Spa Review: The Ritz - Key Biscayne

I've been doing a lot of traveling lately and have the opportunity to visit some wonderful spas.  This is the first, in what I hope will be a regular "review" of my spa experiences.  I like to try different treatments instead of always getting a facial or massage, so you'll get to read about some treatments that you have never had and may, or may not, decide to get one yourself one day.  No, I'm not getting paid to this, so, you're going to get the real deal!  If it wasn't up to snuff, you'll hear about it here.  I pay full price for my treatments.  I don't tell them that I'm going to blog about them.  I don't even tell them that I'm an aesthetician!  Soooo, let's chat about the spa at The Ritz - Key Biscayne.....

The Treatments - Back Facial, Classic Mani-Pedi

I spent most of the day at the spa, going to the gym to work out first, then an hour or so at the pool before I went in for my appointments.  They really have a nice facility and the locker rooms are clean and have everything you could need - showers, fully stocked vanity, sauna, hot tub, etc.  It was nice enough that I felt comfortable showering there before my treatments instead of running back up to my room.

The treatment room was big enough to not feel cramped and had nice lighting and music.  Let me say, if you own or manage a spa and offer a back facial you really should invest in a table the has the option of having a face cradle.  There is nothing more uncomfortable then twisting your head to one side or the other for 50 minutes.  Take the time to train your therapists on how to use bolsters under the ankles as well.  Being comfortable during a treatment is essential and I still have a kink in my neck.  My therapist did a fine job and followed all the steps that any back facial would have - cleanse, exfoliate, extract (take it easy here therapists, it hurst just as much on the back as it does on the face), massage, mask.  She could  have use a little more relaxing technique with the massage and it would have earned her a larger tip, but, she did what the protocol called for.

If your an esthetician and reading this - I beg you, take the time to really work on your massage skills.  Yes, your clients want to have fabulous skin, but your massage skills will earn you a bigger tip and a better reputation.

I'm not going to go into detail about manicures and pedicures since I'll not a nail tech, but since I am reviewing the spa....  The nail tech did a fabulous job - the salon area of the spa was clean and neat.  She was very professional and I really enjoyed my mani/pedi.  Oh - and she did a great foot massage!

I would definitely visit this spa again, but would pass on the back facial and wait to go somewhere with an appropriate table.  I would also hope for a different therapist that had a better touch.