Although I’ve never been a fan of casinos, I must admit I was excited to visit Encore Boston Harbor, A Wynn Resort. Located on the Boston waterfront, it features a six-acre Harborwalk that surrounds the property, providing a beautiful park for residents and guests to enjoy. Of course, I visited in December, so it wasn’t quite as enticing as I imagine it is in warmer weather. However, I found plenty of other things to command my attention inside, including the many boutiques, restaurants, and casino that make the Encore such a draw.
Visiting at the height of the holiday season, the resort was bustling with activity. The Instagrammable-worthy atrium featuring a colorful ferris wheel made with flowers is definitely a highlight. After taking it all in, I headed up to my room to prepare for what I hoped would be the highlight of my stay: a visit to The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor.
What We Love:
- Good Luck Ritual ($295, 90 minutes) at The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor
- Fitness center that overlooks the harbor
- Charcuterie board at Cheese Meet Wine
- In-room breakfast with a view
- Dining on Cantonese cuisine at Red 8
Guest Rooms
Upon entering my room, I was thrilled to find a spacious light-filled space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Home for the next 24 hours was a 650-square-foot Premier Harbor View King room with an enthralling view of the water, calming neutral tones, and a large marble bathroom with a separate shower and soaking tub. I especially loved the King Encore Dream Bed, designed exclusively for the hotel.
In addition to all the expected amenities, the room also featured a detachable bedside iPad for one-touch access to room controls, guest services, and resort information. It came in handy the next morning when I ordered room service for breakfast. It was the perfect way to start the day, dining on a healthy breakfast while enjoying the sunny harbor view. Overall, the room served as a quiet and comfortable hideaway where I was able to work, relax, and regroup.
Cuisine
It’s easy to eat well at the Encore Boston Harbor, which offers a wealth of dining experiences. Unfortunately, I was only there for one evening and was able to sample just a few of the offerings, including a delicious meal at the Cantonese-inspired restaurant Red 8. However, you’re sure to tempt your palate with the creative dishes served at the 10 restaurants. Whether you prefer a protein-rich meal at Rare Steakhouse or the Asian-inspired specialties at Mystique or Southern Italian cuisine at Fratelli, you’ll find a diverse range of produce and ingredients from New England to savor.
The Spa and Fitness Center
Because I was there to experience the resort’s wellness offerings, I immediately headed to the third floor, where The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor is located. There, I found myself entering a soothing yet extravagant sanctuary with glowing floor lanterns, marble urns, artwork, European furnishings, and decorative accents. The overall grandeur of the 19,000-square-foot oasis, featuring 17 treatment rooms, makes you feel as if the outside world with its accompanying stress and anxiety no longer exist.
According to director of spa and salon Virginia Lara, it’s her team that makes the spa so special. They are the ones responsible for our five stars by Forbes rating achievement,” she says. “Their talent, drive, passion, and genuine care for our guests creates consistent, memorable experiences.”
I opted for the Good Luck Ritual ($295, 90 minutes), a signature treatment designed to promote happiness, luck, and prosperity. After an idyllic full-body massage, I was treated to a ritual focusing on the face, scalp, hands, and feet. For me, a scalp massage is nirvana. Having felt a bit rundown prior to my visit, the treatment left me feeling energized and happy (as promised).
The spa, which offers a variety of products including Babor, Biologique Recherche, Elemis, Hydrafacial, Naturopathica, Shankara, and more, felt like a reprieve from the upbeat and celebratory scene in the casino and beyond. Instead, I was more than content to take advantage of the steam room and relax in the lounge. “Our heat and water facilities are another highlight, especially since we have a cold plunge,” says Lara. “Health and wellness experts agree that the alternation of temperatures activates the lymphatic and blood systems, boosts metabolism, balances the immune system, lowers stress levels, and rejuvenates the body. All of our guests at the spa are invited to come 45 minutes to an hour early to enjoy this amenity that includes a eucalyptus steam room, dry heat sauna, hot plunge, cold plunge, heated lounge chairs, a waterfall shower, and a relaxation area to enjoy healthy snacks and wellness beverages.”
I especially loved the fact that the spa offers a 20 percent discount to hospitality employees on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. “The hospitality industry, among other sectors around the globe, was the most affected during the pandemic,” says Lara. “Some of us who were lucky enough to stay, worked harder than ever and struggled in many ways we could never imagine. The idea of offering two wellness days during the week—since most of us work during the weekends and holidays—where we could extend a discount as a gesture of sympathy and fellowship, was a no brainer.”
