Thrill, and Then Chill at the Borgata

Tired of the same winter weekend, a visit to domesticated friends and their bubbly toddler in North Jersey got my boyfriend and me out of the city, which prompted an Atlantic City adventure afterward.  The Borgata is it; several A.C.-regulars I know tell me that this luxury casino hotel stands out. (Plus, it is a big favorite of SpaFinder readers – voted Best Casino Spa and Best for Men.)

A painless drive gets us to the Borgata in about two hours.  From inside of the hotel, I have the sense, if I bat an eyelid, this could be Las Vegas.  The sizeable entrance, which showcases grand pieces by stunning master glassblower Dale Chihuly, reminded of the Vegas-based Bellagio’s famous flower chandelier by the same artist.  The Borgata is beautifully designed, colorfully modern and simply bustling with a young, dressed up crowd, full of energy.

The colossal casino offers everything from the usual table games to Spanish 21, Caribbean stud poker, Let it Ride, 3- and 4-card poker, Texas Hold’em, and so much more – 24 hours a day.  After a night of light blackjack (my luck was down, but my boyfriend was winning), I was ready for my spa visit first thing the next morning. 

Spa Toccare, the salon, barbershop, gym and pool are on their own floor, just an elevator ride from my room. The spa boasts an expansive wet area lined with chaise lounges and complete with Jacuzzis, steam room, and sauna − a pleasure retreat from the fervor downstairs.

Sunday morning in the relaxation room, I appreciate all the extra touches: ample, chilled bottled water, juice, dried fruit, and even coffee.  I am thrilled to learn that my spa visit grants me all-day access to the spa facilities and the gym and pool.

My 50-minute Retreat treatment is heavenly – much like a Swedish massage combined with hot stone, although this novel massage begins face-up and ends with attention to the back…I like it! 

Spa menu highlights include couple’s Swedish, deep tissue or healing stone massage, and a Youthful Renewal Facial that promises dramatic anti-aging results, seven different scrubs including Almond Body Buff (rich almond infused with shea butter moisturizer), and Espresso Limon Slimming Body Wrap.

And, speaking of menus, the Borgata’s fine dining options are a plenty, including Wolfgang Puck American Grille, Izakaya, Old Homestead, and Fornelletto, to name a few headlined by celebrity chefs.

What’s more is that the Borgata is now attracting big name entertainers − Janet Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, and Jerry Seinfeld are coming to town very soon.

Though it’s only my second visit to Atlantic City ever, it’s clear, for the New York tri-state area, Borgata has got it.  I win!

Spa Toccare at Borgata, One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401