The smells from the many restaurants that sit along 3100 South St. permeate the air as you continue down past the historic 31st Street bridge.

Although the steep hill that leads up to the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown might leave you breathless, the travel is well worth it as two doormen greet you while they happily open two beautifully crafted glass doors.

The delicate, yet comforting aroma of burning wood overcomes you as a concierge guides you through a lobby with tall glass windows and red brick walls.  Down the brown and gray-carpeted stairs and an extraordinarily long hallway trimmed with black granite lies the jewel of this luxurious hotel, The Boutique Spa.

As you enter the Boutique Spa, you are not only greeted by the spa concierge but by the aromatic fragrances of the Archipelago candle burning beside the checker board-styled, mahogany colored display cases that feature the Ritz-Carlton spa fresh products.  The concierge then guides you through the dimly lit hallway past the array of Prada, Carita and MD Skin Care products that adorn the walls to the relaxation room where you await your therapist.

The room, although small, is rather welcoming and is stocked with fresh fruit, water, flavored teas and individually wrapped chocolates.

When your therapist is ready for your session you are then led to a changing area, where a Ritz-Carlton embroidered robe, towel and slippers are waiting for you to put on.

As your eyes scan through the room you can’t help but notice the spa’s “pride and joy,” the aromatic steam room that burns eucalyptus oils as you fall deeper into this extravagant spa experience.

When you are ready for your session, you are then introduced to your choice of The Boutique Spa’s signature specialty treatments and packages.

You can get anything from an Anti-Cellulite Coffee Wrap to the Volcanic Force Revitalizer, which is more tranquil than it sounds.

The Volcanic Force Revitalizer is one of the spa’s specialty treatments that aim to restore vivacity to the body through the application of strategically placed warm stones and volcanic ash mineral powder. The treatment is then finished off with a body polish that corrects skin imperfections.

For those interested in dipping in the fountain of youth, the spa also offers a variety of skin care treatments like the Intense Hydrating facial and the Anti-Aging and firming treatment.

Although you must plan your spa sequence ahead of time, the spa staff overlooks nothing when it comes to planning an indulgent and intimate visit, especially when it comes to planning a more private visit like a bachelorette party or couples message. The Boutique Spa is one of the only Ritz-Carlton spas in the D.C. metropolitan area to feature a couple’s message room that creates a peaceful and intimate period of rejuvenation with someone you love.

Champagne and strawberries can be added to your sensual experience and the spa can arrange for meals, prepared by the hotel’s Fahrenheit Restaurant, to be served to you before, after or during your spa treatment.

There is also a state-of-the-art fitness center that doesn’t quite live up to its label.

However, it is equipped with LCD screens attached to the exercise equipment and, like the relaxation room, it has a full supply of fresh fruit, water and towels. You can also catch up on the day’s events by reading The Wall Street Journal, USA Today or The Washington Post, which is always stocked and ready when you enter the exercise facility.

New to The Boutique Spa: The Mama Mio line is a new addition to the spa and a favorite among celebrity moms who want to pamper themselves and their baby bump before the expectant day. The maternity spa treatment aims at repairing and preventing stretch marks, increasing circulation and eliminating the stresses of pregnancy.

Another new product is the Ytsara skin care line, which captures the essence of Thai healing and beauty rituals that enhance the your natural beauty and awaken the senses.

Whether a guest of the hotel or not, The Boutique Spa strives to create an unforgettable spa experience with both lavish and elegant touches.