The House of Guerlain, a beloved Paris institution among the oldest fragrance, cosmetics, and skincare companies in the world, opened its first Institut de Beauté on the Champs-Elysées in 1939. Although the City of Light has long been home base to the luxury brand, the City that Never Sleeps recently debuted North America’s only Guerlain Spa at The Plaza (New York City).
Once located at the Waldorf-Astoria, Guerlain Spa closed in early 2017 when the property underwent an extensive and ongoing renovation. Fortunately, The Plaza, another New York City icon, had come to the end of its eight-year contract with Caudalie, which later went on to open L’appartement Caudalie, its first concept spa in the U.S. As a result, The Plaza and Guerlain teamed up to create the ultimate match. “When it came time to find a new home for the Guerlain Spa, The Plaza was a natural fit, as its timeless glamour and commitment to personalizing the guest experience aligns with Guerlain’s brand pillars of luxury, elegance, and customization,” says Michelle Kinney, senior vice president of operations at Trilogy Spa Holdings. “With the hotel’s prime location in midtown Manhattan, we welcome back our loyal clients while introducing Plaza residents and visiting tourists to Guerlain’s innovative techniques and treatments.”
The 6,500-square-foot spa is just steps away from New York City’s most popular attractions, including Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and the Museum of Modern Art. Inside, it transports guests to France with a bright reception area, complimentary Champagne, and a display of orchids, the brand’s signature flower. The 11-treatment-room spa also features a VIP Couples Suite, which is also available for specialty services. “Guerlain spa guests are looking for the ultimate five-star environment with a combination of science, serenity, education, and relaxation, giving the best in quality in service and a variety of treatments,” says spa director Jennifer Kirby.
Guerlain’s relaunch at the legendary hotel also brings with it an updated menu of eight treatments. “In my visit to Guerlain’s Champs-Elysée L’Institut spa in Paris, I was able to pick the U.S. treatments for our market and incorporate a sense of France into the Plaza location,” says Kirby. According to her, most spa-goers gravitate toward the spa’s luxurious facials, such as the age-defying Orchidée Impériale Prestige Treatment ($335, 90 minutes; $555, 3 hours) and Orchidée Impériale The Black Orchid Cure ($400, 90 minutes). Both services rely on the luxurious Orchidée Impériale Black Cream to repair the skin’s natural defense system. The results-driven menu also features a host of massages and body treatments, including the Body Lift ($480, 2 hours), an energetic massage with a firming and lifting mask, and the Impériale Relaxing Massage ($220, 60 minutes; $335, 90 minutes), a choreographed Swedish massage using Guerlain’s signature Eau de Cologne Impériale fragrance and featuring a hydrating Super Aqua face mask to promote relaxation. As an added highlight, each treatment comes complete with Guerlain’s “Spa Au Revoir” service, which includes a makeup retouch, garment steaming, and shoe shining.
With 32 employees, 15 of whom are full time and 17 of whom are part time, the spa can handle approximately 50 clients in a typical day. Our vision for Guerlain Spa at The Plaza is warm, inviting, and reflective of the brand’s commitment to biodiversity,” says Kirby. “From the moment guests enter the new space, they’ll be greeted with touches of Guerlain’s signature elegance coupled with design elements showcasing how Guerlain sources ingredients from nature, further enhancing the understanding of our cutting-edge therapies.”
Quick Facts: Guerlain Spa
Owner
Trilogy Spa Holdings
Spa Director
Jennifer Kirby
Opened
October 2017
Client Base
69% female
31% male
Space
6,500 square feet; 11 treatment rooms
Products & Equipment
Booker, Guerlain, Technogym, Yeah Baby
Interior Designer
Veronique Capmeil, international merchandising director, Guerlain (Paris)
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Spa Talk with Jennifer Kirby, Spa Director at Guerlain Spa