This month’s Spa of the Month:

Legend has it that the lost continent of Atlantis, which disappeared beneath the waves in mythic times, thrived in the Bermuda Triangle region near the Bahamas. That lends credence to the location of this flagship resort of Kerzner International, just across a causeway from Grand Bahama on Paradise Island.

The energy of water, the beauty of the Caribbean and the mystery of an enlightened, lost civilization envelop visitors in a dreamy state from which few would want to emerge.

I wasn’t prepared to use adjectives like spectacular to describe Atlantis, a $1.1 billion resort with 2,317 rooms in coral pink high-rise towers, plus 38 restaurants, bars and nightclubs, a 30,000 square foot casino highlighted by giant Dale Chihuly glass sculptures and the world’s largest open-air aquarium.

In fact I thought the whole scene might be a bit too, well, Disney. But then I was captivated by the place.

From my balcony on the 16th floor of the Royal Towers with its fairy tale turrets and gigantic sculptures of leaping sailfish, I peered over the 97 acre botanical gardens and waterscape, which is made up of more than 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats where sharks and manta rays glide below.

Visitors amble through The Dig, a partially submerged archaeological site that is themed around the lost continent and its recreated ruins in a series of underwater viewing rooms with acrylic tunnels, while exotic species swim nearby. Aquaventure is a vast waterscape with water slides, pools and rapids and Dolphin Cay is an area where guests can swim with dolphins displaced from Gulfport, MS, by Hurricane Katrina. Name it, and Atlantis has it. Mythic in scale, magnificent and artfully cultivated, the place is gargantuan but not overwhelming.

Welcome to that Bali feeling

And in this spell cast by Atlantis, guests of the flagship Mandara Spa Atlantis are swept away by the Balinese ambience, elegant oceanic atmosphere and relaxed attitudes of therapists and staff.
The Mandara experience began in Bali, inspired by the beautiful tradition of healing touch passed on from mother to daughter. These time-honored therapies, combined with European methods and natural elements indigenous to the Bahamas, are melded into a transformational spa experience.

Reopened in its own custom designed space in April 2007, Mandara Spa Atlantis is a 30,000 square foot facility that is set in a Balinese environment, which is accented by towering bamboo and delicate waterfalls behind glass for a relaxing effect. In the Asian culture, bamboo means long life, and the spa’s philosophy is to pamper each guest, making every moment of this life count.

“We hope your experience takes you to the clouds,” said spa manager Charmaine Burrows, as she gestured toward a flowing mesh sculpture simulating clouds in the mahogany appointed lobby. We walked across a glass bridge through the bamboo water garden leading to the reception area. Walking beyond, a grand spiral staircase led to the unisex relaxation lounge and retail boutique.

Vibrant colors, silk cushions and Asian artifacts and fabrics complement the tranquil, renewing atmosphere. Natural elements of wood and stone accent the upper level relaxation lounge where guests can enjoy herbal and ayurvedic teas between treatments.

From whence it came

Mandara Spa opened in 2001 with 12 treatment rooms in another facility. The new relocated spa has a staff of 225 who also serve One&Only Ocean Club, a Kerzner International Resort nearby. The spas are operated by Steiner Leisure Limited.

The new location includes 29 treatment rooms, four couples suites and two villas, which offer a spacious retreat for luxuriating solo, or sharing the experience with a loved one for full or half day customized pampering.

Atlantis describes the Taking of the Waters facility as the ideal prelude to a treatment. The facility offers steam and sauna rooms, warm and cold plunge pools as well as showers in both women’s and men’s private lounge areas. Patrons lounge on leather chaises or enjoy dipping into the saltwater thalassotherapy as candles flicker poolside and the lighting continually shifts from lavender to pale blue to lime green in rainbow jewel tones.

The facility is also customized for the sexes with relaxing aromatherapy rooms in the women’s area and the exclusive Time for Men barber services or plasma TV in the men’s lounge area.

Mandara’s Generation YSpa program is designed to allow mothers and daughters or fathers and sons to enjoy spa relaxation together. The Salon features a master stylist for VIPs and brides and a full range of services. The manicure area and pedicure rooms offer banquettes in sets of three for a more intimate setting that bridal parties or girls’ getaways appreciate.

Analysis before action

The facial consultation area includes the digital Elemis Facial Mapping Analysis, highly recommended before a facial. The advanced clinical imaging enables skin care therapists to assess UV spots, sun damage, pores, color variation in skin tone and porphyrin (evidence of bacteria lodged in pores, which can lead to acne). Results help determine which facial treatments are best for the moment, as well as the best products for continued home care.

In the relaxation lounges before entering the upstairs treatment area, guests are requested to fill out an extremely thorough medical history questionnaire that includes questions about laser treatments, history of family illness, any recent shocks, sports injuries, recent fractures, cancer treatments, hysterectomy, number of meals eaten per day, hours of sleep and a question I rarely see, “What is the expectation of your visit today?”

What better way to meet expectations than to know what they are? As a spa reviewer, of course I always expect bliss!

Villa bathing rituals and custom treatments

Therapies performed in the villa begin with an Asian Foot Cleansing Ceremony to wash away stress and prepare for complete relaxation. My therapist used a mint body scrub on my feet, cleansing both soul and soles.

My custom treatment, Cleito’s Tropical Tryst, began with the Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap, an intoxicating body polish and warm milk bath poured over my body before I was cocooned in a comfortable wrap. After showering the Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage followed, which was completely relaxing. Note that treatment rooms have private showers and are accented by hibiscus and orchids, with elements of mahogany.

Next came La Thérapie Hydralift Facial, a youth enhancing facial that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. An additional 30 minutes of private time relaxing in the generous soaking tub with my choice of bath soak as well as my choice of wine and a selection of cheeses and crackers, ensured that I got what I came for—pure bliss.

In addition to a variety of intensive antioxidant treatments and purifying cleanses for the face, Mandara Spa offers medi spa treatments including hydra-peels, microdermabrasion and teeth whitening.
Massages are offered for two, alfresco at Beach and Coral Towers pool decks in the cabanas (no appointment necessary) or in your room. A spectrum of body scrubs, salt glows, wraps and reflexology treatments are also available.

One’s visit should include the fitness center. If you invest more than $99 on spa treatments, you receive a complimentary day pass to the fitness center valid on the day of the spa service. A personal trainer will put you through your paces and give you a whole new workout, details of which he will eagerly e-mail you about. In addition, you can enjoy personal yoga, body composition analysis and nutrition/fitness analysis.

As with other visitors to paradise, you’ll want to find your way back soon.

Mandara Spa Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 242.363.3000, ext. 65900, www.atlantis.com or www.mandaraspa.com.

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