Take yourself back to Shanghai in the 1930s and you start to get the feel for the Spa at Mandarin Oriental. The look and feel captures the glamour of the era, while the treatments themselves are based on the medicinal benefits of Asia. We love the Chinese Foot Spa, where you can delve into a steeping hot foot bath infused with herbal blends. Your feet will never feel the same. The 27,000-square-foot spa features a hammam, laconium, experience showers and more. Forbes Travel Guides gave the spa five stars, one of only 20 spas to achieve the honor. For the holidays, try the Journey to the Orient package, which starts by determining your personal Chinese element. Essential oils and massage deliver a journey of rejuvenation and relaxation. Try out the Jade Enzyme Facial, a treatment that brightens and enlivens. Jade facial rollers combined with products rich in AHAs, BHAs and anti-oxidants instantly improve the appearance and texture of the skin. The Glycolic Facial Peel uses pumpkin enzymes to remove dead skin cells, boost cell regeneration and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

So hard to chose between the Spa at Encore and the Spa at Wynn. Both offer sumptuous treatments in decadent settings. But the Spa at Encore nabbed five stars from the Forbes Travel Guide for this year and 2011 (The Spa at Wynn has received the same honors since 2009, and four stars before that). Earlier this fall, the Spa at Encore added treatments and products from Ling, a line that pursued Elaine Wynn with skin-care products that seems to defy age. Try the Oxygen Rejuvenation Facial to restore and hydrate your skin in the dry desert climate or the Encore Escape Ritual with its combination of massage techniques finished with a warm wrap and scalp massage.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub sprawls on the fourth floor of the Venetian and Palazzo. It’s one of those places where you need to plan ahead to spend time in the Aquavana, a European-inspired aquathermal oasis. What’s your fancy? The Igloo has cool air and three ways to add a little snow to your day. In the HydroSpa, you can relax on a heated lounger. The Herbal Laconium warms you with herbal-infused steam. In the Experiential Rains experience, you can enjoy multisensory cooling showers. Forbes Travel Guide honored Canyon Ranch SpaClub with a four-star rating. For the holidays, try the King’s Bath Bouquet, an antioxidant/anti-aging bath in a golden tub afloat with rose petals followed by a full-body massage with arctic berry extracts, cypress and birch oils. Or ditch the stress with a Holiday Massage that uses the new Silent Night bath and body oil by Aromatherapy Associates, created to nourish even the driest skin. Put your best face forward with the Holiday Radiance Facial that leaves you with a dewy radiance. All of these special treatments are available through the end of December.

Qua Baths and Spa seems like the oldie but goodie here even though it's less than four years old. But don’t dismiss it. It’s one luxurious spot. Take some time to check out the Roman Baths, where you can dive in one of three pools in different temperatures, or heat up in the Laconium Room or cool down in the Arctic Ice Room with snow falling from above. You can discover your Dosha and learn how to care for it as well. Spa Finder gave the spa four awards for best for luxury, best for interior design, best for men and one of the top 10 spas in a hotel or casino. Look for the Frankincense & Myrrh body wrap, pumpkin mask facial and peppermint pedicure just for the holidays.

Another newcomer to the market, the Spa & Salon at Aria at CityCenter combines salt, stone, earth, fire and water in its spa treatments. The spa sprawls over 80,000 square feet on two levels. Look for the Ganbanyoku Beds, only available at the Spa at Aria. These heated Japanese stone beds increase your circulation, accelerate your metabolism, soothe your muscles and eliminate toxins from the body. You can also mingle on the only co-ed outdoor balcony with a stunning view of the pools. Try the new Gemstone Gemology Facial during its Fabulous Facial Glow event Dec. 28-30. The diamond-dust firming mask and gemstone facial massage will make your face sparkle like the real thing.