Ameristar takes spa experience to a new level in Black Hawk

Ah spa.

I have been lucky to try some of the best spas and spa treatments our state has to offer – including in Beaver Creek, Vail and Aspen.

But the most outstanding “Calgon take me away” experience was recently at The Spa at Ameristar in Black Hawk.

Spa specialists Ann Berwick and Kimmie Cornell take the task of making the client feel amazing to the next level. The brand-new facility – which opened with the spectacular hotel in October – offers myriad treatments for men and women.

Heather Leigh, Ameristar PR pro, picked the treatments she wanted us to experience so she could show off the spa. Cornell took each of us through “the big muddy,” a 60-minute marine mud treatment with minerals, sea algae and purified seawater, followed by a salt scrub, marine mud mask and moisturized with an antioxidant body cream ($115).

As if that wasn’t enough, she threw in the Dream Weaver (30 minutes, $45) – warmed oils massaged into our hair along with a scalp massage.

Berwick took over with an Ara Signature facial (90 minutes, $130), which included a deep cleansing regimen, green papaya enzyme peel, golden hydration mask, and hand and feet massages. For a full menu and reservations, go to araatameristar.com or call
720-946-4300.

Also at Ameristar. Ameristar Casinos Inc. and The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation contributed $50,000 to aid victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The donations are being sent to the University of Miami Global Institute’s relief efforts in Haiti.

Mangia. I’ve tried most of the fine dining steak houses in Black Hawk and Central City, and found them to be pretty much on par with steak places in the metro area.

But the in-between diner who doesn’t want a fancy steak house or a buffet is underserved. Before our recent trip up the hill, I called Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman to ask for eatery suggestions. He rattled off several places where we have already dined, but then came up with Mid City Grill inside the Century Casino in Central City.

Knowing what a host with the most Century general manager Mickey Rosenbaum is, I bit. Rosenbaum made us a reservation, and we were greeted warmly by the hostess and seated at our table.

The room is comfortable, casual and inviting. The service was impeccable, and the food on the extensive menu was great.

Favorites: the rattlesnake eggs (bacon-wrapped fresh jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and deep-fried), the fresh Atlantic salmon sautéed with honey mustard glaze and served with mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies. Gal pal sunk her teeth into the Mid City Burger topped with roasted green chilies, pepper jack cheese and guacamole. Que bueno!

Exec trek. Golden Gaming Inc. has named Blake L. Sartini II the executive marketing manager, and Jimmy Wadhams II executive operations manager for the company’s divisions in Black Hawk, Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nev.

Sartini and Wadhams will be the first managers to enter into the company’s
two-year management development program.

~ Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209 or e-mail
pparker@denverpost.com