By Katie Shapiro
THE RAKXA RX
After an award-winning tenure as the in-house spa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, the five-star mountainside resort swaps out Remède and introduces RAKxa Spa—the debut U.S. location of the Bangkok-based integrative wellness brand.
The just-reopened cavernous space underwent a top-to-bottom renovation as part of a hotelwide multimillion-dollar transformation; it was redesigned to promote healing while honoring ancient elements and practices blended with local accents that celebrate Aspen.
As the property has undergone a complete transformation, it was time to bring in a new partner, and RAKxa’s perspective on wellness was the perfect fit for the new spa.
The word “RAKxa” [RAHK’-sah] in Thai means “to conserve, to guard, to cherish and to heal,” and the spa promises to provide an enhanced experience that goes far beyond relaxation. An all-new menu combines a focus on rebalancing the mind, body and spirit, complemented by therapists’ deep understanding of the common needs that are often associated with the active mountain lifestyle, climate and altitude.
Signature RAKxa services include the Tension Release, tailored to those suffering from overexertion or immobility using Thai Warrior massage and a head-to-toe stretch; Remove & Restore, which restores energy and detoxifies through Ayurvedic techniques; and Good Night Sleep, for jet lag and insomnia, with a full-body massage and scalp ritual, accompanied by singing bowls. An extensive selection of Thai-inspired bodywork and facial treatments is also offered, along with specialty add-ons like compression boots, a lymphatic suit, and PEMF mat for optimal après-ski recovery.
“We’re thrilled to partner with RAKxa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, and excited for guests to experience new treatments such as the Seven Chakra Hot Stone Massage and RAKxa Good Night Sleep, which includes full body and scalp massage designed to lull the guest into a meditative state for rest and rejuvenation,” promises St. Regis Aspen Resort general manager Heather Steenge-Hart. “Our guests value wellness and the opportunity to rest and relax. The combination of our signature treatments and RAKxa’s Thai influence creates a spa experience unlike any other in Aspen.” 315 E. Dean St., Aspen, 970.429.9650; stregisaspen.com
NEW AT THE NELL
The Spa at The Little Nell unveils an update for winter, helmed by the Madrid-based firm Luis Bustamante Interior Design. Following his stylish touches to the hotel’s living room and lobby in 2020, and the AspenX Mountain Club atop Aspen Mountain in 2021, the expanded lower-level escape will feature three treatment suites; each has a private changing room and steam shower, two of which will also include fireplaces and hybrid infrared/halotherapy saunas.
Weaving timeless healing modalities with advances in rehabilitation and performance, treatments range from a variety of integrated rituals and bodywork to skin care solutions in partnership with global experts like aesthetics pioneer Dr. Barbara Sturm, who also received Glamour Germany’s Woman of the Year award in 2023.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Dr. Barbara Sturm to offer a curated selection of her high-performance, rejuvenating facial and body treatments to our discerning guests,” says Henning Rahm, general manager of The Little Nell (and also from Germany, like Dr. Sturm).
“The Little Nell is such a beautiful hotel destination,” says Dr. Sturm. “I’m so excited to offer our high-performance facials and body treatments and to spread the Sturm Glow with our Aspen clientele.” 675 E. Durant Ave., Aspen, 855.920.4600; thelittlenell.com, stregisaspen.com
