Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly HillsFour Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
It’s that time of year again, and where better than Beverly Hills—the Four Seasons, no less—to offer inspiration for whipping clients into shape for swimsuit season? I was lucky enough to sample one of two 60-minute Kerstin Florian body treatments recently introduced at the hotel’s 3,695-square-foot spa, which also just welcomed new spa director Deirdre Bradford.
The serene spa entrance and retail area look out onto the tantalizing pool deck, inviting hotel guests to lounge, then lunch at the adjacent Cabana Restaurant. Spa services can also be enjoyed in a private poolside cabana while sipping champagne. Sigh.
I checked in for my service early, leaving plenty of time to chill in the softly lit relaxation room, complete with comfy sofa, plush covered La-Z-Boy chairs and soft blankets. Glossy magazines? Check. (This being L.A., you never know if one of the faces in the gossip pages will be sitting next to you, in the flesh).
After being escorted to a beautiful room adorned with mosaic tiles, I was ready for my Body Slimming Treatment ($205). Also on the menu: a Kerstin Florian Body Brightening Treatment, $190, which employs natural exfoliating enzymes and body-buffing techniques to refine texture and brighten skin.
Before getting to grips with my lumps and bumps (no mean feat), my therapist, Gilma, warned me that she’d add a little elbow grease when applying the lotions and serums, to help them penetrate, before checking what kind of pressure I wanted for the massage portion (“Is ‘wimp level’ an option?”, I almost asked.)
The treatment started off with a gentle dry brush exfoliation, aimed at stimulating lymphatic drainage and circulation. Gilma then slathered a mask containing nutrient-rich algae all over my body, before giving me a head massage that nearly had me drifting off to sleep. Without prompting—I swear!—she kindly noted that I didn’t have any visible cellulite, but that she could detect a little when she squeezed the area (which shall remain nameless).
Next, an application of intensive, highly concentrated body serum was enough to wake me up. Gilma explained that the serum contained slimming actives, plus firming and refining extracts to boost elasticity and refine skin. The ultimate goal: a sleek, smooth contoured look. More soothing massage ensued, with Gilma working her magic on my numerous shoulder and back knots, the result of hunching over the computer on a daily basis. Who says body-buffing treatments can’t be relaxing too?
The service completed, I wanted to skulk into one of the hotel’s guest rooms undetected, and never leave. Sadly, that wasn’t to be, but I did get to slip back to the relaxation area for as long as I was able to linger, where Gilma presented me with a china serving plate bearing a chilled glass of water, a warm hand towel and a mini raspberry chocolate treat. And did I mention the fact that chocolate buttons are among the treats delicately laid out for guests to snack on?
Did I get mistaken for Angelina Jolie on the way out? No. Did I have a spring in my step? Yes. But I’m aware that it takes vigilance with my diet, a moderate amount of exercise as well as regular treatments like this to have any lasting effect on my dimply derrière.
For more on body smoothing and anti-cellulite options, see DAYSPA‘s three-part Targeting Cellulite series (April, May and June 2014) and our list of debunked cellulite myths.
