Using the Mandara Spa: what to expect and how to book
Mandara Spa at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is a full-service, 18,000-square-foot spa offering Balinese-inspired massages, Elemis facials, bathing rituals, a sauna and a hydrotherapy pool; reservations are required for treatments. To book, call the resort or the spa ahead of your stay and arrive 15–30 minutes early to use the relaxation amenities.
In this guide
What Mandara Spa is like
Mandara Spa at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is an 18,000-square-foot facility with Balinese-influenced treatments and Elemis product-based facials. The facility includes private treatment rooms, couple suites with shared hydrotherapy baths, a sauna, a jacuzzi/hydrotherapy pool and a creek-side relaxation lounge.
The spa offers signature Mandara treatments such as the Balinese Massage and Balinese Body Scrub, plus specialized options using Native American Pharmacopeia herbs like the Lavender Healing Repair Facial. There are also men's packages and salon services.
- Private treatment rooms and two couple suites
- Hydrotherapy pool and sauna
- Creek-side relaxation lounge
- Elemis facials and Mandara signature rituals
| Facility feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Hydrotherapy pool & Jacuzzi | Warm therapeutic soaking and circulation benefits; shared in couple suites |
| Sauna | Dry-heat relaxation before or after treatments |
| Relaxation lounge | Quiet seating beside creek-side windows for pre-/post-treatment rest |
Hours, policies and who can use the spa
Mandara Spa hours are Monday–Thursday and Sunday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, and Friday–Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. These hours apply to the spa treatment schedule; check-in for treatments may be earlier if you plan to use hydrotherapy or the relaxation areas.
All massage services and spa treatments require reservations in advance. The hotel enforces a minimum age of 21 for room registration, but Mandara Spa is available to hotel guests and to outside guests per the spa's booking rules — confirm age or access restrictions when you call to reserve.
- Spa hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 9 AM–4 PM; Fri–Sat 9 AM–6 PM
- Reservations required for all massages and treatments
- Ask when booking about age or guest access rules if you are not a registered hotel guest
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Reservation | Required for massages and most treatments |
| Arrival time | Plan to arrive 15–30 minutes early to use hydrotherapy/sauna |
| Cancellation | Policies vary — confirm when you book |
How to book Mandara Spa treatments
The spa recommends reservations before arrival. The most direct way to book is to call the resort or the spa desk and request your preferred date, time and treatment. Treatment availability can be limited on weekends and during event dates.
If you prefer the convenience of a travel agent, BookResorts agents are available 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350 and can assist with booking the hotel and advising on spa reservations, but spa treatment reservations should still be confirmed directly with the spa if you have specific timing needs.
- Call the spa or the hotel's front desk to reserve your treatment in advance
- Ask about couple suites or specific therapists if desired
- Confirm preferred amenities (hydrotherapy, sauna) when you book
- Reconfirm reservation on arrival and arrive early
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose treatment | Review Mandara signature options (Balinese Massage, facials, scrubs) |
| 2. Call to reserve | Book the spa directly or through the front desk before arrival |
| 3. Arrive early | Use hydrotherapy/relaxation lounge; complete intake forms |
Preparing for your spa visit
Wear comfortable clothing to and from the spa; the spa provides robes, slippers and secure storage for valuables during treatments. If you plan to use hydrotherapy or communal areas, remove jewelry and bring any medical notes about injuries or pregnancy to discuss with your therapist.
Gratuity practices vary; confirm whether gratuities are added to the bill or should be left separately. If you need a specific therapist or time slot, book early—especially on Fridays and Saturdays when the spa stays open later.
- Bring photo ID if charging to your room or for verification
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early to complete forms and use facilities
- Disclose pregnancy, medical conditions or allergies when booking
- Confirm gratuity and cancellation policy when reserving
| Item to bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Required for hotel/spa charges or verification |
| Medical notes | Important for therapist safety (injuries/pregnancy) |
| Credit card or room charge option | To pay for treatments and any add-ons |
Using the spa with a hotel stay
Hotel guests (in rooms such as Premium Room or Luxury Room) have access to Harrah's fitness center and pool areas per the resort's policies; spa treatments are separate and usually carry an extra charge. A nightly resort fee covers fitness center access, internet, phone calls, pool access and valet parking, but not spa service costs.
If you want to combine treatments with pool or fitness time, schedule the spa reservation so you have time before or after to use the indoor pool or Cherokee Terrace Pool (pool access is restricted to registered hotel guests). Confirm pool hours and deck availability on the day you visit.
- Spa services are paid separately from room rate and resort fee
- Resort fee includes fitness and pool access, not treatments
- Pools are for hotel guests only — check indoor pool hours (daily) if planning a combined visit
| Amenity | Included with resort fee? |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Yes (covered by nightly resort fee) |
| Pool access | Yes for registered hotel guests (indoor & seasonal outdoor) |
| Spa treatments | No (book and pay separately) |
Common treatments and suggested durations
Mandara Spa offers a mix of massage, facial, body-scrub and bathing rituals. Signature Balinese treatments and Elemis facials are popular; couple suites with shared hydrotherapy baths are available for paired bookings.
Typical visit lengths range from 50–90 minutes for a single massage or facial to longer packages that combine multiple services. Ask the spa for recommended durations based on your goals (relaxation, deep tissue work, skin concerns).
- Balinese Massage — signature technique; good for relaxation
- Balinese Body Scrub — exfoliation followed by moisturizing ritual
- Elemis facials — multiple options for skin type and concerns
- Couples suites — allow use of shared hydrotherapy bath
| Treatment type | Common duration |
|---|---|
| Standard massage or facial | 50–90 minutes |
| Combined packages (scrub + massage) | 90–120 minutes |
| Couples treatments | Timing varies; book earlier for hydrotherapy access |
