Cherry blossom season in Washington DC is a spectacular time, transforming the city into a pink-hued wonderland. Beyond the visual feast, the essence of cherry blossoms has permeated various aspects of city life, including the spa and wellness scene. For those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation amidst the seasonal frenzy, a cherry blossom-themed spa treatment offers a unique escape. But are these treatments genuinely capturing the delicate beauty and essence of the blossom, or are they just another fleeting trend capitalizing on the popular flower? Let’s delve into the world of Cherry Blossom Spa rituals to find out.
The Cherry Blossom Ritual at the Watergate Hotel’s Argentta Spa
The Watergate Hotel, a landmark in DC, fully embraces the cherry blossom spirit during the season. Their Argentta Spa becomes a haven for those seeking themed experiences, extending beyond spa treatments to include cherry blossom tasting menus, truffle-making classes, flower crown workshops, and afternoon tea. The sheer volume of cherry blossom-themed offerings suggests an intense celebration of the season.
I opted for the “cherry blossom ritual,” specifically the manicure and pedicure, part of a larger spa package priced at $425. Upon arrival, I was ushered into a relaxation pod, a sanctuary of calm offering cucumber water, trail mix, and fresh fruit. The serene environment was a welcome contrast to the bustling city outside, a space where one could easily lose track of time, nourished by spa refreshments.
Reluctantly leaving my peaceful retreat, I was led to the treatment room and greeted with champagne and a signature pink cocktail – watermelon flavored, not cherry blossom, yet still festive and potent with tequila. The nail polish selection featured upscale brands, befitting the Watergate’s elegance. Embracing the cherry blossom theme, I chose pink and white shades for my manicure and pedicure.
My technician was exceptionally kind, despite the evident state of my neglected nails and toes. Years of accumulated nail polish layers hinted at a less-than-diligent self-care routine. With gentle curiosity, she inquired about my lifestyle, subtly questioning the story behind my ‘gnarly’ appendages. Despite the challenge, she expertly tackled the task, transforming my neglected digits. A cherry seed scrub was used to exfoliate my feet and legs, inducing a state of deep relaxation, akin to the gentle blossoming of spring itself.
Emerging with freshly painted pink toes, I overheard a sophisticated spa-goer requesting her car. The contrast was stark – a reminder of my own less glamorous departure via scooter in paper flip-flops.
Official ranking: 4 out of 5 Baked & Wired cherry blossom cupcakes
$425 for the package; available at the Watergate through April
Cherry Blossom Body Treatment at Aura Spa
Moving on to Aura Spa, located within Vida fitness center, I was greeted with cherry blossom-infused cold brew tea. While described as having vanilla notes, its taste was reminiscent of “Tidal Basin pond water,” a humorous comparison to the nearby cherry blossom viewing spot. The cucumber water from the Watergate Spa was already missed.
However, the cherry blossom body treatment at Aura Spa proved to be a revelation. A warm, cherry blossom-scented cream was applied, creating a sensation akin to being enveloped in a comforting, gently melting Yankee Candle – a truly immersive aromatic experience.
Next came exfoliation with a large mitt, effectively shedding layers of skin and stress. This cosmetic catharsis felt like a fresh start, erasing past neglects and leaving the skin feeling renewed and baby-soft. The subsequent massage was heavenly. Lacking any pretense of spa treatment sophistication, I wholeheartedly embraced the experience.
The massage induced such profound relaxation, a journey into a blissful, ethereal state, that when asked how I was feeling, only “ghoooooooooo” escaped my lips – a testament to the treatment’s effectiveness in achieving deep tranquility.
Stepping out of Aura Spa into Dupont Circle, my skin felt smooth and hydrated. The world seemed brighter, sounds more vibrant, and even the city buses appeared cheerier. And there, amidst the urban landscape, a cherry blossom – a subtle reminder of the season’s beauty and the spa’s successful infusion of its essence.
Official ranking: 5 out of 5 Baked & Wired cherry blossom cupcakes
$135; available at all Aura spa locations through April 13
Cherry Blossom Youth Infusion Facial at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown offered the final cherry blossom spa experience – the Youth Infusion Facial. An exceptionally cheerful concierge, radiating cherry blossom enthusiasm, directed me to the “leisure level,” a fitting designation for a now spa-initiated individual.
Donning a robe and settling onto the treatment bed, dolphin-like sounds emanating from a sound machine filled the room. The aesthetician began applying a concoction supposedly containing cherries, magnolia bark, red currants, and elderflower. The texture and scent, however, playfully suggested a cherry Yoplait yogurt mask.
When asked about facial frequency, my witty response, “How often is never? Hahahahaha,” was met with the continued rustling dolphin sounds, a drip of “cherry Yoplait” down my neck, and perhaps, somewhere, a dermatologist’s lament.
The exfoliating peel involved placing a net over my face, presumably to shield me from a glowstick-like applicator. This imagery humorously evoked Brussels sprouts in their net packaging. Despite the playful comparisons, the treatment was thorough – cleansing, scrubbing, and extracting until pores felt impeccably smooth. A scalp massage with a hair mask concluded the facial, offering a glimpse into the allure of this $275 treatment.
Leaving the Ritz-Carlton lobby, surrounded by sophisticated travelers and the ambiance of luxury, a sense of confidence and polished poise emerged. A feeling of being “as good as money can buy” settled in.
Yet, amidst this newfound confidence, a craving arose. Looking around the charming Georgetown streets, my gaze landed on a familiar sight – Baked & Wired. The allure of a cherry blossom cupcake proved irresistible. Luxury spa treatment or not, sometimes a sweet treat is the perfect ending.
Official ranking: 4 out of 5 Baked & Wired cherry blossom cupcakes
$180 for 50 minutes, $275 for 80 minutes; available at the Ritz-Carlton through April
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