SPRINGTIME SPA RENEWAL

The holiday hoopla is long over. We’ve long moved past writing the wrong year on our rent checks. Fashion Week, Awards Show season, another Kardashian show… check, check and check! 2011 is rolling along and people everywhere are bidding adieu to last year’s toxins, both mentally and physically. Runway hit the streets to find out exactly where all this springtime renewal is taking place…

FOUR SEASONS SPA | PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Much like the hotel itself, everything is worth trying at a Four Seasons Spa. Certain treatments, like their Seaside Escape body treatment, are done with such precision that recipients often leave wondering if a better way to spend 80 minutes can possibly exist.

Inspired by the ocean-side milieu, this customizable full-body treatment zeros in on the benefits of seaweed. To begin, marine oils and sea salts gently combine to increase circulation, remove toxins and exfoliate  when massaged into the skin. Guests are then enveloped in a mineral-rich seaweed warming hydration wrap. To finish, a silky heated gel is gently kneaded into skin, relaxing tight muscles and draining congestion. The results are a stimulated metabolic system, radiant skin and visibly reduced silhouette.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

2800 South Ocean Blvd. | Palm Beach, FL 33480

561.533.3715 | http://fourseasons.com/palmbeach/spa

SPA MONTAGE - BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA

There are few spas that compare to the tranquil luxury found at Spa Montage. Specifically designed to help rid the body of excess fluids, the Body Sculpting treatment seemed most spot-on. Spa-goers work with a therapist trained in manual lymphatic drainage, focusing only on the thighs or stomach region.

Gentle connective tissue therapy is applied, concluding with tightly wrapped icy mud compresses to draw out impurities - thus encouraging waste removal and a smoother epidermal appearance. Sixty minutes of total pampering this is not, but with slimming teases of cellulite reduction in a Moorish sanctuary setting, the end surely justifies the means. Last, a cooling anti-fluid gel is applied, leaving skin feeling woken and rehabilitated.

Spa Montage at Montage Beverly Hills

225 North Canon Drive | Beverly Hills, CA 90210  

310.860.7840 | http://spamontage.com

BLISS CHICAGO SPA | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Bliss Spa is a modern oasis tucked inside many of the W hotel properties. From movie-while-you-manicure nail stations to a legendary brownie buffet, there's nothing misleading about the moniker here. This particular treatment, however, might not lure clients in by just name alone.

Branded after signature Bliss products, the fatgirlslim treatment is actually a godsend when occasions call for curve-hugging attire. A progression of targeted applications creates an experience that not only detoxifies and tones but is relaxing to boot. Circulation is stimulated first through total-body dry brushing. Firming grapefruit essential oils are then applied, along with a seaweed mask and heated body wrap. Afterward, Bliss' Love Handler gel is massaged into skin, followed by an ample slathering of Bliss' FatGirlSlim or FatGirlSleep cream - leaving guests camera-ready.

Bliss Spa at W Chicago-Lakeshore
644 North Lake Shore Dr. | Chicago, IL 60611
312.201.9545 | http://blissworld.com

SPAHALEKULANI |HONOLULU, HAWAII

SpaHalekulani is the first spa in the Pacific Islands to specialize in healing body treatments. Focused solely on mind/body renewal, it was the Pure Renewal treatment that sparked our interest. Much more than a spa service, Pure Renewal is a detoxification experience - it's 3½ hours of revitalizing treatments, specialty cuisine and personalized Halekulani hotel service.

Indulgers begin with a calming cinnamon orange detox tea and SpaHalekulani signature foot pounding. Reflexology is administered to open up circulation channels, followed by a massage to relax the lymphatic system. Next, guests are served a Maui pineapple, mint and ginger smoothie to complete the detoxification process - after which comes full body skin brushing, to awaken the lymphatic system, and an espresso limon body wrap. The grand finale is a lunch served on their ocean terrace with a detox therapy foot soak. By the end, optimal well-being is restored leaving guests with absolute physical and mental purification.

SpaHalekulani at Halekulani Hotel

2199 Kalia Road | Honolulu, HI 96815

808.931.5322 | http://halekulani.com/spa_halekulani

GOLDEN DOOR SPA | PARK CITY, UTAH

Inside the famed Waldorf Astoria Park City, at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, lies a 16,000-square-foot Golden Door Spa - home of the Japanese art of healing and lymphatic massage. 

The 80-minute lymphatic massage therapy is said to assist in building healthier lymphatic and immune systems. By combining light-touch and therapeutic strokes, this graceful massage encourages the elimination of bacteria and excess fluids. By the end of the treatment, the body's detoxification process has begun and energy is replenished.  Top it all off by breathing in the serenity of the private outdoor terrace and fireplace.

Golden Door Spa at the Waldorf Astoria Park City

2100 West Frostwood Blvd. | Park City, UT 84098

435.647.5555 | http://goldendoorspa.com/parkcity