Lucky me! I was gifted a spa treatment at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain in Orlando Florida. Being a long time fan of Guerlain products, I couldn’t wait to experience my treatment in a place so famous for its sensuous aromas and cutting-edge beauty line. As I walked through the huge grand doors of the spa, I was instantly awed. Beautiful rich woods entwined with white marble swirls made me feel like I was sneaking a peak at the “lifestyles of the rich and famous.”

The woman at the front desk greeted me and expressed I would be experiencing the “Complete facial” (a 90-minute anti-aging facial with Guerlain’s signature Orchidée Imperiale Cream derived from, you guessed it, orchids).

She then brought out a basket with three different aromas and informed me that my choice would be used to fill my treatment room for the beginning of my sensorial journey. Mandarine Basilica, Lemon Fresca, and the ever-so-famous Shalimar. My grandmother’s signature scent. While all were wonderful I settled on my grandmother’s favorite.

I met Noemi next, a very sweet Esthetician with soft hands and a gentle demeanor. She showed me to the dressing room where I fell in love with the plush robe and slippers. Luxury and comfort! Just when I thought I’d reached the pinnacle of pampering, Noemi gave me a tour of the facility and pointed out the “experiential shower” (with six shower heads that massaged the entire body) and a beautiful Jacuzzi tub surrounded with vibrant live orchids.

Finally, we arrived at my room of experience. A soothing place with dim lights and a fluffy, inviting treatment bed that smelled like the scent I had selected only moments ago. The sheets were silky and warm and I immediately fell into a deep state of relaxation. The music, to my surprise, was a soft yet upbeat jazz piano. A welcomed change from the typical Zen spa tunes. It was complete immersion—a buffet for the senses.

Noemi analyzed my skin. It was dry, dehydrated skin with a slight loss of tone and pigmentation. She asked what I cleansed with and what moisturizers I used in the morning and before bed. Embarrassed to reveal the truth (I am such a bad beauty queen) she quickly offered to prepare a regimen for me to stick to after my treatment was done.

Noemi gently and soothingly caressed my face with creams that smelled like heaven and felt like velvet on my face. Her fingers danced on my forehead and then down my neck.

Warm towels removed one cream and prepared my pores for another round of treatment. Each with a different aroma and each for a different purpose. I was lost in a sea of aromatic sensations! And just when I thought it was over, she bathed my arms in hot paraffin wax and wrapped them in warm towels while she gave me a scalp massage. Amazing!

After the treatment I was taken to the lounge and given cucumber water and cool towels with cucumber slices to place on my eyes. I lounged on a beautiful chaise and simply relaxed.

Upon leaving, I purchased the eye cream as suggested and before leaving the hotel I knew I had to splurge on one more thing…the element that made my experience unforgettable. A little slice of heaven disguised as a robe! Just wearing it takes me back to ahhhhh…!

Contact Information
Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orland, Fla.
407.597.5500
www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com