Spa Index sent its graphic artist to the Spa at Orlando World Center Marriott for her first facial, and this World-Class oasis tucked inside a busy resort sent back a convert.

Spa professionals and travel writers easily conjur up images of a serene, zen-like escapes in day spas and resort spas, and they provide valuable insight for spa-savvy travelers. At Spa Index, however, one of the most popular features are "reader spa reviews" where spa goers ranging from new gift-certificate recipients to seasoned day spa addicts, share their memorable, and not so memorable, spa experiences.

"So many guests are eager to try the spa experience at a local day spa or when they travel to resorts, but worry they will appear like fish out of water, or that they will choose the wrong spa, or the wrong treatment" said Kristina Fitzhugh, Editor of SpaIndex.Com. "On our Reviews page, we let our readers 'tell it like it is' and that makes alot of first time spa-goers more secure and eager to include a spa component in their stay."

"In addition, many potential spa guests hesitate to book a spa visit because they simply misunderstand the nature of the service they are going to receive" Fitzhugh added. "For example, our own graphic artist mentioned to us that while she could appreciate why someone would want to go away to a destination spa, she couldn't fathom why she would visit a day spa and pay someone else to rub cream on her face -- describing what she thought was involved in a facial. We decided she was the perfect reviewer to send to a spa during her impending business trip to Orlando, Florida, and the Spa at Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center was the perfect location."

Cheryl Edwards, graphic artist for Spa Index, visited the spa in September. "My visit to the Spa at Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Conference Center was definitely one of the most pleasurable experiences I've ever had" said Edwards. "What I previously thought was an expensive and unnecessary indulgence, turned out to be a truly rewarding and restorative experience."

"My teenage daughter and I went together, and we arrived to find a very relaxed, yet extremely classy atmosphere.

The first sensation was the wonderful aroma, both from the products in use and the aromatherapy candles and lotions in the gift area.

After checking in, we were given keys to personal lockers, as well as robes and slippers, and we were led to a large room to change. The air was fresh and clean with an aroma of summer rain. There were sinks to refresh ourselves first, with mouth rinse, scented soaps and lotions, and overstuffed chairs to relax in.

To one side of the room was the restroom, and to the other side, showers a sauna, as well as "quiet rooms" to relax in. After a very short wait, we were escorted to nicely dimmed room with quiet, relaxing music playing.

I was scheduled for a facial. My aesthetician softly explained the treatment she would be performing, then left the room while I made myself comfortable under the linens. When she returned, she began the treatment with a skincare consultation, a gentle wash, and exfoliation. Next, warm damp towels to steam my skin, a soothing mask, and extractions.

The products were wonderfully scented, and her conversation was very soothing, friendly and quiet. While the mask was on and she was waiting for it to dry, she massaged my arms and hands with warm lotion and then put warmed "mittens" on my hands.

She then massaged my legs and feet with the warm lotion and put warmed "booties" on my feet. She then returned to massage my head and shoulders.

After my facial, I accompanied my teen daughter to her massage. Our masseuse was Wendell, and he was wonderful and professional - knowing exactly how to work each muscle. He worked very slowly in steady, long strokes with obvious concentration -- it was almost as if he could see her muscles and was working to relax and soothe each one. My daughter told me after the massage that she hoped we hadn't noticed her relaxing to the point she drooled.

After our services, we were invited to make use of the pool and jacuzzi amenities, and we were given cold water wrapped in towels to prevent our warm hands from being chilled.    

We found the professional staff members, impeccable service, and lovely amenities to be remarkable. We would highly recommend this spa to anyone -- even those traveling to Florida just to visit this hotel and spa."

Additional Services Offered:

Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Dual Hands; Body Wraps with Vichy Shower, Aromatherapy Wraps; Full Body Marine Wraps; Toning Wraps; Natural Tanning; Aromatherapy Facials; Gelatin-Verbena Facial for fragile skin; Oxygen Marine Facial; Gentleman's Facial; Spa Manicures; Spa Pedicures; French Polish. Spa Packages; Custom Packages; Gift Certificates.

Additional Spa Details:

4,000 sf Full Fitness Center; Indoor Pool; Sauna; Jacuzzi; Yoga; Tai Chi; Water Aerobics.

Resort Details:

28 Floors, 2000 Rooms, 110 Suites; 18-hole on-property championship golf course; Abundant recreational activities; 66 meeting rooms-214,000 sq.ft. total meeting space; Five on-site restaurants; Cocktail lounges; Limousine service; Indoor Pool; Outdoor Pool; Golf, Sports, Aquatics; Tennis Courts.

For more information about the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center:

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center
8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL, 32821, USA
Phone: 1-407-239-4200 Fax: 1-407-238-8777
Reservations (from U.S. and Canada): 1-800-621-0638
Sales: 1-407-238-8521

Spa Index is a comprehensive online Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas, with extensive listings in the United States and Internationally, as well as spa industry resources and career information, spa cuisine and spa at home recipes, limited time specials, reader reviews, staff reviews, and much more.

For more information, contact:

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