For nearly a century, the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida has remained an iconic beachfront landmark that has attracted distinguished celebrities such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Clarence Darrow. Also known as the “Pink Palace,” the pristine property opened in 1928 and is located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The guest rooms feature beach-inspired textures and designer fabrics that pay homage to the seaside Art Deco era. In addition to numerous on-site fine dining options and a poolside concierge, the resort offers an array of family and discover programs and activities designed exclusively for kids, teens, and four-legged family members.

Spa Oceana is the resort’s award-winning spa that offers guests a seaside retreat where beauty, nature, and healing touch unite. In addition to 16 treatment rooms, the spa includes a full-service salon and a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Spa guests enjoy complimentary use of all facilities, including the whirlpool baths, aroma-infused steam rooms, and the private Whisper Lounge.

We interviewed Spa Director Rianon Cepriano, who shared details about Spa Oceana’s amenities, treatment recommendations, insider tips, and more:

Why You’ll Love It: Our guests love that we have carefully curated healing rituals inspired by the precious oceans from around the world. At Spa Oceana at the Don CeSar Hotel, we offer an oasis of seaside bliss, where your experience will be as legendary as the Pink Palace itself. A seaside retreat where beauty, nature, and healing touch unite.

Designed to rejuvenate, restore, and induce deep relaxation, the Don CeSar's award-winning spa features 16 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, and a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Guests of the spa receiving treatments are welcome to enjoy complimentary use of the spa facilities, including the whirlpool baths, aroma-infused steam rooms, and the soothing ambience of the private Whisper Lounge.

Key Features: 

• 11,000 square foot spa and salon

• Luxurious robes and slippers

• Seaside Whisper Lounge

• Specialty gift and products boutique

• 16 treatment rooms

• Spacious locker rooms

• Full selection of spa and salon services

• 2 deluxe couples treatment rooms

• Men's and ladies' whirlpools

• Men's and ladies' aroma-infused steam rooms

• Rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico

• Access to the restaurants and retail shops on property

Insider’s Tip: Spa guests have the ability to create a full Pink Palace experience by adding a hotel day pass with their scheduled spa service at Spa Oceana. A hotel day pass will allow local outside guests (guests not staying at the hotel) access to the Don CeSar Hotel pools, daily fitness classes (I highly recommend trying our Beach Yoga class that takes place every morning at 9 a.m.); and Don CeSar Club amenity access, where they feature an indoor whirlpool, dry sauna, and steam room areas.

Bonus: All guests celebrating a special occasion at Spa Oceana like a birthday, anniversary or college graduation receive a complimentary glass of pink champagne that can be enjoyed on our spa rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Snacks Served: Spa Oceana features wellness teas, fruit-infused waters, trail mix, and fresh fruits (pre-COVID-19). Currently, our self-serve snacks are not on display until further notice per our COVID-19 safety protocols, but guests are welcome to dine at any of the restaurants on property or purchase pre-made sandwiches and salads from our Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Shop and bring them back to Spa Oceana and enjoy on our rooftop terrace.

Unique Treatment: Our Hamsa Healing Ritual from our Indian Ocean Signature Services begins with sound healing from Tibetan singing bowls, said to balance your subtle energies in your body for integrated wellness. Next is traditional Garshana, a brisk dry brushing that prepares the skin. A warm drizzle of shea butter and aromatherapy oils are incorporated into a balancing massage. At the conclusion of the massage you are immersed into a restful cocoon while you enjoy a traditional warm oil scalp treatment with steamed towels.

Splurge Treatment: Our Day of Indulgence Spa Package is a full-day, 5-hour package. Begin your day with your choice of an Aromatherapy or Deep Tissue Massage followed by our Custom Organic Facial. Then, explore the resort and enjoy a light lunch with a $25 lunch credit to be enjoyed at any of the restaurants on property. Next stop will be the salon for your Express Manicure and Express Pedicure. Finally, we will personalize a shampoo and blow-dry so you look as good as you feel!

Insider’s Favorite: I absolutely love our Into the Deep Package! This therapeutic package combines time-honored therapies that are renowned for reducing aches, pains, and inflammation. Your journey begins with a therapeutic salt bath to warm tight muscles and ease tension. Then, a rich detoxifying mud body blend is applied as a mask and you are comfortably cocooned while the mask deeply penetrates. Finally, a refreshing rinse and deep tissue massage using our specialty muscle comfort massage oil completes this therapeutic experience.

Featured Products: Davines, Eminence Organic Skincare, Farmhouse Fresh, Keyvn Aucoin Cosmetics, Pure Inventions Water Infusion Drops, and Sprayology.

For more information, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @thedoncesarhotel

[Images courtesy of The Don CeSar]

The Don CeSar

3400 Gulf Boulevard

St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

844-338-1501