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New Express Spa and Chlorine-Free Pool Open at JW Marriott’s Valeo Chicago

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 151 W. Adams St. [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
May 31, 2012 at 4:34 PM | by | Comments (0)

We never thought we'd say the 20,000-square-foot Valeo at JW Marriott Chicago could use more offerings in its already intense spa program, but the hotel spa's new UV-light filtered pool and Express Spa Lounge have us changing our tune.

Where Valeo previously captured hardcore spa goers (think radiant heat Clarity Chambers and over-the-top personal care consulting), the spa’s newest extensions brings luxurious treatments to guests with less time to kill.

We stopped by the Express Lounge and breathed a sigh of relief. No need to “consult” about anything (though the option is definitely there), guests can jump into any number of treatments that typically range from 10-40 minutes, including pedis (starting at $25), facials (starting at $30) and Table Thai and Shiatsu Massage (beginning at $25).

Go for “The Trifecta” and you can get a mani, pedi and facial – or any three treatments of your choice – all at the same time. Opt for less, too, if you have only five minutes to spare – this new facet of Valeo is all about accommodating busy schedules.

A salon-meets-spa hybrid, Express Lounge comes equipped with experience beds, massage chairs, blowout stations and a simple bar.

At the other end of Valeo, a calming, minimalist vibe paints the white-and-blue colored pool area housing the new high-tech, chlorine-free pool and therapeutic shiatsu-like whirlpool. The half-lap pool is filtered by UV-light chambers that eliminate 99% of all toxins and bacteria and is said to feel like swimming in a fresh water lake. Deceptively simple in appearance, the new whirlpool has been customized to target highly sensitive points along the back, shoulders and neck with the same power as a shiatsu massage.

Don’t be fooled; there's shiatsu-like jet power up in here.

Both guests of the spa and the JW Marriott hotel can enjoy the pool area, though we’ve been told that rowdy kids will be asked to leave. That’s a real bummer for families since we can’t say we know many kids who don’t get, well, rowdy at the pool. A better option? Answer grown-up complaints with a Pink Lemon Aide or any one of Valeo’s signature poolside cocktails, each made with low-cal, electrolyte-infused Voli vodkas ($8-14).

We found rates at the JW Marriott Chicago starting at $209 per night. You can also book a Trifecta treatment – three simultaneous Express Spa experiences – for only $109 from now until Father’s Day (June 17).

Photos: Nina Kokotas Hahn

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