Wellness: Salvation found at Airport Spas
by Megan Whiteaker
Whoever said it’s not the destination but the journey that counts must never have had to put up with an airport. Long lines, grueling security check points, bad weather, over-bookings and lost luggage — today’s skies are both physically and mentally exhausting.
But breathe easy my fellow jetsetters, salvation has reared her gorgeous Zen-like head. Airports through out the U.S. and the world have embraced the spa and it doesn’t look like they’ll be leaving anytime soon! Now, travel weary passengers can wait out their grueling layovers in a comfy massage chair while be pampered as the rest of the world scurries on to their destinations.
Unlike their resort based counterparts, airport spa treatments are tailored to accommodate travelers in a hurry and are geared more toward walk-ins than appointments. Most spas offer short treatments like a 15-minute chair massage, manicures and pedicure. With all the heightened security measures, travelers are required to arrive at the airport earlier and earlier, they now have a relaxing way to spend their time.
Demand is the reason why airport spas are popping up these days. A traveler can release stress, muscle tightness and other uncomfortable feelings caused by traveling. Kristen Cabanban, a spokeswoman for the O’Hare International Airport said airports are trying to accomodate travelers.
“With the delays that occur and the extra security, people have time to spend,” she said. “We might as well make it enjoyable.”
As a result, spas around the country are finding immense success.
“We opened the doors and we were mobbed by people waiting for connecting flights,” said Moreton Binn, CEO of XpresSpa. “They already have their boarding passes. Their luggage is checked. They’re past security. By then, they have two hours before their flight. The passengers love it.”
Here is a guide to some spa-a-licious establishments that are popping into airports near you:
10 Minute Manicure
Unique Factor: An array of services based on your available time, while ensuring you leave looking your professional best.
Number of Locations: 10 across the country
Treatments: manicures, pedicures, nail sets, waxing, chair massages
Treatment Length: all services range from 10 to 45 minutes
Cost: varies by location
Hours of Operation: 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday
butter LONDON
Unique Factor: Like no nail salon you have ever imagined, butter LONDON is famous for two things: their rapidly growing chain of airport nail salons and their non-toxic product line.
Number of Locations: four across the country
Treatments: manicure and pedicures
Treatment Length: 15 to 40 minutes
Cost: $20 – $40
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.
For more information about butter LONDON view our feature article.
d_parture spa
Unique Factor:“Travel without the stress.” Travelers with delayed flights now have a reason to be happy instead of agitated; a legitimate excuse to treat themselves to a relaxing massage.
Number of Locations: three across the country
Treatments: hair cuts, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, chair massages
Treatment Length: 10 minutes to one hour
Cost: $10 to $90
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Massage Bar
Unique Factor: The idea of providing a permanent site for quick, relaxing tune-ups flamed the fire of Massage Bar, Inc.
Number of Locations: six across the country
Treatments: back and foot massages
Treatment Lengths: 10 to 30 min.
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday
XpresSpa
Unique Factor: “Premium Class” large scale, nationally structured Spa, exclusively operating at airports. A first class, upscale 5th Avenue Spa concept transformed into a successful airport spa wonderland.
Number of Locations: 21 locations around the world by June 2008, 34 by December 2008
Treatments: sinus and stress relief – head massage, foot and leg massage, back and shoulder massage, full body massage, manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing
Treatment length: 10 to 30 minutes
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Attention Tango Divas! XpresSpa is offering a special deal for Divas! Visit the bottom of the page to print out the Tango Diva Certificate.
So the next time you find yourself bored and waiting for takeoff, mosey on over and check out the local airport spa and treat yourself to a mani, pedi or back and neck massage. Go on you deserve it, happy travels.
Airport Spas
International
Amsterdam, Holland
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Back to Life
XpresSpa
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary International Airport
Oraoxygen
Massage Garage
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun International Airport
The Salon Spa
XpresSpa (two locations)
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
Regal Airport Hotel Health Spa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg International Airport
The Intercontinental Airport Sun Hotel
London, England, United Kingdom
London Heathrow Airport, London, England
The Molton Brown Travel Spa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
10 Minute Manicure
Singapore, China
Singapore Changi Airport
Plaza Premium Lounge
Toronto, Canada
Pearson International Airport
10 Minute Manicure
Vancouver, British Columbia,Canada
Vancouver International Airport
Absolute Spa
Domestic
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore/Washington International Airport
Destination Relaxation
Boston, Massachusetts
Logan International Airport
Jet Setter Mini Spa
Polished Spa
The Hilton Health Club and Spa
XpresSpa
Chicago, Illinois
O’Hare International Airport
Backrub Hub
The Hilton Athletic Club
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
10 Minute Manicure (two locations)
Columbus, Ohio
Port Columbus International Airport
Massage Bar
Dallas, Texas
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
The Grand Hyatt DFW Stay Fit Spa
XpresSpa (two locations)
Denver, Colorado
Denver International Airport
A Massage
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Oraoxygen
Fort Meyers, Flordia
Southwest Flordia International Airport
10 Minute Manicure
Houston, Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
XpresSpa
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis International Airport
Passport Travel Spa
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
XpresSpa
Miami, Florida
Miami International Airport
Jetsetter Spa
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville International Airport
Massage Bar (two locations)
Newark, New Jersey
Newark Liberty International Airport
d_parture spa (two locations)
Massage Bar (two locations)
New York City, New York
JFK International Airport
10 Minute Manicure (two locations)
Elmis Travel Spa
Molton Brown Travel Spa
The Oasis Day Spa
XpresSpa (five locations)
Orlando, Flordia
Orlando International Airport
d_parture spa
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia International Airport
XpresSpa
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
XpresSpa (two locations)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh International Airport
Polished Spa
XpresSpa (two locations)
Sacramento, California
Sacramento International Airport
butter LONDON
Massage Bar
San Francisco, California
San Francisco International Airport
XpresSpa
Seattle, Washington
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
butter LONDON (two locations)
Massage Bar (two locations)
Aspa at the Marriot Hotel
Sterling, Virginia
Washington Dulles International Airport
10 Minute Manicure
butter LONDON
The Massage Bar
