Getting (self) centered at Eau Spa by Cornelia

March 31, 2011

PALM BEACH, USA – In most instances, few of us would want to be slapped with the label “self-centered,” a term that typically connotes selfishness and a neglect for the needs of others. But at the Eau Spa by Cornelia in Palm Beach’s five-star Ritz-Carlton, self-centeredness gets a makeover…and emerges with a positive spin. It’s a place where putting oneself at the center is championed as an act of self-recognition–a total “time out” from workaday stresses and permission for utter pampering.

So go ahead: give yourself over to it–this stunning spa is one of our favorite Purple Picks the world over (and that is saying quite a lot!). The 42,000-square-foot space is washed with hues of white, silver, and sea green, and the baroque-like design marries elegance with whimsy. Start your spa visit by accessing your inner child in the Bath Lounge, where bubbles and rubber duckies (seriously!) will put you in a kid-like (it’s ok if you don’t want to share your toys) frame of mind. The heated loungers and tropical steam showers will then loosen you up before your preferred treatment(s). The spa recommends coming 45 minutes prior to treatment to shower and unwind, but I’d set aside much more time than that to enjoy the facilities–bring a book and spend the day! (If you don’t want to spring for a treatment, you can have the run of the place for a daily USD 50 fee.)

When it’s time for your appointment, you’ll be whisked away to one of 19 treatment rooms (12 of which are private open-air villas)–unless your definition of being self-centered includes time with your significant other, in which case you’ll want to reserve one of the three opulent Couple’s Villas (complete with garden enclaves, dual outdoor tubs, and rainfall showers). In either case, the aromas, music, and lighting elements are tailored to suit each guest’s every fancy. You’ll reach new heights of self-interest with indulgent treatments, from the Cornelia Signature “Self-Centered” Massage (designed to fit the concerns of your body) to the Bejeweled Signature Facial (just what it sounds like–you’ll be awash in rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and pearls).

On my recent visit, I treated myself to the Honey Citrus Body Polish (I was prepping for my wedding day/honeymoon and really need to be glowing) before a massage, and it was heavenly. After being scrubbed down with this delicious mixture of honey, citrus, and oil, I showered off in my outdoor rainfall shower on my private patio (part of my treatment suite). My skin was left feeling incredibly soft and smooth, and devoid of all that winter dryness; I felt rejuvenated and ready to show my skin off!

If you don’t opt for a body polish treatment, fret not. You can instead pay a visit to the Scrub and Polish Bar, where a “mixologist” custom blends couture scrub kits. At USD 30 with treatment (USD 50 without treatment), the scrubs are a great value and last for multiple uses–take the leftovers home with you! I was so wow’ed by my baby-soft skin, that I had to stop here on my way out to pick a freshly made scrub for myself (and my bridesmaids – it makes for a fabulous gift, complete with a loofah, body butter, and body mist). Even if I can’t have someone else polishing my body, I can at least get similar results at home.

If you need a little sustenance at this point, as I did after my treatments, don’t miss the complimentary tea and light bites in the relaxation room. Your inner child will thrill to the chocolate cupcakes (I snuck two every time I walked by!), while the grown-up in you will no doubt appreciate the champagne that comes with booking a private garden villa.

Finally, the pièce de résistance of selfishness (in a good way): the Self-Centered Garden. Here, you’ll find lush greenery and fantasy-inspired touches like birdcage-esque swinging chairs over reflecting pools, an oversized chess set, and outdoor day beds. Let yourself relax and play! There’s also a salon and well-equipped fitness center if you want to make like Narcissus and enjoy your own image in the mirror even more.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the spa’s “wishing well” before you leave. What should you wish for? Something for yourself, of course.

Eau Spa by Cornelia
The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach
100 S. Ocean Blvd.
Manalapan, FL
(1) 561-533-6000
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Read more about Eau Spa by Cornelia in our Palm Beach Guide.