The Spa at the Elms

August 1, 2021 | by LNE Magazine

Escape on a luxurious retreat

Luxurious, peaceful, tranquil, and serene. If Spa Director Marissa Krems had to describe the Spa at the Elms Hotel & Spa in just a few words, it would be just that. The newly renovated Spa at The Elms —an expansive 25,000-square-foot facility— is located in the Excelsior Springs area in Missouri.

The Spa has a modern take on traditional spa services, offering a wide variety of pampering spa treatments such as halotherapy, massages, facials, and body treatments. Not to mention, the spectacular amenities, including a steam room, sauna, spa boutique, indoor European lap pool, 24-hour fitness room, hot tubs, and The Grotto, a modern twist on a Roman bath.

What makes this beautiful Spa stand out? Its rich history of healing dating back to 1888. “When it first opened, the Elms Hotel and Spa enchanted visitors with its combination of elegance and warmth. Guests could soak in spa mineral water baths or soak up the sun in the lush gardens. There were exquisite parties and grand balls. Eventually, The Elms, along with the springs, became one of the most desired destinations in the country for healing and wellness,” explains Krems. Today the landmark hotel and spa still carries its unique charm. Below are some noteworthy highlights.

The Grotto

Before their spa treatments, guests can enjoy the rejuvenating and reinvigorating experience of The Grotto, the Spa’s take on a classic bath experience. The hydrotherapy journey engages the senses of sight, sound, and touch through a steam shower, hot tub, cold plunge shower, steam sauna, dry sauna, and a self-service exfoliation bar. Guests can apply the Spa’s custom blend of sea salts, herbs, and essential oils to smooth and soften the skin while increasing circulation.

The Signature Treatment

“Our most popular treatment is hands down the Moroccan Detox Ritual ( 110 min treatment $245). The name says it all—Using ethically sourced ingredients that thrive in Morocco, it is a body ritual consisting of a six-step process that provides both physical and mental harmony,” explains Krems.

The treatment begins with a Mint Tea cleanser that eases muscle pain and reduces inflammation. The skin is then exfoliated with a Lemon Coffee scrub with Olive Stone to invigorate the circulatory system and encourage cell turnover. A Jasmine Rose Rhassoul Clay is then applied to lift away environmental toxins and impurities, and a nutrient-rich Orange Quince therapy to bring the skin back to its natural pH level.

The journey ends with a warming and hydrating Cardamom Amber Oil and Tangerine Fig Butter to lock in moisture and protect the skin. “This routine is vital to detox, nourish and protect against premature aging. It uses the senses of smell and touch to ground and center our mind, body, and soul.”, says Krems.

“Each retreat is unique in its design. Many of the retreats include morning meditation, movement classes, spa treatments, and reiki healing with sound therapies.”

Special Events and Promotions

The Spa has an evergreen package called The Stay & Spa Package that features a seasonal 50-minute treatment and a one-night stay. The treatment changes with the season to keep the package fresh throughout the year. In addition to this promotion, the Spa hosts several wellness retreats throughout the year.

“Each retreat is unique in its design. Many of the retreats include morning meditation, movement classes, spa treatments, and reiki healing with sound therapies. Each retreat includes nutritious meals prepared with fresh local ingredients by our culinary team,” explains Krems.

In addition to these retreats, the Spa partners with a local winery — Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery—to create a one-of-a-kind body treatment. The Vino-Perfect Body Treatment ( 74 min, $160) uses organic pumice (crushed grape skins, pulp, and seeds) to exfoliate and invigorate the skin while revealing soft and supple skin. It also incorporates a wine-infused mud that slows signs of aging, detoxifies, and provides antioxidants to protect the skin.

The luxurious Spa also collaborates with a local lavender farm — Sweet Streams Lavender Farm- to offer handcrafted and organic, natural retail products.

Rundown

The Elms Hotel and Spa

401 Regent Street

Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024

816.630.5500

Facilities:

www.elmshotelandspa.com

Spa Director Spotlight:

Marissa Krems loves tapping into the deep history of wellness and innovation at The Elms to bring clients unique experiences and help them find tranquility. She has served as director of The Spa at The Elms, one of the largest spas in the Midwest, since 2016.

A proponent of local ingredients, Krems utilizes the bounty of The Heartland as inspiration for spa programs while also reaching beyond the area to remain tuned in to the ever-changing spa industry. Passionate about the holistic approach to wellness, Krems launched a fitness program at the hotel, including yoga and high-intensity training classes, and worked with the resort’s chef to introduce clean eating items to the resort’s menus.

Before joining The Elms, Krems found her love for hospitality at Pebble Beach Resorts. She then served as Spa Director of Cinq Mondes in Carmel, Calif., a flagship facility for the European-based brand. Krems is an active member of the International Spa Association and the Green Spa Network.