October 2005

Spa-goers now don't have to choose between a relaxing massage and eating.

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental (1330 Maryland Ave., SW; 202-787-6100) offers bento boxes to nibble on in the spa lounge or on a chaise by the pool. Offerings have included sautéed vegetables with shrimp and pomegranate sauce, tuna tartare with wasabi pepper sauce, heirloom tomatoes with yuzu miso, and goat-cheese polenta with edamame. The boxes are $22 plus tax and tip if you're having an à la carte service like a manicure or massage. They are included along with a smoothie in the half-day and full-day packages, which start at $460. Order when you book your appointment.

The new I Spa at the Willard (1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-628-9100) offers a menu of light fare such as portobello-mushroom salad with pecorino and truffle vinaigrette, smoked salmon with capers and red onion, a pistachio pear tart, and house-made sorbets; à la carte prices are $5 to $17. There's fresh-squeezed fruit juices and white, green, black, and herbal teas and iced teas.

At the Ritz-Carlton spa in Tysons Corner (Tysons Galleria; 703-506-4300), a lunch includes a light entrée (perhaps shrimp cocktail, California rolls, or grilled chicken salad) and a mini dessert for $18.

The menu at Splash in the Sports Club LA (1170 22nd St., NW; 202-974-6601) includes quesadillas and soft tacos, Angus beef and vegetarian black-bean burgers, focaccia and wrap sandwiches, salads like curried chicken, sweet-potato pine-nut, and greens with toppings like salmon, shrimp, and chicken ($6 to $9.50). A smoothie bar serves concoctions like the Cutie Fruity, made with apples and strawberries, and house protein bars like Chocolate Brownie Crisp.