The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills is as hip as it gets. Luxury automobiles pull up to the curving driveway, young turks glide out, toss their keys to valets, and saunter in their chic suits and sunglasses into the hotel. Inside, the lobby gleams. The posh restaurants, The Bazaar and Tres by Jose Andres, offer high-end cuisine and modern cocktails in Philip Starck-designed settings. The sleek designs of Philip Starck are also seen in the guest rooms and Ciel Spa. Welcome to Beverly Hills, people; this is what it looks like. But if you really want a break from your reality, and to dive into a luxury Beverly Hills fantasy, you’ve got to experience a spa day getaway at the SLS Hotel.
Clearly, I have no shame
The Ciel Spa at the SLS Hotel is almost entirely bathed in white, with modern yet comfortable touches throughout. To be honest, at first I found all the white to be stark and sterile; it’s a different look than the muted browns, sage and pastels of most spas. There were a few other women in my group, and we enjoyed quietly talking and enjoying the ambiance. As I relaxed, the white tones seemed less austere and more calming and dreamy. Perhaps that’s part of the genius of Philip Starck, I mused contentedly while getting a 4-step facial. Fortunately I remained alert enough to bug my poor spa therapist into taking a couple candid shots of this facial in progress (he was of good humor).
This is the mani-pedi room of the spa
Spa days, girlfriend getaways, and romantic couples’ treatments are all able to be highly individualized according to each guest’s personal tastes here. The luxury of having each step of the day be exactly as each guest would like it to be cannot be understated. All spas pride themselves on personal attention, of course, but I’ve found it to be absolutely true at the Ciel Spa. Sebastian, who gave me my facial treatment, asked first about any sensitivities, and dryness, etc, and proceeded to treat my face, neck and shoulders with just what they needed to feel great. Step one was a natural exfoliator, step two was a replenishing and calming hydrator, step 3 involved soaking in some Vitamin C and Vitamin K underneath a cream mask, and step 4 was a moisturizer called Oxygen Multi-Vitamin Nourishment for normal to combination skin.
Truth: this was the second real manicure I got since I got married. In the 1990's.
A manicure followed, along with more chit-chat with my group. Because we’d started the day together in a private suite with breakfast and mimosas, and the spa visit was followed by High Tea in Tres’ private tea room, the day passed sumptuously and, alas, too soon. Those of us that opted for facials couldn’t stop feeling our cheeks and remarking on how fantastic we felt. A spa day getaway at the SLS Hotel’s Ciel Spa is recommended for women looking to splurge and spoil themselves. I very rarely splurge on spa girlfriend getaways, but the SLS Hotel’s Ciel Spa left me already wondering when I could come back.
Signature treatments at the Ciel Spa at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills:
Beautiful Body – “Surf and Sand” body buff exfoliating treatment followed by “green tea and Clay” full body wrap. 105 minutes for #220
Nirvana Renewal – Two spa therapists massage on an exfoliating coconut/vanilla scrub, with an “Experience Shower” following, and ending with a 60-minute Nirvana massage. 120 minutes for $465
Rejuvenate – Accompanied by a Bloody Mary (I had one, spicy and delicious), a warm soak in a tub and scalp massage ends with a 60-minute customized facial. 105 minutes for $225
Soul to Soul for two – Luxurious couples’ soak and massages, with a scented massage candle to take home. 90 minutes for $350
And here we have the couples' treatment room
The Ciel Spa is a favorite for bridal showers and local drop-in girlfriend getaways. Travelers visiting Beverly Hills avail themselves of the spa to get a sense of the posh life Beverly Hills denizens are all supposed to live. True or not (not!), the fantasy is real at the SLS Hotel’s luxury spa.
Thank you to the SLS Hotel and Ciel Spa for hosting this spa day getaway.
When I saw that photo of you in the cream mask, I was going to say, “Clearly, you have no shame” — but then you went and captioned it that way your OWN self.
I’m deeply thrilled that you’ve chosen to get a manicure once every 20 years or so, and even more excited about that couples’ treatment room. Looks like it’s time to get myself to the SLS!
The staff at Vida Emanuel are educated in permanent make up at their day spa in Beverly Hills.
Lovely. Now you are talking Nancy’s language! Not only is this my favourite pass time (going to the spa) I was a Massage Therapist for 15 years before moving onto the world of travel blogging and I do appreciate luxuriously appointed spas.
Nancy (& Shawn)
I review spas quite a bit in my other life as a beauty blogger but have never been to the SLS Hotel which I hear is increds. I am now eager to visit–thank you for sharing!
Oooh I had a treatment here when updating the Frommer’s LA guide a few years back, and it was delightful. Actually, the whole stay at SLS (including dinner at Bazaar) was one of my favorite SoCal travel experiences.
WOW! This place looks so heavenly and the pictures of the spa are clean & crisp! I am looking for the next place to for me an my girlfriends to plan our next getaway and this Spa Day in Beverly Hills will definitely make the list. Thanks for the idea Jennifer.