I may never be satisfied with a “normal” massage again. I was hosted for a spa day at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas spa and received the ultimate in an over-the-top Texas Eight-Hand Massage. I always heard things were bigger in Texas, and this treatment showed me that — and impressed me — in a big way.

Exploring The Ritz-Carlton Dallas Spa

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, is in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood, but when you escape to the spa, you enter a world of serenity and calm, forgetting there’s a city outside.

I didn’t stay at the hotel, but as a spa guest, I received complimentary parking and could use the spa and fitness center facilities for the entire day. The welcome started at the front door, where the valet staff greeted me and pointed me toward the spa on the hotel’s second level.

I love that magical moment when I walk into the spa, smell those lovely aromas, and feel the world’s worries melt away.

The relaxation room at Ritz-Carlton, Dallas spa. Photo by Don Riddle Images courtesy The Ritz-Carlton

I enjoyed some downtime before my treatment, soaking in the whirlpool in the women’s lounge and reading in the relaxation room. I thought I was relaxed just enough to focus on the details of my treatment, but I had no idea how amazing a massage could be or how relaxed I could become.

Ritz-Carlton Dallas Spa. Photo by Don Riddle Images courtesy The Ritz-Carlton

Experiencing the Texas Eight-Hand Massage

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, embraces the Lone Star State with three Texas-focused treatments. You can choose the 170-minute Texas Transformation ($550), with a wrap and massage, ending with a reflexology foot treatment. Or perhaps you’d prefer the 80-minute Dean’s Margarita Salt Glow ($250), with a salt scrub and agave-infused oils, and then selecting one of three finishes: top-shelf therapeutic massage, frozen cold stone therapy or on-the-rocks treatment with warm stones. While I’m all for a Texas margarita, I opted for the third choice—my Texas Eight-Hand Massage.

All spa treatment rooms are quiet and relaxing at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas spa. Photo by Donald Riddle Images courtesy The Ritz-Carlton

This Dallas spa knows how to dish out some indulgent treatments. The Eight-Hands Massage ($900) is 80 minutes of pure bliss with—as you might have guessed from the name—four therapists massaging you at once. I had two men and two women as therapists, and I assumed I’d be able to tell each one apart during the treatment. I quickly realized this was a carefully choreographed, synchronized dance. I let go of trying to focus and decided to luxuriate in this unique experience.

Enjoy pure relaxation with the Texas Eight Hands Massage at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas spa. Photo by Mark Wieland Photography courtesy The Ritz-Carlton

It is difficult to describe the pure relaxation you experience when you have both arms and both legs massaged simultaneously. Or, my favorite, both arms, my back, and a scalp massage—all at the same time!

I was definitely in la-la land when that 80 minutes ended. My four therapists worked as a single unit throughout the experience. They led me out to the relaxation room, served me a lovely grapefruit granita, and left me feeling completely at peace and relaxed. After some time to return to reality—and a stop by the gift shop downstairs for fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies—I blinked when I walked outside and realized the world was still there. I walked slowly, regretting the need to leave this sanctuary but knowing it was always there for a return visit.

If You Go to The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas Spa

The Ritz-Carlton Dallas is a haven in the city, and it is ideal if you visit or want offer a lovely spa day for Dallas locals. In addition to these luxurious treatments, there is a full spa menu of other options, and there are always seasonal offerings and specials. There are two VIP suites for couples seeking a romantic day away.

Couples treatment room at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas spa. Photo by Donald Riddle Images courtesy The Ritz-Carlton

You can make your appointment online or by calling 214.922.4820. The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, is located at 2121 McKinney Avenue, and the spa is on the second floor.

For more things to do while you’re in Texas, check out the options on Wander. We also have more great spa experiences available here.