Skin Care - Cocoa Paradise: Chocolate Holds Its Own In The World Of Spa

There's no denying that chocolate can satisfy a sweet tooth like nothing else. And while it has even shown to be a mood-lifting food thanks to mineral essentials such as magnesium, it doesn't do much for the waistline. However, spas are translating the decadent dessert into real beneficial treatments that not only smell amazing, but keep skin looking softer and younger looking. Scientific studies show that chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and fight free radicals in the environment that can speed the aging process. It can even plump and firm skin, which explains why chocolate treatments are appearing on the menu of many top spas.

You know when you've entered a town all about chocolate, there can only be sweet experiences waiting around every corner. The Spa at the Hotel Hershey is no exception. Situated atop the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Hotel Hershey was developed by Milton Hershey 75 years ago and is recognized as one of the great resorts of North America.

The Spa at the Hotel Hershey has proven to be a popular addition to a stay at the hotel, and guests are recommended to make spa reservations well in advance of their arrival. In all, the spa features more than 50 treatment rooms, each named after a different rose, which are appointed for soaking tubs, signature hydrotherapy showers, an inhalation room, quiet room and massage rooms, to name a few. Bowls of Hershey Kisses offer tempting treats throughout the spa. Meanwhile, yummy hot chocolate is served in the waiting room.

Naturally, chocolate inspires the treatments at the Chocolate Spa at the Hotel Hershey. Imagine settling into a foaming chocolate milk bath for a soothing and softening signature Hershey experience during a Cocoa Bath. A true signature experience from Hershey, the Chocolate Bean Polish combines gentle exfoliation of cocoa bean husks and walnut shells with a softening Cocoa Body Moisturizer for amazing results. The treatment smells so good, guests may be tempted to it eat. Or, really indulge with the Chocolate Fondue Wrap, made up of an exclusive formula of warmed moor mud and essence of cocoa, followed by a body brush and fondue application. A Vichy Shower rinse culminates the effects. The Strawberry Parfait Scrub or Peppermint Salt Scrub revitalize the skin and send guests on their way with a tempting scent that lingers for hours. Special Day Spa Packages provide guests with everything chocolate for an experience that is truly out of this world.

The Oasis, the spa guest-only lounge and restaurant is a sanctuary-like retreat, overlooking the beautiful gardens of the hotel. Guests can relax and refresh while surrounded by Marrakech-inspired tiles, a tranquil water wall, and overstuffed lounge furniture. The compliment the spa experience, guests may enjoy a light lunch with either the buffet lunch or a la carte menu. Imagine taking a break from a day of chocolate bliss while munching on healthy salads and wraps, while sipping wine or refreshing smoothies.

The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich, Connecticut, welcomes celebrity guests as well as discerning guests seeking luxury and tranquility in the Connecticut woods. The spa also features a decadent menu of chocolate spa treatments.

Under the soothing rain of the Vichy shower, guests can experience the Chocolate Body Polish with a delicious Chocolate Chip Scrub. The amazing cocoa plant reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores skin's flexibility. When finished, guests receive an application of chocolate body lotion, leaving skin smooth and soft. Or indulge in the Peppermint Mocha Manicure and Pedicure, which begins with a soak in chocolate, followed by an exfoliation with a Peppermint Mocha scrub and an application of White Chocolate Souffle. The spa's signature Chocolate Aromatherapy Wrap features a chocolate body masque and aromatic chocolate moisturizer.

At the Aqua Terre Spa at the world-class Pacific Shores Resort & Spa in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, their Rekindle the Romance package is a complete chocolate experience for couples. The chocolate indulge begins with a spa lunch for two, followed by chocolate massages and body scrubs. Then, couples slip into a chocolate bath for two, complete with chocolate martinis and truffles.