Page 17 - Jackpot Magazine South ~ December, 2025

By Lori Beth Susman
GULFPORT — Craving a little stress relief this time of year? How about a whole day devoted to pampering? Island View Casino Resort’s beautiful Blue Shell Spa offers just that, with a luxurious lineup of massages, facials, manicures and more.
Located on the second floor of the Gulfport resort’s Beach View Tower, Blue Shell Spa has a calm, serene atmosphere. It only takes a few steps into the spa to feel the tension start to leave your body. The well-trained staff at the front desk is ready to assist guests with all their needs.
There are separate dressing areas for men and women, each complete with restrooms, showers, changing areas, vanities and lockers. Guests have the option of changing
into robes and
slippers and then
relaxing in the quiet
coed waiting room
before being called for treatment, or staying in their street clothes until they are in the massage room. I recently had the opportunity to experience time at the spa, and decided to get comfortable right away.
I put on the soft, oversized robe and then helped myself to a cup of hot tea. It didn’t take long before I was called to go to the treatment room, which was clean and cool. The massage tables are comfortable, and soft music and even softer lighting worked to create a most pleasant mood in the massage room.
I had a custom massage, one of the spa’s newer offerings, which featured a choice of an aromatherapy oil and an extra enhancement. I selected the hot stones for my enhancement, while a hot oil scalp massage and back or foot scrub are also offered. Massage therapist KC asked me what kind of pressure I liked with my massage and I told her very light. Although she preferred to work out
knots, KC happily complied with my request.
Remembering that peppermint can boost mental clarity, reduce stress, and provide an energizing effect as well as relieve inflammation, I chose that as my aromatherapy scent.
KC started at the top, literally, carefully and gently kneading my scalp and neck before working downward to my arms and legs and finishing with my back. The hot, smooth stones she used provided an extra touch of pleasure and I felt my muscles relax. The 50 minutes flew by as I was transported into a great state of peace and tranquility.
Slip into a comfortable robe and then relax in the waiting area at the Blue Shell Spa inside the Beach View Tower. (Below) Peppermint and lavender are just two of the aromatherapy oils available.
At Island View Casino Resort
Ahhh... Blue Shell Spa relieves the day’s stress
The spa also offers several other massages, including aromatherapy and therapeutic, along with the stone massage
and popular Swedish massage. There is also a couples massage and a special
massage for mothers-to-be. Massages can be enjoyed for either 50 or 80 minutes. For those in need of a quicker treatment, there is the 25-minute upper body or foot massage. While my massage came with an enhancement, guests can add a number of extra treatments, like the Himalayan salt scrub and cupping.
Still in a dreamy state following my wonderful massage, I went for my spa pedicure. More relaxation came as I sank down in the big pedicure chair, soaking my feet in the warm water that featured a wonderful mango-papaya skin softener.
The foot massage was delightful.
There are manis and pedis for both men and woman, along with other nail
services, such as polish changes.
Blue Shell Spa also offers facials, waxing and tinting treatments. Body treatments include the Himalayan salt detox, seaweed detoxifying wrap and the
signature body treatment.
My experience at the spa left me with
toes that glowed and my body feeling wonderful. I was ready for whatever the rest of the day held — whether crazy holiday shopping or good fortune in the casino. The Blue Shell Spa is an ideal place for Island View hotel guests, visitors and area residents.
The spa is open Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To book spa services or purchase gift certificates, call (228) 314-1520 or email spa@islandviewcasino.com.
Blue Shell Spa Holiday Specials
Seasonal Bliss for Two • $270 Couple’s Relaxation Massage Holiday Foot Masque • Hot Stones
Winter Retreat • $290 50-minute Custom Massage Spa Pedicure • Signature Facial
• Book a package for Dec. 19-21, receive a $25 Spa voucher to use towards your package
• Purchase $100 in gift certificates and receive a $25 Spa voucher • For 12 Days of Christmas specials, visit islandviewcasino.com
THE SOUTH’S LARGEST GUIDE TO GAMING & FUN •
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December 2025 • JACKPOT! MAGAZINE 17