The cult-favorite spa Bliss brings its brand of irreverent fun to Washington with the opening of the W Washington D.C. hotel, located in the former Hotel Washington in DC’s downtown.
Located just below ground level, the 3,000-square-foot haven is the 16th Bliss spa and its 14th property in a W-branded hotel.
We were the first to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the space, including information on the spa’s trademark brownie bar—catered by the local chain Bread & Chocolate, winner of the “You Be the Fudge” taste test that took place on the streets of DC over the past few weeks.
Bliss is a modern oasis, decorated in the brand’s signature white and blue. To add a Washington touch, the wall separating the treatment areas from the retail space was designed with tones of cream, blue, and pink to represent cherry blossoms and a blue sky.
The spa features four treatment rooms, two manicure and pedicure stations, and men’s and women’s changing rooms plus a small retail shop stocking Bliss products and other selected lines.
One of our favorite features? The wall of Essie nail polishes, artfully arranged by color, which looked more like a work of art than a wall of polish. You’ll be catching many a glimpse, too—the brownie bar sits below it. Pedicures are performed on throne-like chairs, and a Plexiglas display holds current magazines.
Treatment rooms are sparse yet comfortable, with warm blankets on the treatment beds and thick doors to prevent external noise.
Changing areas, decorated in the spa’s minimalist style, include a full shower and bathroom as well as code-locking cubbies for storing clothes and purses during treatments. Naturally, the sink features a large array of Bliss products.
The two waiting areas feature chilled flavored water, comfortable chaises, and a selection of magazines.
Looking to book a treatment? Bliss spas are known for their triple-oxygen treatment, ginger rubdown, and “betweeny” wax.
515 15th St., NW; 202-661-2418; blissworld.com.
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