Spa Review: La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offers world-class services in an elegant setting.
As I pulled up the long driveway of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills to valet my car, I was overcome with a sense of awe at the impressive property that stood before me. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills adjacent to the historic Beverly Hilton, the luxury hotel’s exterior design was a collaboration among Pierre-Yves Rochon Inc., Perkins+Will, and Gensler. Open since June 2017, the impressive 12-story building features Art Deco-influenced design, custom crystal chandeliers, hand-painted murals, and Lalique installations—truly glamorous, to say the least.
Spa Profile: La Prairie Spa at The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is also home to a 5,000 square-foot spa, which was the reason for today’s visit. Inspired by Swiss science and purity, the Forbes 5 Star-rated La Prairie Spa offers an array of extraordinary services, ranging from indulgent facials to therapeutic massages, all of which incorporate the luxury skincare line.
The check-in desk and retail boutique at La Prairie Spa.
Here’s what you’ll love about La Prairie Spa:
It’s located inside The Waldorf Astoria hotel, which is situated in the heart of Beverly Hills.
The intimate spa offers a range of luxurious treatments in a private, exclusive setting so that guests enjoy undivided attention.
Amenities include a private steam and experience shower with light therapy, eucalyptus steam room, relaxation lounge, and a couples’ suite with a private bath and shower.
Inspired by Swiss science and purity, La Prairie Spa utilizes the iconic skincare brand’s most precious and opulent products in treatments. La Prairie products are also available for guest use in the women’s vanity area and for purchase in the spa’s retail boutique.
Before and after treatments, guests can relax in the private relaxation lounge and order food from the menu to be delivered.
The stairs leading down to the fitness center.
As I stepped out of the elevator and into the inviting spa check-in area (which includes a generous wall of La Prairie products), I was greeted by a friendly attendant who handed me a cup of delicious vanilla rooibos tea. I learned that it was the Spa Director’s favorite, and as soon as I took a sip, I too became a fan of the relaxing drink, which had subtly sweet undertones.
Upon my arrival, I was served a delicious cup of vanilla rooibos tea.
Next, I was led to the women’s lounge, where I swapped my clothes for a plush robe and slippers in the locker room. After getting robed up, I had a few extra minutes before my service began, so I proceeded to explore the lounge, which features an array of luxurious amenities. In addition to being well-stocked with fluffy towels and branded bottled water, it has a vanity area that is generously outfitted with Dyson hairdryers and La Prairie products—perfect for those that want to test out the skincare line.
The La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Launches Private Wellness Club
The entrance to the women’s lounge.
The 5,000 square-foot Forbes 5 Star-rated spa offers an array of signature services.
The locker room.
My robe and essentials.
The vanity area.
Dyson hairdryers are available for guest use.
A selection of La Prairie products are on-hand for guests to try out.
The spa also has a refreshing eucalyptus steam room with chilled towels at the entrance and a rain-and-steam shower with light therapy, which can be adjusted to a variety of different colors depending on guests’ moods. Whether you want a warm red light or more of a cool blue hue during your shower, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Now that I’ve discovered the joys of these customizable steam showers, I want one at home!
The eucalyptus steam room.
The experience shower includes light therapy.
Guests can change the lights according to their mood.
It was finally time for my treatment to begin—my esthetician came in and asked me to follow her down the hallway, which was dimly lit and further induced feelings of relaxation as I walked towards the treatment room. After I was comfortably situated under the cozy blanket of the treatment bed, my skin therapist returned to the room and started my service.
The hallway leading to the different treatment rooms.
Today I was receiving the 60-minute Signature La Prairie Facial, which is customized by one’s skin therapist according to guests’ individual skin needs. After discussing my areas of concern and what I wanted out of today’s service, my esthetician curated a selection of La Prairie Skincare (including products from the Skin Caviar Collection to improve elasticity and tone) that would nourish, moisturize, and replace lost hydration in my dry skin.
After cleansing my skin, she applied the Cellular 3-Minute Peel—a gentle yet potent peel that polishes and refines skin by helping to turn over the older cells at a faster rate. The Signature La Prairie Facial is also available in a 90-minute version, which includes a complimentary add-on facial therapy treatment of one’s choice. The facial therapy treatment can be added onto a 60-minute service for an additional $75, although my therapist was kind enough to throw one in for me. I was offered my choice of the following:
Diamond Microdermabrasion Therapy
Ultrasonic Therapy
LED Light Therapy
Microcurrent Therapy
Oxygen Infusion
White Caviar Illuminating Mask
The relaxing treatment room and bed.
After my esthetician went over the various benefits of each facial therapy with me, I opted for the Ultrasonic Therapy, which utilizes ultrasonic sound waves to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulates collagen tissue to give skin a youthful, lifted appearance. The ultrasonic waves increase blood flow to the skin by dilating the capillaries and allowing muscles to relax so that skin feels smooth, soft, and supple.
The Ultrasonic Therapy lasted approximately 15 minutes and there was no pain or discomfort. I couldn’t feel much of anything, aside from her gently gliding the device across my skin, which bypasses the superficial layer of skin and works in the deeper layers. She informed me that some clients see results right after the treatment, while others continue to notice improvement each time they get it.
Afterwards, my therapist applied serum and moisturizer, followed by under-eye cream and lip balm for an ultra-hydrating finish. She also poured me a glass of crystal-infused water, which was waiting on the table after I slipped back into my robe.
A crystal light enhances the treatment room’s relaxing atmosphere.
I enjoyed crystal-infused water post-treatment.
I was quite hungry after my treatment, and fortunately I had placed my lunch order with the spa concierge prior to the beginning of my service. I was delighted to find my order all set up for me in the women’s lounge, which has a comfy sofa, armchairs, and reading material. I also helped myself to the snack table, which offered different types of muffins, banana chips, fresh nuts, and chocolates—as well as an assortment of hot teas and coffee.
The women’s relaxation lounge offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Once I had finished eating, I lounged for a bit more, relaxing and enjoying the calm and peaceful surroundings. While reluctantly changing back into my clothes, I did find comfort in the fact that I would be returning here again soon. Next time, I want to try one of La Prairie Spa’s full-body massages and I can’t wait to have dinner at Jean-Georges—the hotel’s restaurant that features an award-winning menu of the famous chef’s finest dishes from New York City and beyond. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it’s a great way to extend your experience when visiting Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills—the perfect cherry on top!
Jean-Georges is the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’ fine dining restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cost: 60 minutes ($250); 90 minutes ($375)
Insider Tip: Valet parking is offered at the hotel. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to check in, and give yourself time to enjoy the amenities such as the steam room and experience shower before or after your spa services. If you’ve worked up an appetite after your visit, be sure to stop by The Rooftop by JG or enjoy brunch/lunch/dinner at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills—both feature incredible cuisine and are conveniently located on-site.
Hours: 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Mon-Sun)
Address: 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310-860-6740
For more information and to book an appointment, visit the hotel’s website. Follow the hotel and spa on Instagram: @waldorfbevhills @laprairiespabevhills
[Images by Kamala Kirk]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk