Review of the new Mandara Spa at the Dolphin

[k-wa]

My overall experience: It was pricey but worth the splurge!

I was able to book a morning appointment on Friday just the day before -- the spa is brand new and still a bit of a secret. I walked from the Beach Club Villas to the Dolphin hotel. The Mandara Spa is on the second floor (lobby level). Just head up the escalators and turn right.

The overall theming of the spa is Balinese style. It is absolutely gorgeous. There are pictures on All Ears: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_dol1.htm

I was first brought into a spacious locker room, where I was given a robe and slip-on spa shoes. I was then escorted to a tea room (there was tea and fresh fruit offered) to fill out a release form that also included questions about my goals for the treatment. I sat opposite a stressed out dad who was at Mandara for his first massage.

I then met Jasmin, my aesthetician, who brought me into my treatment room. All I can say is wow. The treatment room was enormous, relaxing and even had its own shower.

My treatment was the Elemis Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap. Here is the description: Combining the richness of sea plants and marine Algae with Aromatherapy, this treatment is deeply detoxifying at all levels for women and men. A warm seaweed body mask containing a synergy of cleansing juniper and Lemon Essential Oils is applied to your body before you are cocooned in a comforting foil wrap. Let your thoughts drift away while you have a soothing face and scalp massage and let the active ingredients work to detoxify, decongest, and stimulate your body systems. 50 minutes. $115 plus 18 percent gratuity.

My experience was a bit different from the description, but I would say it was better. Jasmin covered me in the seaweed body mask but also treated the cellulite areas of my upper thighs and stomach with a separate cream. A lavendar pillow was placed over my eyes while the wrap did its magic. Afterward, Jasmin came back in and told me to wash off the seaweed -- I looked like Kermit -- in the shower, where Bumble and Bumble shampoo and conditioner were provided. After I rinsed off the green and shampooed, I got back onto the table and received a full facial cleansing instead of a scalp massage.

Overall, the treatment was excellent and relaxing and Jasmin couldn't have been more kind and professional. Request her if you decide to go. Hopefully the Dolphin will offer DVC discounts to compete with the spas at the Grand Floridian and Saratoga.

Here are just some examples of the many other treatments and prices:

Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow with 50 minute massage -- 80 minutes, $200
Exotic Coconut Rub & Milk Ritual Wrap with 50 minute massage --75 minutes, $220
Deep Tissue Muscle Massage -- 50 minutes, $125
Nurturing Massage for Mother-to-Be -- 50 minutes, $120
Ceremony for the Hands and Feet -- 120 minutes, $105

There are full hair and nail services and also a spa menu just for teens. One is called the Father and Son Chill Out Massage -- 25 minutes for two people, $150

Any questions or if you want more information about the spa menu, let me know!

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for the review and all the information. I hear you about the DVC discounts. It sounds like a wonderful experience.

Is it just me or do the prices at the spas at WDW seem quite a bit higher than they were recently? I used to think prices were almost comparable to our area but now they seem about 50% higher.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

wow sounds great
have you been to the spa at the GF
was it better? how does it compare

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks for sharing! It is fun to live vicariously through a fellow DISer! I have never had a spa experience, but when I decide to splurge, I may wait and do it up right at WDW! That spa in particular sounds delightful!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Did you check out any of the other rooms? I understand they have a meditation garden and something called the tempura temple?

As to your treatment, I had that on the Disney cruise and it was wonderful.

 

[k-wa]

I didn't check out the meditation room because my mom was waiting for me in the tea/waiting area. I was told that I had free use of the spa for the day, which included the meditation room.

And to answer another poster, I have never had treatments at Grand Floridian or Saratoga for that matter. But I have had them at a couple of high-end spas in NYC and in Belize and this definitely lived up.

And yes, it is very expensive. This was definitely a splurge.