Spa Review: We Tried the LightStim Treatment at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Since the 1960s, LED light therapy or light emitting diode therapy (back then known as photo therapy) has been used to treat various ailments from sports injuries and chronic pain to arthritis and joint conditions, as well as a variety of skin conditions including acne and psoriasis.

It was originally developed by NASA for plant growth experiments on shuttle missions and later on used for the treatment of wounds, and by the 1990s many professional athletes and sports teams were using LED light therapy to treat injuries, (which according to numerous physical therapists offer a recovery time of 50 times faster than without light therapy.)

LED light therapy, which uses varying wavelengths of light such as red and blue to treat different issues, has become a common offering in many spas and aesthetician’s offices. Recently, The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel added a LightStim LED Bed to its treatment menu and I had the opportunity to try it out.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Known for its innovative treatments, personalized service and results-driven products, The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel has received the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for six years in a row—and is one out of only three spas in Los Angeles to earn the prestigious accolade.

I’d previously visited the hotel’s spa where I received an incredible facial at the hands of their talented spa treatment supervisor and lead spa therapist, Gillian Garcia, so I was excited to come back to experience the new LED light therapy treatment, especially since I’d been dealing with some ongoing inflammation and pain in my upper right back area.

Spa Diary: The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Before my treatment, I had breakfast at THEBlvd—a must if you’re visiting the hotel and have time for a meal. Located on the first floor, the restaurant and lounge offer prime seating with views of Wilshire Boulevard and Rode Drive, making it a great spot for people watching (and the perfect place to fuel up before doing some serious shopping!)

The menu features fresh, local California cuisine with an assortment of seafood, salads, sandwiches and classic brunch items with a special twist like Maine lobster benedict and hand-cut French toast with caramel pecan crumb. I tried the Berry Special Croissant, which is served on a mirrored tray (talk about presentation!) and is filled with house made strawberry jam, Valrhona fraise red chocolate, whipped cream and freeze-dried strawberries. It was every bit as delicious as it sounds and I plan to come back soon with my husband just so I can order that dish again!

After a very satisfying brunch, I headed up to the spa. I was greeted at the front desk by Remus, who was warm, friendly, and an absolute delight. He gave me a tour of the facility and also provided me with a print-out that offered more information about the LightStim treatment I was about to receive, including its benefits. I told him about the pain I was experiencing in my back and shoulder area, and he said that the LED light therapy would help to address my issue.

Remus pointed out that the best results are seen when a person gets multiple treatments, ideally on a weekly or every other week basis for a minimum of eight weeks. He also mentioned that the LightStim bed was a hit with the spa’s clients, many of whom had already returned for several sessions.

After I changed into a robe and slippers in the locker room, I had some time before my treatment to enjoy the spa’s amenities like the steam room and experience shower. For those getting a LightStim treatment, their experience can be further enhanced by utilizing the spa facilities including the eucalyptus steam room with heated benches and floors, which promotes blood circulation; and the application of ice chips from the spa’s ice fountain, which helps to relax muscles and relieve aches and pains with the transition from hot to cold.

The spa also has an experience shower that offers three different settings (Cold Mist, Caribbean Rain, Atlantic Storm), each offering different water temperatures, water pressure/powder, as well as different colored lights for ambiance.

When it was time for my treatment to start, Remus led me to the room where the LightStim bed was. He gave me instructions and told me what to expect during the service, and he also took the time to answer any other questions that I had. Once he left the room, I removed my robe and put on a pair of goggles before lying on the LightStim LED bed.

The LightStim LED bed is a non-invasive treatment and UV-free that rejuvenates, repairs and energizes the body’s cells. It has been given over-the-counter FDA clearance for the temporary relief of minor muscle, joint pain, and stiffness, as well as a temporary increase in local blood circulation. It reminded me of a tanning bed without the top portion, and I spent the first 30 minutes on my back before flipping over onto my stomach.

It is recommended to go clothing-free in order for the lights to better penetrate through the skin and tissues. The lights on the bed automatically shut off after the first half of the session so I knew when it was time to turn over. Above my head was a smaller LightStim panel, which focused on my face and is designed to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The bed felt pleasantly warm (but not hot), and when I closed my eyes I drifted off into a peaceful state of relaxation, as if i were lying out at the beach.

After my treatment was over, Remus was waiting outside and led me to the spa’s relaxation lounge, where a virgin piña colada and a plate of freshly made chocolate-dipped strawberries awaited me. Depending on each guest’s preferences, the spa also offers a glass of champagne and other beverages as well. My mocktail was the perfect finishing touch to my experience and I felt incredibly relaxed—I described it to Remus as “feeling like I had just spent a few hours at the beach under the sun.”

For spa guests who want to linger a little longer or grab a bite after their services, the hotel also has a lovely outdoor swimming pool with a bar and patio. The space was recently updated with a fresh look that is reminiscent of a cozy French cafe, and the pool menu includes cocktails, wine, fresh juices, salads and other tasty bites such as dish tacos and avocado dip. They also serve kids items and desserts like ice cream bars and a local farmers’ market selection of seasonal sliced fruits.

I noticed that the pain and discomfort in my upper right back area was significantly reduced and I could move my arm more freely without feeling tightness or restriction. I could only imagine how much better I would feel after multiple treatments in a row, not to mention that I experienced a very restorative sleep that evening and felt even better the next day!

The LightStim experience costs $195 for a 60-minute session. For more information and to book a treatment, call 310-385-7023 or visit the hotel’s website. Follow the spa and hotel on Instagram: @thespabw @beverlywilshire

[Photos 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