is being – done, that Chef David Werly, executive chef of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, can speak for over an hour about all of the establishment’s ecological efforts. Even then, the sense is that, still, more is being done, but there is only so much time to discuss it.

At one time, Chef Werly says he was able to secure herbs, quail and prawns from local producers. Today, however, those producers are no longer in operation, as local supply “seems to shrink, a little bit.” Not all hope is lost, however. He still sources local honey for smoothies and juice at the pool cafe, and beyond that, many provisions are supplied from California: One of the closest seaside neighbors to not only Las Vegas, he says, but a state that serves as the “back yard of America.”

Seafood, for Chef Werly, is consistently front-and-center, with particular regard to the menus he develops for the property’s MOzen Bistro (The M and O for “Mandarin Oriental”), one of the “best kept secrets” for sushi in Las Vegas, he says. He maintains awareness of what he calls seafood “emergencies,” such as that of Chilean sea bass, which he restricts from menus, and works very closely with suppliers, deliberately visiting facilities like fish farms to see just how product is raised. The Marine Conservation Society is one of his primary resources in becoming informed, and he uses seafood that is eco-labeled. When he can’t source farm-raised fish, which the restaurant does as much as possible, “we try at least to respect the seasonality.”

“I’m not pretending to know everything about it,” Chef Werly says, with respect to sustainable seafood, “but I am trying to educate [myself] as much as possible.”

It’s not all about fish; Chef Werly is a true believer in biodynamic farming, and the careful use of water and the environment around what is grown. He addresses the Las Vegas water crisis, in the way the kitchen operates; the refrigerators, for example, are all water-cooled, allowing water to be recycled, and are being replaced with new units that will not only permit water recycling, but also, conserve energy. These new refrigerators, as well as the entire kitchen, will be outfitted with LED lighting.

Meanwhile, other products are sourced and utilized with a focus on “the control and reduction of food waste,” says Robert Jenny, the property’s Director of Food and Beverage.

When asked why he, or the hotel, isn’t bragging about these initiatives more, or making a slightly bigger deal about them, Chef Werly points to education. To him, information is more important, ensuring that the environmental benefits of his actions are genuine and accurate, prior to boasting them to the public.

It seems that, throughout the Mandarin Oriental, there is a philosophy of using nature, of letting it do as it was intended, “and wait,” says Chef Werly. “Stop taking sea bass out of the ocean. Nature can recover very quickly, actually, if we leave [it] alone.”

There’s also a tradition of paying tribute to the heritage of food; the offerings at MOzen, for example, are designed as a culinary tour of Asia, such as a bento box prepared by Chef de Cuisine Prabeen Prathapan featuring Tandoori roasted chicken, miso cod, and Tom Yum Goong, among other colorful provisions. It’s a combination of flavors so unusual and diverse, even a spoiled, jaded New Yorker considers it beyond unique.

It’s an ideology also present in the Mandarin Oriental Spa, particularly the Las Vegas location. Here, guests can experience Tian Quan (translated to “heavenly waters” in Chinese), a series of what are described as “thermal experiences” on the hotel’s website. The treatments used here are rooted in ancient eastern medicine, which were developed during a time when nature was exclusively used for beauty and health. The ice fountain, for example, contains rolled cloths in a bowl of ice, which guests apply to the hands, face and neck after undergoing a heated experience, such as a hot shower, steam, or soak in the spa’s vitality pool. Donald Graham, the spa supervisor, explains that this tradition helps to stabilize the body’s core temperature after such thermal experiences, creating physical comfort for and less of a shock to the system.

Perhaps the most natural treatment in the spa, however, is the quiet relaxation lounge. It’s a room of plush beds overlooking the Las Vegas strip, replete with infused water, dried fruit and nuts, and magazines. Most guests, however, use the relaxation lounge for what its namesake intends: Quiet, free of phones and any noise other than the silent observation of the Strip below.

It seems a logical fit for the property’s Spa Director to also serve as the Chairperson for sustainability efforts of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. “I am personally very passionate about finding ways to conserve our natural resources, recycle and work with skin care and product companies who also share similar sustainable practices,” says Jennifer Lynn. “The Spa has also introduced several water conservation techniques…including experience showers with 20 second cycles to prevent unattended running water. We also have low flow restrictors in several areas of the spa.”

And those divine thermal experiences? Localized water softeners are added to those features, Lynn explains, to help reduce the wear and tear on the equipment that runs them.

There’s only one drawback to a stay at the Mandarin Oriental. It’s certainly not the lack of casino or entertainment venue; those are a short walk up the Strip. It’s not even the expense, as the long-term value of such experiences nearly exceeds the price paid for them. It’s the standard that is set by the Mandarin Oriental, and the inability to view any hotel experience the same after witnessing this one. It’s not a complaint, and would be wrongfully labeled as a shortcoming. Instead, it leaves its visitors with an omnipresent sentiment of, “I’ll be back.” At the Mandarin Oriental, what happens in Vegas, would surely make the world a more sustainable, restorative place.

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When you think of spa treatments, does your mind quickly turns to images of a simple back massage, a pedicure or a facial?

These therapies are tried and true and most certainly relaxing, but these days, integrative health techniques have expanded beyond the usual and are far more diverse, condition-specific and effective than ever before. So, why not try them out?

The mind and body are intertwined and what affects one will indubitably affect the other. Physical spa treatments often have an impact on the psyche, improving mental clarity, reducing stress and eradicating mind fog.

Here are 5 unique spa treatments that you should consider next time you need some R&R; these are therapies that not only relax the body but also improve the mind.

1. Tok Sen

This centuries-old therapy is a Northern Thai practice developed by Buddhist monks. It involves the rhythmic tapping of a wedge with a wooden hammer on the body’s various Thai acu-points. The therapy invokes a healing vibration that deeply impacts the fascia and muscles across the body.

2. Color & Light Wrap With Aura Imaging

A spa therapist uses special light-sensitive photography to find your aura. After the photo, you relax whilst the therapist applies an exfoliating and detoxifying clay body wrap. Music, light, heat and aromatherapy work together to balance the senses and the body. When all is said and done, another aura photo is taken to identify the resulting change.

3. Naga

This massage treatment is truly in a league of its own. Naga evolved from the Thai Massage to release tension, balance and harmonize the body. To perform naga, a therapist suspends herself above your body with the help of colored silk strands hanging from the ceiling. The therapist wraps her arms in the silk strands and supports her body while she using her feet to massage, stretch and apply pressure by shifting her weight. It makes for a better-controlled massage that allows for deeper muscle work.

4. Feldenkreis

The Feldenkreis method is a somatic educational system that involves therapeutic movements that retrain your body to move in easier and more pleasurable ways, allowing for improved mind and body function. The method is based on the principles of physics and biomechanics and improves movement patterns rather than treats specific injuries or illness. Enthusiasts claim that the Feldenkreis method trains the nervous system to find new pathways around areas of damage.

5. B.E.S.T

B.E.S.T. may be the best thing since sliced bread, only much more metaphysical. B.E.S.T. stands for Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique. It is a physical but non-forceful energy-balancing procedure that reestablishes the full healing potential of the body. B.E.S.T. therapists touch certain pressure points in a specific sequence while having you think about memory stress. The result is that the body learns to re-communicate with the bran and ultimately strengthen your health, balance and sense of well-being.

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Unforgettable and unique. Indulgent and eye-opening. Relaxing and radical. That’s what these crazy unusual spa services at spas around the country promise: a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond a standard massage or facial.

Traveling soon, or looking for an excuse to take a memorable trip? Check out these distinctive spa services around the country that offer a bit of local specialties, an element of the exotic, and everything in between.

Everything Chocolate – The Spa at Hotel Hershey, Pennsylvania 

If you have a sweet tooth, this is the spa for you. Nestled in Pennsylvania Amish country, Hershey is known for its namesake chocolate factory and its many sweet creations, from the brand’s namesake kisses to peanut butter cups. At the Spa at Hotel Hershey, however, the chocolate transforms from edible dessert to pampering spa product. Options include a cocoa massage, a chocolate fondue body wrap, and a “whipped cocoa” chocolate milk bath, among other services. Don’t arrive with an empty stomach – the chocolaty aromas of the treatments themselves may make you hungry!

The Geisha Facial – Shizuka New York Day Spa

Described politely, the Shizuka New York spa uses “sterilized nightingale droppings” in its famous Geisha Facial. Colloquially, it’s known as the bird poop facial, and the purported benefits include rejuvenated and brightened skin. Famous fans include Victoria Beckham, Lauren Conrad, and Anne Hathaway. Will nightingale excrement make your face as smooth as a geisha’s, or as poreless as a celebrity’s? The jury’s out on that one— you’l have to try it out for yourself and see.

Heaven in a Hammock – Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Florida 

Floating through air, without a care in the world … the Heaven in a Hammock Zero Gravity massage at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island spa in Florida has clients recline in a hammock during the spa service, creating a sense of weightlessness. Attention is paid to spine stretching, flexibility, and overall range of motion, and throughout the massage, the hammock maintains a gentle rocking sway. If you find a hammock extremely relaxing on its own, coupling it with a massage promises to be a real treat. (And if you’re prone to falling asleep in a hammock, this may speed up the process.)

Watsu Massage – Harbin Hot Springs, California 

A relaxing soak or a rejuvenating massage? Now you don’t have to choose between the two. Watsu, an in-water massage, was developed at the Harbin Hot Springs retreat and workshop center, two hours north of San Francisco. Using principles of Zen Shiatsu stretching and massage techniques, Watsu practitioners have the massage recipient get submerged in a warm-water pool, and then they focus on “greater flexibility and freedom” through targeted stretches, twists, and pulls. In addition to the treatments themselves, the center offers training courses on how to administer Watsu – so if you try it and like it, take advantage of the opportunity to learn more with hands-on training (pun fully intended).

Naga Thai Massage – Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

A little bit of gymnastics, a little bit of chiropractic, and all relaxation: The Naga Thai-style acrobatic massage at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson gives your masseuse a workout him/herself. Using suspended silks, the masseuse floats above your body, massaging you with his feet, and also uses the silks to entwine and move you during the massage. It’s lauded for deep muscle work and incredible tension relief.

Have you heard of—or experienced—a crazy, unusual spa service? Leave a comment below and tell us about it!

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Main photo credit My Best Treat via Flickr Creative Commons. All others courtesy linked spas. 

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The Avana Resort and Spa in Bali is the perfect place to seek refuge.

Voted the “#1 Spa in the World” in 2010 by Conde Nast Traveler readers, the Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali will take your breath away. The 290-room hotel and 78 private freestanding villas are perched above the Indian Ocean on Jimbaran Bay amongst beautiful tropical gardens.

Just a few days ago, Ayana Resort and Spa was recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices and is now a certified Eco Hotel by the prestigious TUV Rheinland Germany. Apparently the resort’s eco-friendly practices have been followed for a long time: the two water recycling plants, which recycle grey and black water, are used on the gardens and ponds; a composting program is utilized; energy efficiency is of great importance and the resort uses eco-friendly detergents and other products.

There is nothing but indulgence at Ayana Resort and Spa from a “Floataway Champagne Brunch,” to a “Spa on the Rocks” treatment. But perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Ayana Resort and Spa is the meaning of its name in Sanskrit – “a place of refuge.”

If you go: Ayana Resort and Spa offers perfume-making workshops and cooking classes. Rates start at approximately $260.00 USD per night.

Places & Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

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Since their introduction in the 1930s, Airstreams have become an iconic emblem of travel. Sleek, hip and, most importantly, functional, Airstreams are the name of the game for those looking to travel in style. But they’ve also allowed people to adventure in smarter, slower and more conscious ways, all integral parts to green travel. Let’s face it, long term travel is good for the soul, and Airstreams certainly facilitate that process, allowing travelers to establish a deeper connection to and appreciation for the places that they find themselves in.

A good friend of mine is about to take off on her own Airstream adventure, so suffice it to say, I’ve got the iconic travel mode on the brain. But committing to buying and up-keeping an Airstream isn’t for everyone. Fortunately thanks to plenty of travel options, that doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on Airstream ambiance. Here are some of our favorites.

Rooftop Trailer Park

In South Africa, the Grand Daddy Hotel offers the ultimate in trailer park class. The boutique hotel installed a rooftop trailer park with seven different Airstreams, each of them boasting a customized design by local artists.

Vintage Vacation

On the Isle of Wight in the English Channel, you can get a little taste of Americana thanks to Vintage Vacations. They’ve got seven of them turning the campground into a funky and fresh destination.

Trailer Park a la Europa

For those looking to go super retro, the Euro Trailer Park might be your best bet. In fact it’s the only retro trailer park in Europe, located in the foothills of the Pyrenees. What better way to enjoy this beautiful area of France than a funky consortium of silver bullets? There are nine Airstreams for hire, and we’re sure you’ll meet plenty of colorful characters too.

Park It Where You Want

It comes as no shock that hip and trendy Portland, Oregon would offer up an Airstream vacation, but the best part about Silver Dreams is that they’ll park the upscale hotel suite on wheels anywhere in the Portland area that you want to stay.

Enjoying the Arts

Art and travel come together at El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas. A community that aims provide a creative and sustainable space that’s welcoming to both locals and visitors.

Airstream Spa Style

Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, New Mexico has combined spa services with Airstream class in their Silver Moon. The lodging has just the basics, but pair it with the destination’s spa services, including deep stone massages and Japanese organic facials, and you’ve got one luxurious but off-the-beaten-path travel destination.

Images: johnrobertsheperd, Grand Daddy Hotel, Airstream Europe, El Cosmico

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Several years ago, while taking my first, halting steps towards a greener existence, I spent four days in an eco-friendly spa in upstate New York. Nestled in the gorgeous Catskill Mountains, it was a rustic place that went beyond the usual spa staples of seaweed wraps and deep tissue massage.

The spa featured intense yoga classes and beautiful hiking trails – it was also known for having a slightly wackadoo spiritual vibe and offering a “cleansing” regimen of toxin-free foods. Meals were strictly organic and much of the menu came from an on-site greenhouse. It was all a bit touchy-feely for my taste – classes were offered on the healing power of crystals, and high colonics were available for those who wanted to kick their cleansing into over-drive. But I loved the emphasis on health and sustainability and I looked forward to ridding myself of stress and pollutants.

Unfortunately, one of the forbidden toxins at this spa was caffeine – I learned this on the first day, after a wimpy cup of decaf failed to jolt me out of my early morning coma. Still, the day was pleasant and as I hiked and cleansed I was the picture of health, brimming with rosy-cheeked vigor. By the next morning, however, the bloom was off the rose as I began to feel the first ominous stirrings of a caffeine withdrawal headache.

I found a waitress with blonde dreadlocks and a sympathetic chakra and pleaded for some real coffee, but the young woman (who looked like her name should be Feather) scolded me gently and promised that my headache would abate as soon as the “poisons” left my body. Instead the pain became exponentially worse. By lunchtime I was pale and stoop shouldered as the ache in my head became a steady drum beat of torture. Consumed by pain, it took me awhile to realize I was not alone, that women everywhere were walking around with pinched looks of agony. Instead of feeling healthy and relaxed I was becoming increasingly cranky – I was, after all, paying a lot of money to feel like crap. I was also ingesting huge amounts of acetaminophen to counter the pain, leading me to wonder if all this cleansing would eventually destroy my liver.

I began to compare symptoms with the other guests – like extremely coddled prisoners of war we passed information, rumor and advice through the ranks. Finally, someone told me the staff had a special tea with a secret ingredient that would cure the headache. At dinner that night, I looked extra pathetic and begged for the tea – by now I was hoping that the mystery ingredient would turn out to be morphine. But when it arrived I saw that the secret cure was just Lipton’s tea, with caffeine. It took me no time at all to scarf it down and lick the cup clean. I stopped just short of tilting my head back and squeezing the teabag directly into my open mouth.   

Within minutes the pounding in my head began to subside. I felt the welcome rush of blood vessels opening, as the lovely familiar buzz spread through my veins.  Without the veil of pain I noticed, for the first time, how majestically the mountains rose around me. The setting sun reflected off the lake in a soft halo of light that filled me with an unfamiliar sense of well-being and peace. I took a deep breath of clean mountain air and savored the delicious irony: by polluting myself – just a bit – I had finally found my bliss.

Image: Olly L

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