'Spa 101 Vegas-Style' at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas Prepares Spa Newbies and Nervous Nellies for Their First Body Work.

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Beginner-friendly getaway features luxury resort stay, Spa 101 instruction, first-time sampling of four different spa treatments, and decadent Fresh Baked Malted Waffle breakfast for two, from $289

School was never this fun.

"Going to the spa" has become a major draw for leisure and business travelers, as baby boomers, men of all ages and some Gen Xers and Yers are considering their first spa experience in record numbers. The result? The quantity of spas has doubled to more than 12,000 in just the past five years -- and one's first spa experience is now a talked-about new rite of passage.

Enter Spa Vita di Lago at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, the lakeside destination spa and golf resort located 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip that is ranked among the nation's top ten spas. The 30,000-square-foot spa, salon and fitness/recreation center has created a new overnight package specifically designed to put a first spa experience within reach of anyone wanting to give "spa" a try.

"Spa 101 Vegas-Style" provides Ritz-Carlton accommodations, breakfast for two featuring Fresh Baked Malted Waffles or other gourmet morning selections from award-winning Medici Cafe & Terrace, overnight valet parking and four 25-minute sample spa treatments from among a user-friendly menu of massages, facials, wraps, baths, exfoliations and salon services. The experience is the AAA Five Diamond-rated resort's first-ever spa "combo platter," designed to provide a taste of everything to the hungry new spa-goer.

"Spa 101 Vegas-Style" is created and priced for single or double occupancy, and its four included treatments and services may be enjoyed by one person or split between two guests per room. Upon arrival, guests also will receive their own spa orientation session, where early questions can be asked and addressed discretely and ahead of time. The spa has experienced first-timer questions related to everything from spa attire (and/or lack thereof) to locker room and whirlpool etiquette, from inquiries about when and how to shower or enjoy steam and sauna to how specific treatments actually will feel on the skin. Guests' pre-treatment private orientation is designed to address any of these questions, to put newcomers especially at ease, and to provide a sense of spa well-being from the moment of arrival. The goal is to replace concern with TLC and understanding, to turn the fear of the unknown into anticipation and assured comfort.

Spa 101 Vegas-Style features:

--$289 per night (resort-view room), single or double occupancy

--Four 25-minute spa treatments and/or salon services per room, per night

--Breakfast for two at Medici Cafe & Terrace

--Complimentary valet parking

--Resort fee

--Subject to 10 percent room tax and gratuities

--Offered Feb. 16-June 30, based on availability

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas features 349 guest rooms and suites, a lakeside location surrounded by golf, shopping and recreational activities, award-winning dining and frequent scheduled shuttle service to the Las Vegas Strip. The resort's Tuscan-inspired Spa Vita di Lago offers 24 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, fitness and yoga classes and private training sessions, lush meditation garden, expansive men's and women's Healing Water facilities, outdoor treatment terraces, and access to the resort's private waterfall, white sand beach, heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool and poolside cafe. Reservations may be made at 800-241-3333 or www.ritzcarlton.com.