If ever there was a destination in America where the sand and surf converge with luxury and sophistication and an ode to societal nostalgia, it's at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

Just steps from the white sandy beaches—prime real estate—sits this oasis which echoes the sentiments of a modern-day yacht club lifestyle with its beautiful nautical-meets-tropical setting reflective of the South Florida lifestyle. The recent build, designed by architect Kobi Karp, is a 22-floor hotel and residential building with a crown jewel ultra-luxe spa. It's the epitome of the word sumptuous luxury in every possible sense.

Up on the third floor sits the hotel's spa, replete with every extravagant wellness essential possible. There's a soothing Himalayan salt wall sauna, ice fountains that emit coolness, and a relaxation space with teas and healthy snacks. From the moment you enter the spa until the very last minute in the self-care-centric space, you feel completely at ease, undisturbed, and utterly relaxed.

A few months ago, I was fortunate to experience the QMS Medicosmetics Personalized Facial Treatment, a custom collagen-based facial. QMS Medicosmetics is an award-winning, doctor-founded, German innovation-rich skincare brand that focuses on valuable anti-aging ingredients, including skin-identical collagen and hyaluronic acid.

The brand and its treatments hone in on the root cause of skin issues, not just symptoms. The treatments focus on repairing and rebalancing the skin, building optimal moisture and lipid content, and targeted treatment of fine lines and pigmentation spots. There's also an at-home line of 97% skin-identical collagen skin care products.

Upon entering the spa, I was instantly whisked away to one of the most serene waiting areas replete with the amenities and outfittings that Four Seasons spas are known for. While the spa menu reads like an indulgent haven for the mind, body and soul with more-than-your-average-spa offerings, I was excited the pleasure to experience the QMS Collagen Facial. 

My esthetician for the 90-minute treatment didn't miss a beat when explaining every detail of the service. She started by assessing my skin and then walking me through each step of the facial (it focused on the body, too), explaining each ingredient she would use and its purpose. She was one of the most thorough providers I have yet to encounter in South Florida. 

Then, the customizable facial began. First, my body was treated to a sumptuous layering of QMS products. There was an exfoliating body foam that was the perfect consistency—not too strong or sticky and nary a sense of burn—and body serums to firm and hydrate the skin while improving cellulite and the overall look of my skin. My arms and legs were also massaged, a bonus to any facial in my book. 

Next came the skin part of things. After cleansing my skin, a revitalizing facial with high-end peptides that energized my skin was performed. I drifted off in my blissful state, but heard that different massage techniques through the treatment ranged from lifting to lymphatic massage. She also applied four customized masks to my skin that warmed gently to incite a natural glow and rejuvenate the skin. 

In South Florida, this indulgent and specialized treatment is available only at the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale, but also at Gurney's and Rosewood. 

At the end of the treatment, my skin emerged noticeably hydrated and with a glow that I wanted to last forever. I was gifted the QMS Medicosmetics Collagen System 3-Step Routine Set. It consists of day and night collagen serums and an active exfoliant, increasing hydration and skin elasticity while reducing the common signs of aging. I've been using it religiously since my treatment, and the skin on my body has never looked so glowy and bouncy, almost like the skin I had as a teenager.

Cost: From $250 (60 min) $375 (90 min)

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily (First appointment at 10 a.m., last appointment at 5:30 p.m.)

Address: 525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Phone: 754-336-3100

Website: www.fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale

Instagram: @fsfortlauderdale

[Photos courtesy of Elise Minton Tabin]

Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with over 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine for 13 years, where she oversaw and reported on all things beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health, and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch and continual growth of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. Currently, she freelances for NewBeauty, Dermstore.com, Aedit.com, Mollysims.com, StyleCaster, The Sunday Edit, and other outlets. She currently lives in Boca Raton, FL, with her husband, daughter, and dog, Franklin. Follow her on Instagram @elisetabin