Trump Card

The ritzy stretch of North Michigan Avenue dubbed "The Magnificent Mile" is the epicenter of all things luxe in the Windy City. Just a stone's throw away from the finest stores and hotels, the eponymous Trump Hotel and Tower Chicago opened its doors in January and is proving to be a perfect fit in the neighborhood. If retail therapy is not the relaxation guests are looking for, then they can kick back at the 23,000-square-foot, 11-treatment-room The Spa at Trump, located on the 14th floor.

Known for his high standards and penchant for all things grand, Donald Trump has been well-received in Chicago, as has his newest venture. His business savvy led him to develop the property, which is his first Trump Hotel Collection project in the Midwest, on the former site of the iconic Chicago Sun-Times building flanking the beloved Chicago River. Popular with both locals and out-of-towners, the spa embraces those who are looking to take advantage of the swank setting. "The name 'Trump' is synonymous with the ultimate in luxury," says spa director Deja Goldstein. "This theme is woven throughout the menu. Our services revolve around luxurious offerings, focusing on the most beautiful and results-oriented products imaginable."

The warm palette throughout the spa sets a soothing tone for the guest experience.
The warm palette throughout the spa sets a soothing tone for the guest experience.

As with most of their endeavors, the Trump family has left more of a mark on this property than just linking their name to it. Trump's daughter Ivanka handpicked each of the spa's product lines, which include Germaine de Cappuccini, JAMU Asian Spa Rituals, Kate Somerville, and Tara Aromatherapy. "Many hours were spent ensuring the authenticity of our menu, as it was important to create a spa concept that carries the quality and respect that the Trump name represents," says Goldstein.

With a comprehensive array of offerings, The Spa at Trump offers treatments for the spa newbie, such as the Classic Trump Massage ($150, 60 minutes; $225, 90 minutes), as well as for the more experienced spa-goer who might opt for the pampering Royal Lulur Ritual ($300, 2 hours), based on a Javanese bridal ceremony. The jewel of the spa's menu is the series of signature 90-minute services offered, which feature gem-infused oils from Shiffa, for $300. Guests are enveloped in the lap of luxury with the following chakra-balancing massages: Purifying Diamonds, Balancing Emeralds, Revitalizing Rubies, and Calming Sapphires. "Our guests love the signature gemstone services because of their intoxicating aromatherapy oils flown in from Dubai and their authentic healing properties," says Goldstein.

Group fitness classes, such as yoga, are available to guests who want to nurture their bodies and souls.
Group fitness classes, such as yoga, are available to guests who want to nurture their bodies and souls.

The highly personalized service that The Spa at Trump offers individuals is also a popular aspect of the spa. "Guests are often in the mind-set of rushing through their spa experiences, and we are trying to encourage them to let us care for them from beginning to end," says Goldstein. Upon checking in, guests are introduced to their personal Spa Attachés who not only guide them through the locker room but also help them customize music selections for their treatments, select from a robe menu, and take care of any other special services such as shoe shines or one-hour pressing. Spa Attachés also assist guests in selecting one of five intentions—Balance, Calm, Heal, Purify, and Revitalize—that refocuses the purpose of the chosen treatment. According to Goldstein, the guest's intention determines the choice of essential oils, colors, and music that are incorporated into the experience to stimulate each of the five senses.

For an even more special and personalized spa experience, the Trump is unveiling 53 spa-focused guest rooms by the beginning of fall. Featuring light wood and soothing earth tones, these suites, which will be connected to the spa by an impressive circular staircase, will serve as an extension of the spa. "The guestrooms are a huge part of our forward thinking," says Goldstein. "The rooms will offer healthy room service options, in-room health equipment, and the attention of a personal nutritionist."

Guests are pampered in the comfortable manicure and pedicure areas (here and below) with luxe nailcare services such as the BioPearl Hand Treatment ($75, 60 minutes) and the Crystal Divine Foot Treatment ($95, 60 minutes).
Guests are pampered in the comfortable manicure and pedicure areas (here and below) with luxe nailcare services such as the BioPearl Hand Treatment ($75, 60 minutes) and the Crystal Divine Foot Treatment ($95, 60 minutes).

Created by executive chef Frank Brunacci, a spa cuisine menu is also offered at the spa. Guests can choose from a selection of savory fare, such as Citrus-Cured Salmon with Blinis, Baby Beet and Meyer Lemon Confit Salad, and Caviar and Cucumber Salad. The spa also features a Liquid Kitchen, which serves healthy elixirs such as the Beauty Spa Express, combining apples, carrots, parsley, and spinach, and the Fresh Complexion, which brings together apples, cucumbers, and pineapples.

With such a comprehensive selection of activities and offerings, it is no wonder the spa has piqued the interest of locals. According to Goldstein, all types of Chicagoans have been booking repeat services lately—from suburban housewives to overworked CEOs. Exclusive memberships are also a popular draw to the property. For a $2,000 initiation fee and $190 per month, members receive unlimited access to the state-of-the-art health club and indoor pool, as well as a 20-percent discount on weekday spa services.



As with any nascent spa, getting the word out about the opening has been the biggest challenge. "Luckily, we have fantastic marketing strategies in place and media help behind us causing the momentum to build," says Goldstein. Also, the spa's early buzz is creating a wonderful reputation, which is keeping the 52 staff members very busy. "I have heard Mr. Trump say it best himself," says Goldstein. "He can build the most desirable building made of the best materials from around the world. However, it is the personalized service provided by each of our spa associates that gives our guests a memorable experience time and time again."