Celebrities and politicos are fans of the Four Seasons' swanky spa treatments. Photograph courtesy of the Four Seasons
The Spa at the Four Seasons
2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-944-2022
The Four Seasons in Georgetown is a longtime favorite of visiting celebrities and diplomats. But you don’t need an entourage to enjoy A-list treatment at the boutique spa and newly revamped fitness center with its saline lap pool.
This is the only area spa to offer facials designed by celebrity aesthetician Kate Somerville as well as Carita products, a cult-favorite French line—including $600-a-bottle Diamond Cream. You can live the high life if you book the spa’s Gold and Diamond facial ($450), featuring ultrasonic exfoliation, microcurrent therapy to lift and tone sagging muscles, and LED therapy to calm redness and stimulate collagen production.
Care for something a little less luxe? The Basic Kate facial—a 50-minute, $140 treatment—leaves you with glowing skin.
Valet parking is free with any treatment.
Bottom line: A favorite with local ladies-who-lunch and visiting A-listers, the spa lives up to its celebrity reputation.
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The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental
1330 Maryland Ave., SW; 202-787-6100
The Mandarin Oriental hotel’s Asian-inspired spas are known for being luxurious and beautiful. The Washington outpost is no exception.
The pampering starts in the men’s and women’s lounges, with their oversize lounge beds, hot- and cold-water “experiences” including showers and an ice fountain, and fantastical steam rooms. Guests are encouraged to arrive at least an hour early to enjoy the facilities.
The Zen-like ambience doesn’t stop in the relaxation room. Our new favorite? The Bamboo Massage ($215 weekdays, $235 weekends), an 80-minute treatment that’s similar to a hot-stone massage but done with warmed bamboo rods about six inches long.
Valet parking is free with any half- or full-day package.
Bottom line: With its relaxing spa lounge—and those unmatched water features—this ultra-luxe spa is the best in the area for an afternoon of pure bliss. It’s also the priciest.
This article appears in the July 2011 issue of The Washingtonian.
