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June 30, 2014

California Beauty: California Dreaming at Mandarin Oriental


Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Editors' Notes

Single treatment suite at the spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Editors' Notes

Relaxation tea lounge at the spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Editors' Notes

Manicure and pedicure area at the spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Editors' Notes

Treatment suite shower at the spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Editors' Notes

Signature product line used during the California Dreaming treatment at the spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

Editors' Notes

Sea salts used during the California Dreaming treatment at the spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

The Mamas & The Papas first coined the phrase in their 1965 hit about the allure of the Golden State, and now “California Dreaming” is the newest spa offering at the spa at the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco. The one hour and 50 minute deluxe treatment makes use of natural, local products—including mineral salts from the Pacific Ocean and a body lotion prepared with native California avocado and grape seed oils—that work to relax and rejuvenate. “We were inspired by our unique West Coast location to create a journey that would allow our guests to embrace and learn about our natural resources,” explains Spa Director Kristy Whitford.

Upon arrival, each client receives an aroma analysis, determining which of the spa’s five signature oils will be used during the treatment. Spa therapists then proceed with a special foot treatment followed by a full body exfoliation using a custom-blended salt scrub. “Our therapist Graham Gautschi designed the journey to evoke the senses through various moments throughout the treatment,” Whitford notes. After softening the skin, the experience continues with a body massage using heated basalt stones along with kneading, percussion and reflexology techniques (using the moisturizing avocado and grape seed blend) to restore balance from head to toe. “Sense of place is so important to our brand because it is essential for us to create an experience where guests are inspired by the hotel’s natural surroundings and elements,” says Whitford. “Using ingredients that are inspired by the surrounding beauty is a way for us to honor the region.”

After the treatment, guests are invited to extend their stay at the 8,000-square-foot space with a complimentary signature tea in the relaxation lounge. Along with the new California Dreaming exclusive, the 5-star spa’s range of Asian-inspired treatments—including facials using Natura Bissé products, manicures and pedicures complete with diamond dust skin exfoliation and aromatherapy massages—are hard to resist.

By: Megan Meyer

Pictured: The spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco

 Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco

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