5-Star Spa Day at La Prairie inside the Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills was awarded Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel shortly after it opened in 2017. An anonymous Forbes inspector evaluated the art-deco style hotel on 900 objective standards. Besides 119 beautifully appointed deluxe rooms and 51 suites, designed by renowned interior design firm Pierre Yves Rochon, Inc, the hotel offers world-class dining overseen by award-winning French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Daily meals are prepared by Executive Chef Steve Benjamin of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon fame.

Recently the 5,000 sq. ft. La Prairie Spa inside this Waldorf Astoria was named a Five-Star Spa by Forbes Travel Guide. It’s the first spa at a Hilton property in North America to win the award, and only the second globally.

Curious to see why this spa won the prestigious award, I arrived 30 minutes prior to my wellness Signature La Prairie Facial treatment. I had time to enjoy exclusive spa amenities, including a visit to the complimentary steam rooms.

Choosing a locker, I found a plush white towel, waterproof slippers and a comfortable robe inside. While sitting in the lounge to be received by my esthetician, I discovered an array of healthy snacks including housemade oatmeal fruit bars, dried apricots, a variety of bite-size muffins and beautiful artisan chocolates. There was also a tea bar offering an array of TEALEAVES packets. I chose an organic chamomile blossom herbal tea bag and filled a cup with hot water.

Based on La Prairie’s origins, the staff incorporates the world-renowned Swiss skincare’s most luxurious products with unique experiences. The treatment menu offers an array of facials, massages, and body treatments. The award-winning spa uses these products in all of the offered treatments with sumptuous ingredients such as rare platinum, rich caviar and opulent gold. La Prairie elevates skincare science to an art. This is the only La Prairie Spa in Southern California offering two exclusive three-hour experiences. The Ultimate Radiance Experience leaves guests red-carpet ready, beginning with s Perfecting Radiance Radiance Body treatment, followed by a 90-minute facial.

The most decadent experience is Diamond Day, giving guests a glistening glow after a Diamond Perfection body treatment, champagne lunch and rejuvenating Platinum La Prairie facial. Skin feels silky, smooth and luminous from head to toe.

When my spa esthetician Lenora greeted me, she led me to one of the six treatment rooms. She told me she would customize my 60 minutes facial to my personal skincare needs. She included aromatherapy custom blends to enhance my wellbeing, and started with a restorative anti-aging treatment that included a water-activated cleansing mousse to purify and brighten my face and neck. After a mild extraction, she applied an antioxidant serum and soothing water ultrasonic therapy on my face. Next, she gave me a relaxing neck and shoulder massage, before applying a silky moisturizer and protective sunscreen.

After being pampered and rejuvenated, I received a flute of champagne to enjoy in the lounge, before entering a multi-sensory shower experience. The large tiled shower offers an array of calming water effects including a tropical rain and cool waterfall.

Upon checking out, I received a gift bag with a chunk of Himalayan salt. I was told to drop this into a warm water bath at home for a soothing spa-like experience.