I entered the Waldorf Astoria Orlando Spa a stressed out young professional and left a relaxed, chilled princess. Central Florida just isn’t for kids, it’s a great getaway for adults looking to escape the everyday grind and the Waldorf Astoria kindly reminded me of that. It’s been almost a month and I’m still feeling my cheeks in disbelief as to how soft they feel.
From the time I walked through doors into a magical sanctuary, I was immediately treated like royalty. Soft voices welcomed me into the spa and a young gal soon escorted me to the locker room.
“I prefer the spa here over The Ritz-Carlton,” a guest told me as we swapped out our street clothing for lush, white robes. She was referring to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. What better endorsement than that of a guest?
What Am I Supposed to Do?
Here’s a secret, I’m a spa novice and when the hotel invited me to try a spa treatment I was a little hesitant. When handed a robe I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to strip off. Of course the top layer but what about the undergarments? I was having a facial and wondered why I was even given a robe. Trying to pretend I knew what I was doing I stripped off everything. That’s right, everything. Although I have been totally nude in a Japan onsen, I wasn’t quite comfortable being totally free under the robe so I slipped on an undergarment.
[Sidebar: Be sure to read fellow travel blogger Carol Margolis’s post on her Smart Women Traveler’s blog about her recent spa experience.]
A tour of the 24,000-square-foot facility followed and I understood why this is Orlando’s most luxurious spa experience. I may be a spa novice but I know luxury and pampering when I see and experience it. I took a look at the steam room, whirlpool tub and a shower with so many shower heads, I lost count. Others visitors were enjoying the Fitness Center and the Salon which offers a host of services including hairstyling, makeup application and nail services, to name a few.
Relaxing is Good for the Soul
I sat in a tranquil room sipping herbal tea and practicing something I rarely do, relaxing, while waiting for my facial.
My beauty therapist, Denise, soon called for me and led me back to one of the 21 treatment rooms. After I was settled, she assessed my skin and thoroughly reviewed the treatment process for the HydraFacial, a resurfacing procedure.
Whoa! Sounds heavy duty. It was but wow, was it incredible.
I never gave much thought about improving my skin quality but the HydraFacial did miracles in a short period of time. The 50-minute treatment is designed for all skin types (mine is oily) and painlessly removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating. It includes a gentle acid peel, and Vortex-Fused antioxidants and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Somewhere in there man-made Botox was infused into my tiny lines.
Every step of the process was explained to me along with its benefits. Although I didn’t record my experience, here’s a video clip of the HydraFacial on The Doctors television show:
In addition to being oily, my skin is sensitive and I didn’t have any negative reaction to this treatment. When I saw my face following the facial I couldn’t believe how youthful it looked and felt. I couldn’t stop touching it and feeling how smooth it was. I should have taken before and after photos but I’m using a photo for the eyelash growth serum testing I’m doing to show you the difference. The photo immediately below was taken a week before the treatment (and I’m wearing facial makeup) and the photo below it was taken the day after the treatment.
Look at my skin, see the difference?
Stressed Professional to Spa Princess
I love the physical results but more importantly I love the emotional results. The pampering and care the Waldorf Astoria therapist and spa staff showed me really gave me a confidence boost. So much so, I’m trying to figure out how I can work a follow up treatment when I return to Orlando later this summer. This should be easy, the spa is open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Leaving the Waldorf Astoria Spa, I was on Cloud 9 and my timing was perfect to enjoy a little of the Enchanted Evenings festivities. Like its sister property the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offering Summer SummerBlast!, on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers special activities for guests including Music Al Fresco, Regatta Boat Decorating, Spa “Happy Hour,” and Cocktail Creations.
The Waldorf Astoria has a sophisticated, peaceful yet unpretentious vibe which I really liked. It’s a hotel I’d probably return to and just chill, maybe meditate and refocus on life ambitions.
If golf is your thing, take a swing on the championship golf course at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. The course has been named as one of the most “playable” courses in Florida by two national golf magazines. Just like the Hilton, it’s conveniently located near a free shuttle to the Walt Disney World Resort yet why would you want to leave this paradise?
Plan your getaway to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando by visiting www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com and see what types of packages are available including special rates for Florida residents and seniors.
When was the last time you spoiled yourself? Go ahead, book that spa appointment, I give you permission to do so. In addition to the HydraFacial (50 minutes, $275), explore other options including signature treatments as The Diamond Body which indulges the senses with subtle fragrances, milky bath, hot stones and velvety textures or The Perfect Body Massage which includes a full body polish followed by the pro-lift machine to stimulate firming and ingredients applied to leave skin toned, smooth and subtle.
My fellow travelers will enjoy the four-hour Take a Serenity Break treatment which includes a silk stone massage, Waldorf Astoria Signature facial and pedicure and manicure. Or, try the Instant Refinement three-hour treatment with an Anti-Aging and Firming Facial and The Perfect Body Treatment.
Sounds heavenly, right?
Living the single life means there’s rarely anytime for pampering. I don’t have anyone to split responsibilities with and rarely have time to care for myself yet alone making time for pampering. The Waldforf Astoria Orlando reminded me it’s good to make time for myself.
Without a doubt, the Waldorf Astoria turned me into a spa princess. Are you spa royalty?
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando Fla. 32821
Tel: 407-597-5500
www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/spaandfitness
I just had the best spa experience in Naples, Florida. I have chronic back pain due to an accident and they were able to relieve my pain. They have wonderful customer service. My husband who was also with me enjoyed his massage too. If you’re in Naples, you should totally visit Divine Spa.