Here at Woman Around Town, we take our spa treatments very seriously. The Aqua Star Spa, part of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, is worth the several hundred dollar airfare to California just for one of their signature massages. (Of course, if you happen to be in L.A., this spa is a must stop).
The spa was opened in July of 2006 as part of the $80 million renovation to the famous posh hotel (recently host to the 2010 Golden Globes). It has over 50 treatments across categories like facials, massages, waxing, and body treatments, to name a few. Aqua Star’s most popular treatment is the Aqua Star Signature Massage—coincidentally the treatment I had.
I asked Maureen Schumacher, the spa’s director, what distinguishes Aqua Star Spa from all the others in the area. She replied, “I think one of the main differences is the warmth and friendliness of our staff. We take an interest in our guests as people, not just clients.” The spa’s staff lived up to this advance billing.
When I checked in, the spa’s assistant director, Tabatha, brought out a selection of complementary oils, to be used as aromatherapy during the massage (it’s what makes the Signature massage different from a standard Swedish massage) and asked me to pick up to three. While I was sniffing each one, she said, “I always like to see which scents our guests pick. I think it says something about them.”
After I chose my oils, Tabatha gave me a brief tour of the amenities, which included a personal steam room, complete with eucalyptus-scented steam, and beautiful showers with high-end bath products. I noticed that the dressing area was wheelchair-accessible, something that most spas can’t say. The waiting room was one of the most relaxing I have ever been in—it even had custom teas and cookies baked fresh for the spa every day by the hotel’s pastry chef.
The massage itself was one of the best I have ever had for two reasons. One, the treatment incorporated stretching, delivering blissful relaxation to the arms and legs. Two, I love it when a full body massage is started face up then continued face down because, to me, the most important part to be massaged is the back, usually the site where tension creates tight muscles. I find that the amount of relaxation I achieve is directly related to how close the massaging of my back is to the end of the treatment. The closer to the end, the better. This massage focused on every other part of my body first and worked my back last, therefore giving me the maximum amount of relaxation.
A professional, friendly, and welcoming staff combined with beautiful amenities and wonderful treatments make the Aqua Star Spa an absolute must-visit for the spa lover. While the spa staff would never treat and tell, the clientele no doubt includes many famous and well-toned Hollywood bodies. Yet each and every guest is treated like a star.
Aqua Star Spa
In the Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California
310-274-7777
www.beverlyhilton.com
