I frequently make the statement that “I don’t girl.” It’s fairly accurate. I have about three hair styles, know two ways of doing my make-up, and have never gotten a manicure or pedicure without it being a special occasion. Senses Spa opened at the Grand Floridian Resort the same year I got to Florida, in 2013. I just never expected to visit it myself. However, through a strange turn of events I found myself doing just that for a pedicure.
I’ve been to the Grand Floridian a handful of times, usually for dining or to look at holiday decorations. Apparently, I have walked right past Senses numerous times without noticing it, because I almost passed it heading to the main building this time. Thankfully, I spotted the sign just in time and made a U-turn.
I was distracted by the ponies in front of the Wedding Pavilion. It wasn’t my fault.
I was almost an hour early for my appointment. The day before, they call you to confirm and go over everything. Basically, if you want to use the steam room or whirl pool you need a swim suit, and they ask you to arrive thirty minutes in advance. I left plenty of time between work and the appointment in case I ran late, but now I was almost awkwardly early. It wasn’t a problem at all, and they took me back straight away.
[lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”false”]The Grand Floridian has two lounges, one for women and one for men. Apparently, the Saratoga location has one that is co-ed, so if you’re doing a couples’ anything, you should probably pick Saratoga. The attendant gave me a brief tour of the lounge, showing me the lounge chairs, the water and snack spread, the whirlpool and steam room, and the lockers. She showed me how to work the locker system and gave me a robe. Basically, I was free to hang out, I just needed to be in the lounge chair area five to ten minutes before the appointment time so the nail tech could find me. [/lgc_column][lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”true”]
[/lgc_column]
I changed into my swim suit and headed straight for the whirl pool.
I was the only one in the area for the steam room and whirl pool, which was nice because I didn’t have to make awkward conversation with anyone. I always love the concept of steam rooms, but then I go in and find myself unable to breathe. Instead, I just stuck to the whirl pool. It was warmer than I expected and I had to edge my way in and work up to sitting all the way down on the bench instead of the steps.
I’ve always been a real big fan of figuring out why Disney builds things the way they do, so I found myself spending most of my time staring at the odd entrance to the whirl pool. There was a large flat area above the water line, but still contained as part of the pool. It finally hit me after about ten minutes, it was so you could get out of the water to dry yourself off without dripping all over the floor. For all I know this is a common spa design, but I’d never seen it. Then again, I’d never been to a full-service spa before.
After fifteen minutes in the whirl pool I felt like I was starting to cook so I hopped out and laid down on one of the “zero gravity” s-shaped chairs. They were really hard since they were essentially glass and concrete, but good lord I loved the position they put my back in. As soon as I figure out what they’re called, one of those is going on my Amazon wish list.
About ten minutes before my appointment was supposed to start, I headed back to the lounge area. I got a cup of water and filled a bowl with mini pretzels and trail mix. I grabbed one of the chairs but for the life of me couldn’t figure out how to make it recline. I sat there a bit, munching on my snacks, and Charlotte came in right on time to get me.
The Lounge.
I followed her back to the nail area where she had one of the foot spa chairs ready to go. We were the only ones in the room since it was a slower day.
I was getting a Spa Pedicure, which is a fifty-minute service. I couldn’t imagine how a pedicure could last so long, but it did. She actually treated my cuticles, which was something I didn’t know was possible with pedicures. There were two different rounds of lotion and essential oil… things. There were hot towels, leg massages, and of course the purple nail polish I picked out. It was wonderful and super relaxing. My only complaint was the spa chair. Other places I’ve had pedicures, usually when I’m home in Tennessee with my friends, the spa chair have built in back massagers. The Senses spa chairs just vibrated.
As I was waiting for the polish to dry, Charlotte brought me a glass of champagne.
After about ten minutes, she took me back to the lounge. I hung out for a bit since I wanted to be extra sure the polish was dry. Then I changed back into my clothes since I didn’t want to drive home in a damp swim suit, and toddled back to my car wearing the foam disposable flip flops.
I honestly had a great time at the Senses Spa. Right now, I can’t see myself ever doing it again, but I would love to if the opportunity presents itself. I’d love to do more of a package than just the pedicure!
Cost: The full retail rate for the Spa Pedicure is $75.00. Annual passholders receive a 15% discount.
Value: Cool to do once.
Duration: The service itself was 50 minutes, since I was there so early and hung out afterwards it was about two hours.
Add Ons: They have all sorts of enhancements you can do with whatever spa service you receive. I did not do any of them, but you can see the full list here.
Stay up to date on all things Twenty Something in Orlando by subscribing to our newsletter or supporting us on Patreon! You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram!
