Last month, Spa & Beauty Today scored an invite to The Grand Spa Spring Social at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City for a few glorious hours of self-care. There was no way I was going to miss it, especially after my recent visits to The Grand Spa and The Grand America Hotel for a staycation.

SPA PROFILE: The Spa at The Grand

The number of attendees was limited to an intimate group of spa-lovers for an evening filled with pampering fun. Upon checking in, attendees gathered to enjoy various snacks, including chocolate croissants and charcuterie board offerings, as staff members of The Grand outlined the evening ahead. 

Each guest received a passport to take around to different stations in the spa and was given assigned treatment slots for two mini-services offered: a 15-minute HydraFacial and a 15-minute NuBody experience. A completed passport qualified you to enter the incredible raffle held at the end of the night—more on that later!

The spa lobby was buzzing with representatives from many of the brands carried in the Grand Spa. I learned about lash growth possibilities with RevitaLash and had a full-face evaluation with SkinCeuticals’ SkinScope LED Lamp. Next, I headed upstairs for my scheduled mini-treatments. 

First up, I experienced a mini body-firming microcurrent treatment. Microcurrent devices are used professionally in select spa treatments with home care options available in the form of handheld devices, NuFace and NuBody. The esthetician used a NuBody skin toning device that works to deliver powerful yet gentle electric waves through large spheres to targeted areas with the goal of improving the look of ripples and dimples and the appearance of saggy skin. I was able to choose a targeted treatment section to focus on and opted for the back of the thighs.

Other treatment areas the NuBody treats include upper arms, abs, buttocks, and the front/inner/outer thighs. Priming gel was applied to my thighs before the device got to work for easy glide. The microcurrent feels prickly but not painful, and if I’m being honest, it was actually quite relaxing since I had the luxury of lying down. Each treatment cycle lasts five minutes, and the brand suggests using it five times a week for the first 60 days, then two to three times a week for maintenance at home. 

Since The Grand Spa recently introduced the HydraFacial to its service menu, naturally it was offered it as one of the mini treatments. HydraFacials use a specialized machine that has a handheld device with varying tips to perform hydradermabrasion, combing cleansing, exfoliating, extraction, and hydration.

The machine offers a wet suction feeling as it distributes the various solutions and serums across the skin, while an esthetician guides the device in specific passes over the face. Overall, I found it really relaxing and afterwards had bright, glowing skin for days to come—even though it was just a mini version of the treatment. I would recommend it prior to an event or special occasion, or as seasonal treat because it brings results while remaining non-invasive.

After the treatments, I mingled in the spa lobby as I obtained the last ‘stamps’ on my spa passport and enjoyed a Perk Lip Treatment. The lip-plumping treatment comes from the makers of HydraFacial, and uses a small machine to exfoliate lips and encourage circulation. The service is two-fold as it sends clients home with lip serum and balm for continued use.

Next, I headed to the Jane Iredale makeup station, where I sampled some of their newest products. I was so impressed that I had to take home one of the pressed powders the spa staff raved about. 

As the night wrapped up, it was time for the anticipated raffle, which included several goodies from the brands carried in the spa such as SkinCeuticals and RevitaLash. The two grand prizes were an Ultimate Grand HydraFacial ($345/80 minutes) and a NuBody microcurrent device.

Lady Luck was in my favor and my name was drawn, winning the NuBody Skin Toning Device—something I’ve been coveting for months! Needless to say, it was a delightful evening filled with my favorite things: food, spa, and great company.

For more information, visit The Grand America Hotel’s website or check them out on Instagram: @thegrandamerica

[Images by Alisha Racker]

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter.