The Spa at Woodlands Resort and Conference Center is located in The Woodlands Texas, about 30 minutes from downtown Houston. It’s surrounded by lakes, wildlife and forest. Their Spa has whirlpool hot tubs, eucalyptus steam rooms and saunas with separate areas for men and women.
Profile at a Glance
Address: 2301 North Millbend Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Type of Spa: Resort.
Services offered: Massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing.
Resort Lodging: 440 rooms and suites.
Activities: Dining, Forest Oasis Waterscape, two championship golf courses, nature trails, tennis center and fitness center. Nearby there is plenty of shopping, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Waterway, Lake Conroe and other recreational activities.
Guide Review: The Spa at Woodlands Resort
Their menu, not overly large with exotic options, but includes mostly standard spa services at resort prices. However, they do have a Karma, a 4 Handed Massage on the menu which is two therapists working on you at once, and isn’t a typical service. I’ve never had one and would love to give it a try, but I don’t know if it would be more relaxing or distracting. The therapists would really have to work in sync.
Checking In
Image Courtesy The Woodlands Resort
I arrived for my early morning appointment, changed into my comfy robe and waited in the relaxation room. I filled out a questionnaire asking me about my general health and skin. While this should be standard at all spas for safety to see if someone has any allergies or health conditions that might make it unsafe for certain services, it’s not (see more: waxing precautions).
I could have used the whirpool, sauna or steam room before my appointment, the receptionist said the technician would find me. They looked very inviting, but I just sat there and relaxed because I was getting a wax and didn’t want any unnecessary skin irritation.
My Seasonal Glow Scrub
My friendly tech took me to a beautiful room and began my Seasonal Glow Scrub ($90/50 min). There’s nothing like getting all of those dead skin cells off while someone else does the work for you. It began with a dry brushing, then a sublimely scented scrub, a shower and a light massage. I do prefer when the room has its own shower for privacy, or at least a solo shower. But their showers, screened off by curtains, are all together. In the end my skin was left soft and slightly scented!
Next Up: The Lip Wax
Next was my lip wax ($15), done with a hard wax (which I now use on myself). When relating another waxing experience to an avid spa-goer, she said she would never get waxed a resort spa, reasoning they simply don't do enough and lack the experience. That may be so, but it really depends on the clientele of the resort and if they market to and get a lot of locals. Even a salon back home, busy with hair and other services, may do waxing as an afterthought.
This wax was done quickly and didn't hurt, although she didn't cleanse my skin before or after waxing which helps prevent breakouts and allows the product to stick better to the hair. I can see skipping a pre-cleanser (although not totally right) if I had just gotten a facial, but I didn't. And a post-wax helps remove any stickiness.
Final Thoughts
I love the resort and being surrounded by abundant nature with loads to do in the area. If I go back to Woodlands Resort & Conference Center I would love to make some time for the steam room or sauna and try out some different services, maybe the Harvest Wrap or Forest Oasis.
