A Day of Pampering at the Beverly Wilshire
Article and Photograph by Margot Black
 

If you’re looking to be pampered at what is arguably the most luxurious day spa in the one city synonymous with luxury – treat yourself to The Beverly Wilshire Spa. Steps away from Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire achieved pop-culture icon status with millions of movie lovers worldwide as the “Pretty Woman” hotel.

Recently renovated, no expense was spared to ensure clients enjoy a world class experience that is second to none. It now sports a super luxurious, modern décor, great restaurants and a sensational spa.

The Spa ambience is soothing and sexy and the service is superb. The décor combines calming earth tones with touches of turquoise and stone accents. An impressive chunk of amethyst welcomes you with a calming effect that permeates a common passageway.

Check in at the spa where you will receive an amethyst bracelet used for locker keys that extend the natural stone theme. Next, head to the tranquility room that is filled with fruits, nuts, sweets and creative tea; offering a plush décor and great chairs that encourage lounging.

The steam room is spacious and beautifully designed. Here I found cool aromatherapy washcloths, lots of steam and a much appreciated sweet sound of silence that offers it own special bliss and opportunity to meditate.

Treatments at the spa range from the standard Swedish massage, to the exotic and sublime Caviar facials and Tequila & Sage massages. I tried renowned skin expert Kate Somerville’s signature facial: a 90-minute treatment designed to pamper and preserve your skin. This was by far the most enjoyable, indulgent and unusual facial I have ever received.

It begins with a facial massage and a gentle, beautifully scented Eucalyptus and Peppermint enzymatic exfoliation, followed by a customized mask. Next is a super-hydrating oxygen treatment – it felt like my skin was getting air blasted clean- leading up to the grand finale and most unusual part of it all: the DermaLucent Phototherapy treatment. Utilizing the healing power of light, this treatment claims to increase collagen production, help even out pigmentation and improve the skin’s tone and texture. The machine feels like a sunlamp pointed directly at you and the bright light is initially startling. This process, however, is performed at the same time as the hand and foot massage which is heavenly, and I was amazed at how quickly I became soothed by the light. It felt like the perfect combination of modern medical advances and traditional comfort. I left glowing and my skin looked fabulous.

Still in need of some pampering? Try one of the numerous body and facial treatments inspired by Ayurvedic treatments, chakra balancing and aromatherapy– you’ll feel healthier just reading their spa menu. Or enjoy the almost always perfect Beverly Hills weather with an outdoor spa treatment in a private poolside cabana. Between the surroundings, the service and the spa, you can’t help but emerge one of the beautiful people. Whatever indulgence your body craves, the Four Seasons/Beverly Wilshire Spa offers special pleasures for everyone to enjoy.

If you can bear to end your spa experience, grab your shades and make your way to the beautiful Mediterranean-style pool. An oasis of luxury and relaxation; this is also a place to see and be seen. Private cabanas may be rented at a daily rate and offer such comforts as two chaises lounges, a flat-screen television, two 15-minute foot massages and a split of champagne. Oh – I’m feeling mighty pretty now.

There are several restaurants worth being seen at in the Four Seasons/Beverly Wilshire hotel. The Blvd features global cuisine and big, swank bar area – a great place to meet up with friends. My favorite place in the late afternoon is The Blvd’s small outdoor patio --snag one of the coveted tables and you’ll be privy to some world class people watching.
Or check out the hopping lounge bar called Sidebar. It features a menu of appetizers and a great drink menu.

For a full dinner, I highly recommend Cut – the hotels flagship Wolfgang Puck restaurant. A stylish steakhouse designed by Richard Meier (acclaimed architect of L.A. Getty Center), somehow, the restaurants all white décor made me feel like calories didn’t count.

Finally, lull yourself to sleep in one of the hotels great rooms. Designed in soft creams and a contemporary design, the rooms live up to the Four Seasons fame, everything is beautiful and in perfect order and the beds seem to be designed to make you never want to leave. The bathrooms feature Italian marble and a long soak in their deep tub is a great end to a perfect day.

What & Where
Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel (9500 Wilshire Blvd; 310-275-5200)


About the Contributor: Margot Black developed a love of travel and tourism as a senior account executive at an international public relations/marketing firm in New York City. She has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and the South Pacific. A move to Los Angeles expanded Margot's expertise and writing skills into the world of entertainment/comedy. She has appeared on NBC, A&E, TNN, GSN and Comedy Central. Her writing has appeared in Written By, She’s So Funny, Joke Soup, and The Comedy Thesaurus. Always an avid traveler, Margot Black knows how to say “what’s for lunch?” in twelve different languages.