St Louis Magazine / June 2008 / Season of Enlightenment

Season of Enlightenment

I've always been suspicious of spas that promise ultimate relaxation. Come on, how is it possible to completely disconnect during a 90-minute session? An hour into most treatments, my mind is still making its way through the list of what I didn't accomplish that week. Well, I came as close to Zen as I ever have when I treated myself to a South Seas Ritual at The Four Seasons Spa. My blood pressure instantly dropped as I stepped into the über-tranquil space. The staff spoke in hushed voices and showed me to the chic locker room fit with a massive steam room, elegant whirlpool (yes, it is possible) and incredibly private treatment rooms. The experience itself can be described in one word: heaven. It starts off with a coconut body polish that sloughs off the last of the dreadful winter layer, followed by a Mylar body wrap, which allows the moisturizing elements to penetrate the skin. While that magic soaks in, an aloe face wash, seaweed mask and hair moisturizer is applied. To top it off, a hydrating Thai massage relieves sore muscles and increases circulation. Leaving the spa, I made a new list: Hydrated skin? Check. Glowy appearance? Check. Total relaxation? Check. Ready for summer? Oh yeah.