The Peninsula Spa Beverly Hills Debuts New Facelift

An oasis of luxury just steps from Rodeo Drive, The Peninsula Beverly Hills (CA) recently completed a redesign of its 4,600-square-foot spa. Located on the fifth floor of the iconic hotel and next to its legendary rooftop pool and restaurant, The Peninsula Spa Beverly Hills was conceptualized by interior design firm Forchielli Glynn with the intent to reflect the hotel’s signature glamour. “We put great care into embracing the residential charm of The Peninsula Beverly Hills as a haven for our guests,” says managing director Offer Nissenbaum. “The new design of the spa, much like our recently refreshed guest rooms, represents quintessential Beverly Hills luxury.”

Design highlights include the Swarovski Crystal pendant over the reception desk.

According to spa director Alison Kirsten, it had been more than 10 years since the spa’s last renovation. As a result, the spa was treated to some substantial upgrades, such as the addition of a Pink Himalayan Salt Dry Sauna to each of the locker rooms; a hair and makeup studio; a new Spa Cabana, located near the outdoor pool, offering a menu of express treatments; and upgraded Serenity Lounge amenities, including ginger and hibiscus tea, ginger and turmeric shots, whimsical adult coloring books, and more. “Our spa is a hidden gem located in one of the world’s most iconic and luxurious cities in the world,” says Kirsten. “Some of our treatment rooms have some of the best views of the green lush Hollywood Hills.”

Inside, guests are treated to a host of visual delights resulting from the spa’s luxe makeover. For instance, the glass entry doors feature illuminated leaf sculptures created by Art et Floritude in France, and a new Swarovski Crystal pendant fixture shines a light on the check-in desk. Upon entering the Serenity Lounge, guests find a pale pink wall with an ethereal collage of white porcelain flowers, some of which have been finished in gold leaf. Curved sectional sofas with integral data ports provide a cozy place to kick back, and guests enjoy heated robes and an option to play their own music playlists.

Pink Himalayan Salt Dry Sauna

Catering primarily to local residents, the spa offers a sophisticated treatment menu that appeals to those seeking real results. According to Kirsten, 70 percent of the spa’s business comes from Beverly Hills residents, and most business comes from referrals. In choosing the product lines, Kirsten and her team looked for exclusivity and those aforementioned results. “Our massage and body treatments feature both modern and timeless treatments inspired by Ayurvedic philosophies,” says Kirsten.

One example is the Subtle Energies Blissful Marma Massage ($250, 60 minutes; $375, 90 minutes), a results-driven treatment that works to align the vital energy centers. It is one of the spa’s new face and body treatments. Others include the MBR Age Defying Customized Facial ($395, 60 minutes), an ideal treatment to accompany pre- and post-surgical procedures, and MBR The Best & Ultimate Liquid Surgery Rejuvenation Facial ($1,600, 2 hours), which incorporates the revolutionary MBR FibroBoost Complex, a patented anti-aging peptide. “Each facial is highly personalized to achieve immediate and long-lasting results,” says Kirsten.

The back-lit capiz shell wall panels in the treatment rooms.

With 20 part-time and 20 full-time employees on staff, the spa can cater to about 70 guests each day. Retail, an important part of any spa operation, accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of revenue, says Kirsten. As guests flock to experience the updated spa, Kirsten finds a lack of space to be her greatest challenge when balancing the high demand for guest usage. As for the future, there are plans to remodel the fitness center in 2020. In the meantime, this gem of a spa in downtown Beverly Hills certainly delivers a taste of the glamorous life.
 

SPA STATS

  • OWNERS: Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited

  • SPA DIRECTOR: Alison Kirsten
     
  • OPENED: August 1991
     
  • RE-OPENED: May 2019 
     
  • CLIENT BASE: 70% female, 30% male
     
  • SPACE: 4,600 square feet; 7 treatment rooms
     
  • PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT: Biologique Recherche, Concept Software & Services, Deborah Lippmann, Hoist, Kos, Lifecycle GX, Life Fitness, Luzern, Medical Beauty Research, Octane, Peloton, Subtle Energies
     
  • ARCHITECT: CSA Architects (Woodland Hills, CA)
     
  • INTERIOR DESIGNER: Forchielli Glynn (Los Angeles)

 

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