A Zen sanctuary awaits visitors to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, the region’s only Mobil Four-Star Spa. Designed as a haven of rejuvenation and tranquility, the 10,500-square-foot spa incorporates aspects of Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai culture in its therapies, reaching far beyond the traditional spa experience.

A defining element of the spa is the Time Rituals™ concept, a Mandarin Oriental signature, whereby guests are led on a journey of the senses that addresses their ‘dosha’ or spiritual makeup, in addition to their physical relaxation and well-being. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental’s Time Rituals transport guests with a customized experience, booked in blocks of time rather than by specific treatment, with a two-hour minimum, thereby allowing therapists to address guests’ individual needs.

About The Spa

Recognized as the only Forbes 4 Star in the metropolitan area, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC. offers eight treatment rooms and two beauty suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym® equipment featuring individual television screens and headphones, heated indoor 50-foot lap pool and a sundeck overlooking Washington marina and the Potomac River.

Guests’ personal transformations begin as soon as they step into the Spa, and subtle design elements help reinforce the holistic experience. A dramatic marble onyx wall sculpture greets guests, symbolizing the ancient bond between Mother Earth and the individual. The artwork’s peaceful energy is conducive to meditation and tranquility. The ceiling features a copper overlay, chosen for its significance in mineral therapies; copper is believed to enhance well-being and positive energy. The flowing silk-draped walkway is meant to evoke the rising sun and the beginning of the spa journey. Overall, the subtle oriental influences, fluid spaces and warm neutral colors allow guests to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC a marked departure from the real world.

Upon arrival, all guests are met in the reception area by the spa concierge who leads them to the separate men’s and ladies’ changing rooms. They are encouraged to arrive a minimum of 60 minutes prior to their scheduled treatment to fully immerse themselves in the spa’s “heat experience”: an amethyst steam room, experience shower, vitality pool and ice fountain for women, and a separate amethyst steam room, experience shower, sauna and cold plunge pool for men. After enjoying the water treatments, clients await their treatments in separate men’s and women’s relaxation lounges, where they can unwind.

Created exclusively by Mandarin Oriental to enrich their spa services, the signature Time Rituals are designed to restore one’s natural state of equilibrium, and are performed in harmonious stages: welcome, purify, nurture, balance and bliss. In ancient times, people lived in balance with the rhythms of nature, understanding the individual’s distinct relationship to the elements. Each Time Ritual journey starts with a soothing foot ritual during which the spa therapist assesses the guest’s dosha and suggests appropriate aromatherapy oils to create balance and harmony. The individually tailored programs engage each of the five senses: sound, scent, sight, taste and touch. In addition to the foot ritual, the session may include exfoliation, various massage techniques and body wraps or a facial – together bringing harmony and well-being.

At the conclusion of the treatment, guests are offered a complimentary choice of herbal teas or health beverages and escorted back to the Relaxation Lounge. Here, the subtle aroma of essential oils and meditative music allow the guest to float back to reality at their own pace.

In addition to Time Rituals, a full array of spa services including massages, wraps, body scrubs, facials and other specialized treatments are available at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC. Among the specialties are Ocean and Earth Body Wraps with skin brushing, body exfoliation, personally chosen aromatherapy oil, enveloping body wrap and mind-calming Oriental head massage; and Chakra Balancing with Hot Stones, whereby volcanic hot stones are used to massage the body, with close attention paid to the seven energy centers in the body which affect equilibrium and inner harmony.

In addition to Time Rituals, a full array of spa services including massages, wraps, body scrubs, facials and other specialized treatments are available at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC. Among the specialties are purva karma four-hand synchronized massage, with two therapists working in harmony for the ultimate in tension release and spiritual bliss; and chakra balancing with hot stones, whereby volcanic hot stones are used to massage the body, with close attention paid to the seven energy centers in the body which affect equilibrium and inner harmony.

In addition to Time Rituals, a full array of spa services including massages, wraps, body scrubs, facials and other specialized treatments are available at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC. Manicures, Pedicures, hair color and styling are all available.  The Spa at Mandarin Oriental also offers strength training and physical therapy as well as Fitness Memberships.  For additional information or to schedule an appointment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC please phone directly at +1 (202) 787 6100.

About Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

Ranked for the second consecutive year by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the “Top 20 Business Hotels”, the 400-room urban resort has set a new benchmark for experiencing the nation’s capital.  The hotel’s unique location on the southwest waterfront makes Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. the only hotel offering views of the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument, Tidal Basin and Washington Marina.  In addition to exceptional accommodations and gracious service, the hotel features 38,000 square-feet of meeting space, the Forbes Four-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental, the Southern-style restaurant Sou’Wester and the AAA Five Diamond CityZen.