A SPA VISIT TOUTS MANY health benefits for the patron — including stress relief, elimination of physical symptoms, a relaxed mind — so it only makes sense those same attributes, and others, can be extremely beneficial when carried over into the workplace. According to a 2016 Forbes.com article, findings from years of research show treatments can help spark creativity, boost the immune system, increase productivity and improve sleep habits. Armed with this important data, GT associate publisher Carly Allen and I decided to book afternoon spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago on a recent business trip to the Windy City. It’s work, after all.

While we weren’t sacrificing for the greater good of the company, after a packed business trip and the effects of travel, taking a few moments of Zen and finding balance were overall beneficial for the rest of our trip, our brain power and our workflow the following week.

The Peninsula Chicago is one of my favorite hotels in Chicago, and I’m always happy to find any reason to visit. On past visits I’ve stayed in the newly renovated guestrooms, sampled the Chinese food at the award-winning Shanghai Terrace, stopped in to check out the gorgeous Christmas decorations and enjoyed many an after-dinner drink at The Bar. This was my first time indulging at The Peninsula Spa, which I glimpsed on previous visits to the hotel’s state-of-the-art and well-equipped fitness center. With my first visit in the books, I can safely say the spa is my new favorite reason to return.

The relaxation starts immediately upon checking into the serene, darkened and calming reception area. We were given a quick tour of the locker room facilities, and I was pleased to see shelves of robes and slippers available in alternate sizes. I selected a robe two sizes larger to really snuggle into. Despite the timing of our early May visit, there was still quite a chill in the air in Chicago, and it felt luxurious to envelope myself in the warmth of the robe.

The calm continued when we made our way to the relaxation area, where cushioned loungers awaited. The seats, dressed like beds with plush comforters, turned down on one side, beckoned us. I took full advantage, cocooning myself with the blanket and thumbing through a magazine while I waited for my therapist.

Carly was scheduled for the Sattva Vedic Aromatherapy Massage, one of the spa’s more popular lines with an emphasis on Marma therapy, an ancient Indian practice. Reflecting the Vedic philosophy of purity, the Sattva by Simply Peninsula collection features eight treatments, rituals and wellness journeys crafted to combine Ayurveda methods with contemporary massage techniques. Australian brand Subtle Energies crafted the products used, a blend of active ingredients including oils, Himalayan crystal salts, clays and herbs. Carly was able to select the oil blend and salts used in her 60-minute treatment with the guidance of her masseuse.

In the Sattva Vedic Aromatherapy Massage, Marma therapy and lymphatic techniques help balance the chi while strengthening the body’s muscles and joints — an experience Carly dubbed, “a soothing massage perfect after a day of meetings.”

Other Sattva by Simply Peninsula treatments include Khushali Reviving Signature Journey, Tulasi Detox Signature Journey, Podi Signature Journey, Vedic Aromatherapy Full Body and Facial Marma Massage, Khushali Himalayan Crystal Salt Scrub, Tulasi Detox Body Polish and Sattva Shirodhara with Facial Marma Therapy.

Facial treatment © THE PENINSULA CHICAGO

I opted for the Biologique Recherche Healthy Glow Facial, utilizing a product line introduced at the spa earlier this year. The brand’s methodology boasts a reputation for astounding effectiveness based on a clinical approach and intentionally pure, concentrated, raw ingredients. The active ingredients are perfume-free and cold formulated at laboratories in Paris. I can attest to the line’s effectiveness, as my skin was smooth, blemishfree and glowing for weeks post-treatment.

My favorite part of my 60-minute facial was the cold mask. While it was initially a shock to the system, it felt great as my body adjusted and the therapist used massage balls to ease the ingredients into my skin. Overall, the Healthy Glow Facial begins with a personalized skin analysis followed by deep cleansing and exfoliation. A personalized manual lift technique is used, and a customized mask is designed depending on skin type.

Other treatments available using Biologique Recherche products include the European Deep Cleansing Facial, the Remodeling Facial, the Second Skin Facial, the CRYO 3R Facial, the Triple Lift Luxury Facial and the Gentleman’s Facial.

Next time you visit Chicago, do yourself (and your job!) a favor: Indulge in the signature treatments offered at The Peninsula Spa. You won’t regret it, and you’ll be feeling the benefits before you leave the treatment room.

The Peninsula Spa

The Peninsula Chicago
108 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 573 6860
peninsula.com