A Spritz of Guerlain Scent
Guerlain, a French beauty company since 1828 known for its perfumes, created this luxurious 14,000 square-foot "urban spa retreat" with 18 treatment room. Both hotel guests and locals are welcome.
At the spa's front desk, you're offered a choice of seven Guerlain scents (including heady Shalimar) to be spritzed in your treatment room. I chose a lighter scent called Lemon Fresca, and requested a light spritzing, and it was pleasant. (Anti-fragrance people can always pass.)
I was there for the signature Waldorf Imperiale treatment, a two-hour treatment that combines a massage and facial. First I changed in my private treatment room, then went to the dreamy "footbath lounge" where four sofas are divided by gauzy curtains.
The floor rolled away beneath my feet to reveal a sink, and Brianne climbed down to give me an expert foot exfoliation and massage while we discussed my massage -- what was going on with my body, what kind of pressure I like, etc.
Because it was my first visit, this 15-minute foot bath was complimentary, but it's always available as a (highly recommended) add-on. It's nice to have that time to talk, and it starts the relaxation. Manicures and pedicures also take place in this floaty "foot lounge" and it's sometimes used for bridal spa parties.
I loved the minimalistic beauty of the treatment room -- so white, so calm, so soothing. And my one-hour massage was expertly customized by Brianne for what my body needed. She's a deep tissue specialist, and I would definitely ask for her again.
Fabulous Guerlain Facial
Afterwards, I didn't change rooms to get a facial. I just put my robe on, and watched while Brianne and the esthetician, Maria, changed the sheets and set up the steamer.
Maria is a master of her craft, and it was an excellent facial using Guerlain skin care products. But there's no table for the products (to lessen clutter) so she had to keep running back and forth to the counter. I felt it broke the energetic connection.
I loved that I had two different therapists, each a specialist. (I don't think massage therapists give the best facials.) I loved the luxury of having my own private spa suite. And just walking down the hall of this gorgeous spa, filled with crystal sconces, is a calming experience.
What you won't find at Guerlain Spa is steam, sauna, or hot tubs. Just enjoy that rainshower head in your private spa suite! Prices are luxury-level (think $250+ an hour), but it's a "no tipping" environment. And if you drive, valet parking is included. That should make coming down off the cloud a little easier.
Guerlain Spa At A Glance
- Type of Spa: luxury urban hotel spa
- Location: 301 Park Avenue, between 49th and 50th Streets
- Phone: 212-872-7200
- Services: Signature massages that incorporate Swedish techniques. Deep tissue, pre and post-natal massage, Shiatsu, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, four-handed massage, facials, back facials, body polishes, body wraps, Vichy shower, hydrotherapy, Interconnecting and double rooms for couples and groups.
- Website: Guerlain Spa
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary treatments for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
