Newly minted lifestyle programs were introduced to downtown Washington with the opening of MINT Health Club & Spa at the Capital Hilton Hotel. Designed for members as well as hotel guests, the club offers day spa packages to the general public.

 

“Express treatments for busy executives and travelers are our specialty,” says General Manager Eric Somerville. Mint condition, he added, means mind/body programs seven days a week.”

 

Offering a 30-minute massage or facial for $60, Mint Spa has bargain Tuesday treatments for $49. Acupuncture sessions start at $75.

 

Established in 2005 in Adams/Morgan near Dupont Circle, MINT brought mind/body programming to the rapidly growing midtown residential area. The second site doubles the size of MINT facilities. Formerly the Hilton’s Capital City Club & Spa, extensive renovation of the 14,000 sq. ft. space opened interiors to natural light, offering workouts and cardio conditioning close to the White House, plus the area’s most extensive spa menu in a five-room inner sanctum adjoining locker rooms and sauna. Treatments feature products by red flower and Alchimie Forever.

 

Located on two levels at the Capital Hilton K Street entrance, MINT has strength and function training areas featuring Precor, LifeFitness, and Freemind equipment, Stott Pilates Reformer, plus yoga and cycling studios.

 

General Manager Eric Somerville, 37, serves on the board of directors of Washington Spa Alliance. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he studied applied healing arts at Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, MD. Eric traveled to Thailand, where he worked at the renowned Chiva Som health resort as guest services manager. Returning to Washington, he gained management experience at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel spa prior to taking the helm of the original MINT at 1724 California St. near Dupont Circle. Expanding the membership base, adding 12 styles of yoga, Eric placed MINT at the forefront of mind/body programming in Washington.

 

Spa director Maria Smith was an esthetician at Mandarin Oriental’s spa and The Lodge at Torrey Pines in California. A native of the Maryland suburbs, Maria now oversees spas at both Mint locations. For my first visit, Maria recommended a restorative massage with Thai yoga specialist David Fajardo, who comes from a family of healers in Ecuador. That 80-minute session opened energy channels, eased muscular pain.

 

The owners of MINT are a local couple born and raised in the DC metro area. Patrick and Melissa John genuinely embrace the values of family and staying grounded in a meaningful lifestyle that nurtures the body, mind and spirit. Successful for over 15 years in the fitness and wellness industry, their attitude permeates throughout the operation. They believe that industry knowledge and experience, strong core values, good intentions and a positive attitude breed success, character and integrity. This positive energy is contagious- and you will undoubtedly feel it once you step inside MINT!

 

An urban retreat in the high-pressure K Street corridor, the new downtown MINT features impeccable cleanliness, mint-infused water, locker rooms equipped with fine organic products, laundry service. Programs seven days a week include yoga, dance, Zumba, TRX, and Tai Chi. Trainers and dietitians, highly credentialed, are available for one-on-one. More information: www.mintdc.com.

 

The iconic Capital Hilton Hotel is owned by Ashford Hospitality Trust with Hilton International. Opened in 1942 as The Statler, the hotel is currently undergoing a $31-million renovation, with the grand lobby and restaurants to be re-launched this summer.

 

Tags: health, health clubs, MINT health club, spa community, wellness