The Newly Renovated Four Seasons Hotel Spa in Beverly Hills - A Zen Experience Not to Be Missed

Four Seasons Hotel Spa, Beverly Hills

The last time I had a scrub I vowed never again. I distinctly remember lying in a chilly room as a zoned-out “therapist” pummeled a grainy, resin-like goop into me while humming bad hard rock and slogging me with a wet loofah. The coup de grace was being hosed off with cold water while reclining on a metal rack that looked like it came from Costco.

So, suffice to say, when invited to spend an afternoon at the Four Seasons Hotel Spa in Beverly Hills, The Manipura Experience , which begins with a full-body scrub, was not my first choice treatment. However, I was persuaded by my host’s rather ardent ravings about it. And, when she cautioned, “You have to be open minded” it was a slam-dunk. I’m tired of pricey spa treatments that I could've done to myself or are so boring that I find myself making my grocery list during them. This sounded intriguing, I thought to myself, as I sipped my green tea by the exquisitely landscaped Cabana Restaurant. By the way, I wish I'd allowed more time for this tranquil pool-side spot. The gardens alone put me in a zen state!

The Cabana Restaurant gardens, Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills

The 90-minute Manipura Experience is one of several new therapies developed by the innovative British skincare company, Ila. Ila products offer the “purest and most vital” ingredients. They’re also all organic – from the salt crystals to the linens to the flowers used in the oils. And, the materials used in the products are harvested from all over the world. For me, though, it’s more about sensory perception. In that regard, Ila more than meets its mark. The products feel and smell luxurious and almost intoxicating – from the lavender candles burning throughout the spa, to the rose and sandalwood face oil that I sampled while waiting in the reception area. We were off to a great start!

Now, the treatment. As mentioned, it begins with a full-body scrub aimed at "purifying, detoxifying and stimulating the lymphatic system", and releasing toxins. You can choose among several types of scrubs, mud, crystals etc. I chose crystals. As the therapist laid her hands on me, I braced myself. Should I have gone for mud? However, unlike the previous scrub, this time my therapist had an amazing touch. Her hands firmly massaged the crystals over my skin – and it felt heavenly – as if you could feel the toxins being released by my departing dead skin (I was not under the influence of anything - I swear!). While she massaged away, I actually fell into something of a trance – so much so - that when she informed me that phase one - the scrub - was over and it was time to shower off, I just lay there staring at her. I finally uttered, “I’m sorry, could you repeat that? I feel paralyzed.” She looked at me alarmingly – until I calmed her by relaying I was paralyzed “in a good way” i.e. I was completely and utterly relaxed. The therapist attributed my dazed state to the amazing crystals, informing me "Ila’s salt crystals are millions of years old and harvested from the Himalayas.” Quite frankly, I didn’t care if therapist had run out on her coffee break and harvested them from a nearby Ralph’s grocery store. It felt fantastic!

The second phase of the treatment involves massage. This full body massage combined several different techniques – a mix of classic Swedish, aromatherapy and something that, to me, resembled a hot stone massage. Using several small, heated linen satchels, filled with marigold and lavender (a “poultice”), the therapist gave me what is described as a “10 petalled massage” on the abdomen. The heated poultices – which smell divine - are also placed on the back during the massage. It's all aimed at aiding digestion, reducing stress, and eliminating toxins. If you'd told me I might have enjoyed this type of massage, particularly on the abdomen, I would’ve been skeptical. But it was seriously relaxing. A side note here – do not eat before the Manipura Experience. A full tummy might make for some discomfort.

So did I feel cleansed and reenergized at the end? I did indeed. But the thing I liked most about The Manipura Experience was the effect it had on my skin. Not only was my skin freshly exfoliated, it actually glistened and felt silky, so much so, that I wore mini-skirts all weekend to show off my legs. I mean, think about it, when was the last time you had your back exfoliated? How about never! Seeing as the vast majority of the toxins our bodies carry are in the skin, this is more than a good idea.

The spa-side Pool at The Four Seasons Hotel , Beverly Hills

Of course the only drawback for some is the price. At $255, The Manipura Experience is double the cost most of us pay for a great massage. But the newly renovated pool, spa and Cabana Restaurant are gorgeous and you can grab some girlfriends or a good book (or a great guy!) and make a day out of it. So, if you can afford it and you want to treat yourself, or a loved one, to something fantastic and unusual, I say go for it. The word “manipura”, in Sanskrit, means “beautiful, shining jewel.” Who doesn’t aspire to feel like that?

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