Spa at Four Seasons St. Louis
March 30, 2009 by Aly Walansky
Filed under Bath and Body, Beauty, Wellness
Interestingly, even though my vocation has led to me getting many fabulous massages, I’ve never had a Swedish one or ANY at the Four Seasons – this weekend, I finally got to “lose my virginity” in both respects.
While in St. Louis for their local Fashion Week festivities, the Four Seasons Hotel invited me to stop by and check out their spa. My partner-in-crime (or indulgence, as the case may be), stowed away our worldly possessions in lockers, put on robes and slippers, and settled into a cozy lounge before our appointments.
We were both, as I said, getting Swedish massages – and while I was peripherally aware of them, I wasn’t entirely sure of what made them different from others.
In short, Swedish massage is the gentle giant of the spa and massage world – it’s relaxing, stress-easing, soft, and delicate, and when done right, can actually help to detox your sins away. It does so by broad, gentle strokes and kneading; this loosens your muscles, which then helps to release toxins.
Now, for those of you spa-shy, I have to tell you that this is a bare skin massage – but at the Four Seasons, it’s done in the most respectful way possible. Your therapist will show you into the treatment room, but then leave to give you some privacy while you undress and lie on the massage table. You will then be covered by a warm cozy towel, and during the massage, your therapist will fold the sheet back in order to massage different parts of your body, but leave other parts covered so that you don’t feel too exposed.
I have to say, at the end of my hour appointment, my always-knotted neck felt A LOT better.
But the day was far from over – after our massages, we were both welcome to freely enjoy the spa. We spent a few minutes in the steam room (we wanted to soak in all the essential oils we could!), and then visited the hot tub – nothing says BFF like hanging with your gal pal post-massage in a buzzing whirlpool and sipping a cocktail!
Do we love this place? Yes, yes we do!!! But, it’s the Four Seasons…I would have been surprised had we NOT loved it. Something to note, though: We were invited guests, but an hour massage is generally only $95 – and includes use of the sauna, cold plunge pool, and hot tub, and all spa lounges, etc. How shockingly recession friendly is that??
Images: Four Seasons
wow that sure looks like a good spa. Its been a long time since I have had a massage, maybe its time i get another one?
This would be a DREAM COME TRUE…. I can’t imagine anything more luxurious! The Four Seasons is top drawer all the way!
wow, i’m crossing my fingers!
i never had a massage before but this article makes it sounds so tempting
This seems like a great deal. Would love to get this treatment.
As someone from St. Louis, just wanted to say I’m glad you had a good time. I’m kind of ashamed to say that I’ve never made it to the Four Seasons, it sounds great. I might just have to splurge.
Wow it’s great to keep in mind that this sanity-enhancing spa treatment is affordable- massage therapists need to work too you know!
(never had one, but aspire to!)
Sounds lovely.
it’s so great that you’ve been able to meld your passion for beauty and writing in a career…but it’s even more amazing that you get such fantastic opportunities!
need it, want it
Okay, I want your job. You get invited to try out spas???? Wow, is all that I can think of to say.
I love my massages. I can’t believe you managed to last so long before getting a Swedish massage. They are heavenly.
Good to know that they don’t leave you feeling exposed; to me, that would be one of the main drawbacks of having this type of massage.
I work in a spa and I hate it when people are so uncomfortable during their service that they don’t fully enjoy the services. It is our job to make sure you are always comfortable…The Four Seasons are the creme de la creme of spas…they are amazing!
Oh I so need a spa day! I’ve never had one, but I know now that I need one more than ever!
That sounds really lovely, and i am surprised that the price is relatively reasonable considering it is a four star spa.
My son-in-law is a master massage therapist. He always is available for me – I try not to take advantage!
I am so overdue for a massage! I have made the rounds at my local spas, but I’ve found that the best massage therapist by far around here (PA sticks) is the one at my chiro’s office.
wow this looks wonderful-i have never been to a spa before and the best massage i ever got was one from my boyfriend!!lol
I think Swedish anything is worth the indulgence…Swedish massage, Swedish meatballs, Swedish Fish. Yes, please! Were the cocktails also Swedish?
My next vacation destination perhaps??
your review made me want this soooo much!!!! *droool*
I’ve always found Swedish massages too gentle to work out these band kinks I have in my lower back muscles. But any massage is a good massage.
Oooooo I felt relaxed just reading the post – and what an incredible bargain for a 4 star spa. The pictures alone made my mouth water – I’m in even more desperate need of a massage now!
This Spa looks so beautiful!! I wish I can go! I’ve never been to a spa! It sounded like you had a good experience!
The pictures above puts your mind at east, just by looking at them.
looks amazing