MIRAVAL LIFE IN BALANCE SPA MONARCH BEACH RESORT
DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA
While Miraval’s flagship Arizona property is one of the world’s highest-rated destination spas, the brand is less well known in Southern California. That should change soon as the Monarch Beach Resort in Orange County has just opened its newly redesigned and rebranded Miraval Life in Balance Spa in Dana Point, California. The 30,000-square-foot spa features 24 treatment rooms, spa suites for couples, a spa boutique, and nail salon, as well as a Miraval Spa Café. The spa brings more than 70 of its signature treatments which incorporate its “Life in Balance” spirit, including fitness and yoga, healthy food options at the resort restaurants, and wellness talks and events. While many LA spa facials use aggressive machines and chemical peels, Miraval takes a gentler, holistic approach with high-end organic lines like ESPA and EmerginC. My entire face felt squeaky clean and almost vibrating after my custom facial (90 min/$200), and I credit the therapist’s technique of massaging my face throughout. Miraval also offers unique fitness options, like Aerial Yoga ($45) where you’re supported by a yoga hammock, or HIIT the Water ($15), a high-intensity interval training on the beach using shallow ocean water as resistance. A guest in the cafe raved about the Floating Meditation class ($45), where guests float weightlessly in a silk hammock while being rocked to the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls (very LA). www.miravalspamonarchbeach.com
—Paul Horne
AURORA SPA AT WEST SONOMA INN
GUERNEVILLE, CALIFORNIA
Walk from the hotel lobby to Aurora Spa at West Sonoma Inn in Guerneville, and you’ll be greeted by a view of Korbel’s vineyards and looming hills coated in redwood trees. You’ll find the same vista in two of the three treatment rooms, where massage choices range from Swedish (120 min/$205) to Deep Tissue (120 min/215), with the option of a Hot River Stone massage for total relaxation (90 min/$165). Lavender is the key ingredient in a Russian River Exfoliation, combining a salt scrub with application of moisturizing body butter (60 min/$135). While you’re pampering your skin, of special interest are the Sumbody treatments, using products from cleansers to facial masques to toner from this amazing company based in nearby Sebastopol. We suggest the custom-designed Gentleman’s Experience (60 min/$115), designed to match your skin care needs, or perhaps an Age Defying Facial (60 min/$115). For total indulgence, pair one of the facials with a Swedish Massage (90 min/$165, 120 min/$210). As you finish getting rejuvenated, glance up at the verdant hills and the grapevines below. Aren’t you glad you came to Russian River? www.westsonomainn.com
—Rich Rubin
THE PEARL LAGUNA
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Laguna Beach is known for its art festivals, beautiful beaches, and a city council so willing to encourage a healthy lifestyle it has banned smoking anywhere within the city limits (we’re talking a $500 fine even for smoking outside on the sidewalk). So this California beach community was the perfect spot for a recent detox vacation, and The Pearl Laguna delivered with a luxurious week-long program of hiking, yoga, and expertly prepared vegetarian cuisine ($5,250 per week all-inclusive). The property has gone through a transformation of its own, as it was formerly a Hell’s Angels compound before the current owners, yoga teacher and married couple Geo and Katresha Moskios turned it into a 12-bedroom luxury bootcamp. What makes the Pearl stand out from similar retreats is the size—only eight to 12 other participants stay in the shared home at a time. The staff, including a chef, hiking guides, and house managers are all extremely attentive (and I’d be remiss to not mention gorgeous), which made that gentle 6 A.M. wake-up knock on the door less awful. Days follow a consistent schedule: wake-up for hot water and lemon, morning yoga, breakfast of poached fruit with yogurt and nuts, a three-hour hike through the gorgeous Laguna canyon, return home to a freshly made juice, then a quick group workout in the gym or pool, followed by lunch. A massage is included every day after lunch, along with a few hours to relax or nap before an evening yoga class, followed by dinner. Most guests collapse in bed by 10 P .M, so they can start again fresh the next morning. All body types, and all levels of hiking and yoga ability are accommodated, and the most challenging part of the Pearl for most guests is the detox, which encourages guests to refrain from alcohol, coffee, sugar, and processed food for a few weeks before your arrival, as none are served on site. Unsurprisingly, I quickly got used to living with my own chef and yoga instructors in a luxurious stone mansion, and I left the Pearl seven pounds lighter with a daily exercise habit I’m happy to keep. www.thepearllaguna.com
—Paul Horne
THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS DENVER
DENVER, COLORADO
Four Seasons Denver has “good energy,” which is actually quite infectious, and much of this has to do with the service. It’s obvious, the staff is happy to work here, which helps create a wonderful ambience and a truly memorable stay. The Spa at Four Seasons Denver is an integral part of this experience. This sanctuary pulls inspiration from an abundance of the surrounding, Colorado nature, as well as holistic philosophies. Before my spa journey, I spent time chilling out at the outdoor pool oasis, and it would be wrong not to point out Four Seasons Denver has one of the best hotel gyms in America. The 24-hour, 2,354-squarefoot fitness center is large for a city hotel, and it went through a major remodel with brand-new equipment and Queenax Functional Training Room (think Crossfit equipment like punching bags and battle ropes). A true highlight is the addition of Doug Graham as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Dough has trained the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Vikings, so you know you’ll have a legit one-on-one session. But back to the amazing urban retreat. There are ten treatment rooms, salon, nail services, and separate relaxation lounges and facilities for men and women, decked out in wood and stone, which brings an element of nature indoors. The men’s area (maintained by a male spa attendant) was equipped with the works, including an aromatherapy steam room, a hot tub, and a relaxation area. Because the spa recently introduced acupuncture, I gave it a shot (also, it had been a while since I’ve been pinned). For the Five Element Acupuncture (80 min/$225), my acupuncturist and I engaged in a solid consultation where she explained how acupuncture works, what I should expect, and a series of questions that would help target problem areas. She definitely had a “one with nature” sensibility (OK, sure, she was a little New Age/bohemian in that Boulder way, which I loved as it only made me feel more comfortable with her encyclopedic knowledge of Eastern medicine). I also indulged in a deep-tissue massage (50 min/$140). I say “indulge” specifically because it was a euphoric moment, the pressure from the therapist so deep that I was fully knackered afterward, with all the tense areas totally fixed. The spa was so next-level (and effortlessly full of “good energy”) that I made time to visit every day. www.fourseasons.com/denver
—Jimmy Im
Pool at Windsor Court, New Orleans
SPA AT WINDSOR COURT
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Windsor Court feels like it’s steeped in centuries-old history (not uncommon for New Orleans). The AAA Four-Diamond hotel is sophisticated and timeless, with European antiques and a wealth of original, period paintings, sculptures, and tapestries that value more than $8 million. But the hotel didn’t age into its elegance (it’s not even a decade old), and therein lies the magic. Windsor Court perfectly creates an old-world allure and merges it with modern, highbrow comforts (heavy on English/Victorian sensibility), though the spa is in a whole world of its own. The 4,500-square-foot, Spa at Windsor Court doesn’t transport you to another era, but into a swank, contemporary cocoon of wellness. It’s a sanctuary where intimacy is appreciated, with a modest reception area designed with a huge budget. Swarovski crystals line the ceiling, and motherof-pearl tiles add a glimmer. The spa attendants are warm, and they whisk you into the spa facilities, where you’ll need time to take advantage of the separate men/women’s areas with sauna and steam room. Also, guests have access to the outdoor pool, which I enjoyed before my appointment. My therapist was intuitive for my Deep-Tissue Massage (80 min/$210) and truly provided the deep pressure I requested. I went on to get a Natura Bisse Diamond White Facial (80 min/$295). Natura Bisse, a high-end product line based out of Spain, has been dominating the luxury hotel spa market, and I’m a fan. Their products are expensive, which actually justifies the facial, especially when Windsor Court goes the extra step here with hand/arm massage, aroma nectar body alignment, triple exfoliation, firming mask, and LED light therapy. The two intensive concentrate treatments are meant to help brighten and even out skin tone, and it definitely shows results right away. www.windsorcourthotel.com
—Jimmy Im
THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS DOWNTOWN NEW YORK
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Good things come to those who wait, like Four Seasons Downtown New York, a hotel that was 16 years in the making. Just steps from the World Trade Center, it’s the second Manhattan location for the brand. Taking over the first 24 floors of an 84-story building, the property feels geared more toward business travelers and, if that’s the reality, there’s good reason why these business travelers should skip out on all their meetings. The spa here is one of the best in New York City, an urban retreat so pampering that you won’t want to leave. The spa reception has a range of imported spa products, and the spa itself has a thoughtful, art-centric, whimsical design with curved walls, engaging art pieces, cream marble mosaics, paper art, tree-trunk tables, mother of pearl everywhere, and high ceilings. The 75-foot, indoor, heated lap pool is now one of the largest hotel pools in Manhattan. If you come during the day, the tranquil sanctuary is perfectly lit with natural sunlight from windows. The men’s facility is forward thinking in design, anchored by a central steam room with curved marble walls that dictate the flow of the space. To be the best, you have to offer the best, and the treatment menu features high-end Dr. Burgener Switzerland skincare products (its debut in the United States) and Omorovizca of Hungary treatments where one can splurge on a green-caviar facial that starts at $340 (you won’t find this anywhere else in NYC). During this visit, I enjoyed a deep-tissue massage (50 min/$225) in a gorgeous, calming treatment room from a male masseur who hit all the right spots. Afterward, I topped it off with a manicure (45 min/$50) in the salon. www.fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown
—Jimmy Im
Sun Terrace at the Peninsula New York
THE SPA AT THE PENINSULA NEW YORK
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
It’s a certain kind of luxury that greets guests as the elevator door opens onto the 21st floor to The Spa at The Peninsula New York. Staff welcomes you in a large, dark-wood atrium that brings about a much-needed mute to NYC life. Come early for a swim in one of the few indoor pools high in the sky, or take a steam, sauna, or just relax on the Sun Lounge. With only ten treatment rooms, you can expect a customized and intimate experience. My therapist Lomis is a treasure, and she walks me through the MBR (Medical Beauty Research) treatment that uses the MBR skincare products developed in Germany. These products work on a cellular level down to the dermal layer. The Customized MBR Facial (60 min/$360), Lomis tells me, is “the best available,” and expresses her jealousy over my use of these coveted cosmetics. “They are free of mineral oil, parabens, PEG, phthalates, and artificial fragrances.” This treatment works in multiple layers: Open (cleanse and enzyme peel), Treat (stimulate the dermis and epidermis for increased collagen production), and Close (seal ingredients in the skin to maximize resiliency). When Lomis finds out that it is my birthday the following day, she carefully leads me out of the treatment room into a relaxation area where she brings in a bottle of Champagne. Now, this is true fivestar spa experience www.newyork.peninsula.com
—Joseph Pedro
The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place
THE SPA AT BELMOND CHARLESTON PLACE
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
In the Southern tradition of hospitality and grace, meet the Spa at Belmond Charleston Place. The hotel itself offers a perfect central location and comfortable, grand décor, but inside is a polished haven of relaxation. The sprawling spa recently underwent major renovations that spruced up its pool and Jacuzzi, topped by a retractable glass roof. Just outside its doors is a rooftop patio with lounge chairs and bar, a dreamy spot to unwind before or after a treatment. The LGBT-friendly Belmond brand has long made its spas a main attraction for guests, with an extensive selection of treatments. Men have an especially robust choice of facial, massage, waxing, and hand and foot services, like the peppermint-extract Relaxing Body Scrub for Men and half-hour massage (50 min/$165); Total Detox for Men full seaweed wrap (50 min/$165); or the Time Out Facial for Men anti-aging treatment (80 min/$250). Bodywork is top of the list here, so consider a “Together” massage with your mate using Warm Stone (80 min/$500) or a simple Swedish (50 min/$280, 100 min/$550). Scrubs, Moroccan oil, Champagne, and several more skin and muscle therapies may prove tempting enough that you’d be wise to select a spa package. Try the Perfect Mini Get-Away (180 min/$295) for a facial, Swedish massage, and pedicure; or perhaps the Aqua Man (150 min/$290) treatment trio that includes a relaxing body scrub, skin cleansing “oil-change facial,” and “man-I-cure” for trimmed and well-buffed fingertips. www.belmond.com/charleston-place
—Kelsy Chauvin
