It's a little before seven in the morning, a bit early to be out and about on the tourist magnet of Las Vegas Boulevard. The fantastically bright lights of night have given way to the sun's rays, causing the mirrored windows of The Mirage to a glow a cheery tangerine. It's relatively quiet -- throngs of sightseers are gone, replaced by fitness junkies on morning runs and casino employees rinsing sidewalks and trimming hedges.

A solid twenty minutes of speed walking brings me to New York-New York Hotel & Casino, its trademark 300-foot replica of the Brooklyn Bridge glinting in the morning sunlight. I arrive at the spa, huffing and puffing, ready to be pampered. Luckily for me, one of the first faces I see belongs to Josie -- a spa employee with an upbeat attitude and a wide, genuine smile.

She gives me a tour of the spa, from the locker facilities to the steam room and dry sauna. She shows me the waiting area, where complimentary fruit, juices and water are provided to guests while they relax before being called in to one of the treatment rooms.

The spa is virtually empty at this early hour and I'm excited to have the steam room all to myself for a few minutes, letting my cares just evaporate away.

I roam lazily to the dry sauna next, feeling as if I've been transported to the Far East as I close my eyes and lean against the warm wood. Sighing blissfully, I'm thankful that I have the extra time to unwind and enjoy the spa facilities before my skin treatment.

After discovering the spa's large showers and trying out the complimentary products (mmmm...tropical scent body wash), I make my way to the waiting area. I grab an apple juice and find myself chatting away with Josie.

Thanks to Josie, who is extremely helpful in offering suggestions on Vegas nightlife, I feel comfortable and almost like a spa regular by the time I'm called in to the treatment room. (CONTINUE...)