As they say, third time’s a charm. In April 2022, after returning from a cruise and before attending a convention, I tried to visit The Spa at the then-brand-new Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, but there was no availability. Again, a no occupancy sign hung during a high-season visit for another colleague. Finally, a February 2023 overnight meant another shot, and this time there was a reservation available. As they also say, it was worth the wait.
Anyone who has visited Fort Lauderdale knows the heart and soul of the city is its coastal waterways and oceanside location. My previous aforementioned visit hadn’t allowed time for a spa visit, but it did allow time for an early evening and a nighttime water taxi journey traversing those waters and taking in incredible structures, twinkling lights and gorgeous views. Speaking to its home’s pulse, The Spa reflects that modern-day yacht club vibe both through its décor and its water-inspired treatments.
© Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
Perhaps that theme is no more evident than in The Spa’s Waves body treatment series, with scrubs, wraps, body treatments and facials performed on a specialty Spa Dream aquatic table. The table brings the motion of the ocean to life through hypnotic, rhythmic and wave-inducing motions designed to bring relief from the tensions of gravity.
The Spa offers six treatment rooms, Himalayan salt-wall saunas, aromatherapy essence steam rooms, ice fountains and multisensory experience showers with targeted water treatments simulating massage therapy — further delivering on its water-based philosophy. Through the décor, envisioned by London’s Tara Bernerd & Partners, spa-goers find mid-century-inspired curves, marble, natural woods, rattan, antique brass and pale linens which engender an environment of soothing luxury. Those staying at the hotel and not merely visiting The Spa will find many of those same aesthetic elements throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms.
It was time for me to move from one water-based activity to the next as I traveled from my afternoon event on a yacht cruise ship at the port to my appointment at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale. In a moment of kismet, I began chatting with my Lyft driver, also a professional photographer, who spent several years living in my hometown area of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, frequenting and photographing many of the same places I visit regularly, with his sister even working at a boutique now owned by my friend’s sister. Not to sound redundant, but, again, as they say, it’s a small world!
© Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
At the time of my visit I was newly pregnant, about 10.5 weeks, so the spa advised I opt for a facial as opposed to a massage as I was still in my first trimester. It’s funny to think the staff at The Spa knew about the baby before most of my friends and family; I was, however, in luck, because it had been quite some time since my last facial, and I was plan- ning to book that treatment — as long as it was given the A-OK from the spa — regardless.
Of the spa’s two suggested facials, I chose the 60-minute Tammy Fender Signature Holistic Facial, tailored to the spa-goer’s skin and utilizing rare herbs, vitamins, minerals and clinical-grade essential oils. The facial’s goals include purifying and restoring skin balance, encouraging the natural cleansing of the skin, and soothing and smoothing fine lines. It was not recommended for me at the time, but guests can opt to upgrade to a 90-minute treatment that adds red L.E.D. therapy. Tammy Fender worked at a cosmetics counter in college, leading her to debate whether the products being sold were effective or safe. More than 25 years ago, she led a movement toward natural, plant- based luxury skin care. When choosing my facial and knowing I was newly pregnant, I appreciated her products used in the treatment, using custom-made, pure plant formulas. Fender collaborates with the Four Seasons spa and owns and operates her own West Palm Beach spa.
Guests can also book the Tammy Fender Holistic Cupping treatment, as well.
In fact, my therapist incorporated cupping into my facial to help fight dark under-eye circles. Using tiny cups, the technique enhances the body’s lymphatic process, aids in flushing out excess fluid and toxins from skin tissues, and transports crucial nutrients. It was the first time I’d tried cupping of any sort, and I found it relaxing.
My experience at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale was pure bliss, and — as they say — meant to be.
Read This Next
Review: Hotel Oderberger Berlin
Leisure Lifestyle 2023
Jun 23, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 4, 2025What to Expect from This Year’s Philadelphia Flower Show
Spring is just around the corner (thank goodness!), and there’s no better way to celebrate than to surround yourself with blooms at the world’s oldest — and largest — horticultural event: the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. Presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and dating to 1829, this year’s event is currently underway at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City, wrapping up March 9.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Must Haves
Mar 4, 2025Get Away for the Weekend in Style with a Well-Designed Duffel
Roundabout Weekender Tote The Alexis Drake Roundabout Weekender Tote offers a sleek combination of style, function and craftsmanship. At 14.5 inches by 27 inches by 10 inches, the Roundabout’s impressive capacity can support any weekend, long or short, without sacrificing its sleek silhouette. Meticulously handcrafted from full-grain cow and bison leathers sourced within the United States and lined with woven canvas, four large pockets keep the sizable interior organized, while reinforced handles and an optional shoulder strap provide superior support. Available in a variety of striking, limited-run color combinations, with customizable details. $598.
Daily
Mar 4, 2025Chase Opens Sapphire Lounge by The Club Location at Philadelphia International Airport
Chase’s newest Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location has opened, a new addition to Philadelphia International Airport, located post-security in the connector between Terminals D and E and measuring 20,000 square feet.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Mar 4, 20254 Can’t-Miss Events in Oahu This Spring
Those visiting Oahu, Hawai’i, this spring will be delighted to find an exciting list of must-do experiences. Below are a variety of Oahu’s top events to travel for this spring:
4 Hotels with Literary Experiences
Daily
Mar 3, 2025Away We Go!
March 2025
Mar 2, 2025Daily
Feb 28, 2025What to Know About This Year’s Cincinnati Music Festival
July 24–26, Paycor Stadium and Andrew J. Brady Music Center resounds with music as the Cincinnati Music Festival gets underway. Launched in 1962 and ranking as one of the country’s largest music festivals, CMF celebrates the very best of R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
February 2025
Feb 28, 2025Wholly Immerse in Your Adventures with New Advances in Technology
OM System Tough TG-7 OM System might sound like a new arrival in the camera space, but it’s just the new name for industry stalwart Olympus. Continuing the theme of continuity, TG-7 updates the much-loved TG-6 underwater camera. Capable of descending as far as 50 feet below the waves, TG-7 features three preset modes to help beginners take stunning photos and video at different depths, as light behaves differently the deeper you go. Add on the PT-059 underwater case, and the camera will be safe down to 147 feet and you can also add optional lenses such as FCON-T02, for circular images, and FCON-T01, a tele converter for longer shots. $500.
ShareThis