If every form of therapy included a luxurious massage and rejuvenating facial, the world would undoubtedly be a more serene place. My recent experience at a Lush Spa, undergoing their signature four-hour treatment, “The Planets,” was nothing short of transformative – a spiritually enriching and astronomically relaxing journey that redefined my understanding of self-care.

Venturing into a spa is always an enticing prospect, but the promise of a four-hour session dedicated to spiritual exploration and profound relaxation was irresistible. I was privileged to be among the first to experience “The Planets” treatment at Lush Spa, a meticulously crafted ritual inspired by the cosmos and Gustav Holst’s iconic orchestral suite, ‘The Planets’. This immersive experience, years in development, is now available to the public, offering a unique pathway to holistic well-being.

The treatment’s underlying philosophy, while seemingly whimsical – embracing the continuum of time and the untapped potential within us, addressing past, present, and future to harmonize our inner universe – resonated deeply. I wholeheartedly embraced the journey and emerged from Lush Spa feeling profoundly renewed. Here’s a glimpse into my transformative four-hour, $495 Planets treatment:

#1. Personalized Planetary Consultation: Lush Philadelphia stands as one of the select locations in North America to house a dedicated Lush Spa. Stepping beyond the vibrant, bath-bomb-filled storefront, I was transported to a quaint, kitchen-like sanctuary reminiscent of the English countryside. Here, at a welcoming wooden table, I began my consultation with Tina Casella, my experienced esthetician. Tina introduced a set of beautifully designed cards, akin to tarot, each representing a planet and embodying qualities such as ‘empathy’ and ‘love’. Guided by intuition, I chose Mercury, symbolizing ‘change’, to set the intention for my personalized spa journey.

#2. Immersive Treatment Room Ambiance: Tina then led me upstairs to the treatment room, a space that felt like a bohemian interpretation of outer space. Moving constellations danced across the ceiling, bathed in mystical purple light, while mirrored reflections gently swirled above, creating an enchanting and dreamlike atmosphere. The ambiance was truly magical, setting the stage for deep relaxation and introspection.

#3. Releasing the Past Through Therapeutic Massage: The initial phase of the treatment delved into addressing life’s accumulated burdens through a profound 90-minute full-body massage – an approach far more insightful than one might expect. Tina explained the concept of emotional tension being stored in specific areas of the body. By verbally acknowledging and exploring the roots of these stresses during the massage, she suggested, tension could dissipate more effectively than in silence. Intrigued by this holistic approach, I readily engaged. Tina expertly used a spherical, planet-inspired body butter, rich in nourishing ingredients, to methodically release tension from my scalp to my toes, incorporating a revitalizing foot cleanse into the experience.

The level of openness during this segment was entirely personal. However, when Tina pinpointed a knot in my lower back and astutely connected it to anxieties surrounding finances and self-imposed limitations related to money, her insight resonated deeply. It was startlingly accurate, prompting a level of vulnerability I rarely access, even with close friends. Remarkably, as I articulated the origins of this tension, I physically felt it release from my body. With each knot eased, Tina symbolically sealed away negativity by applying either a hot or cold stone to the area, effectively ‘closing the emotional drawer’. The term ‘therapeutic’ felt inadequate to describe the profound healing taking place.

#4. Grounding in the Present with Palmistry and Reflection: Emerging from the massage feeling lighter and profoundly relaxed, I was enveloped in an exquisitely soft robe, reminiscent of regal attire. Tina and I then settled down for a traditional English tea ceremony. She began by cleansing my hands in a basin infused with a mesmerizing galactic bath bomb.

As the bath bomb effervesced, releasing calming essential oils in a swirling, fragrant mist, Tina explained this ritual as a symbolic ‘washing away of the past’. Following a soothing hand massage, she proceeded to read my palm, and this is where the experience intensified. Tina offered insightful observations, noting my long, sweeping heart line, indicative of my generous and open-hearted nature, and the inward curl of my fingertips, suggesting a cautious approach to new experiences and relationships. Her insights felt uncannily accurate, touching upon deeply personal aspects of my life. Then, examining my fate line, Tina revealed a perceived shift in my life’s trajectory, a course correction leading me in a direction opposite to my anticipated path. “Lauren,” she stated gently, “I believe you possess the courage to embrace this change.” At that moment, overcome by emotion, tears welled up. Looking down into my teacup, embarrassed by the intensity of my reaction, I noticed the image of my chosen planet, Mercury, printed at the bottom, alongside the word that had guided my treatment: change.

#5. Embracing the Future with an Uplifting Facial: After our emotionally charged tea ceremony, I transitioned back to the treatment table for the final phase: the facial. The focus of this segment was to prepare me to confidently step into the future with renewed energy and optimism. Every technique employed during the facial was designed to lift and rejuvenate facial muscles. The experience included a gentle cleanse, a steam treatment with warm towels, and a nourishing face mask. This was the only period of tranquil silence throughout the treatment, allowing my mind to wander and contemplate the future. Ideas surfaced regarding desired changes and new directions I wished to explore in my life. Before I knew it, the facial concluded. As I opened my eyes, I noticed the projection of Mercury, my guiding planet, once again gracing the ceiling above.

#6. Final Thoughts on a Transformative Spa Journey: To fully appreciate “The Planets” treatment at Lush Spa, one must be open to embracing the holistic philosophy – the planetary symbolism, the palm reading, and the willingness to explore deeply personal emotions and subconscious burdens. However, for those who are receptive, I wholeheartedly believe that the Planets treatment at Lush Spa offers an unparalleled experience. Stepping back into the everyday world, refreshed from within, I felt genuinely transformed. And regarding that change? The journey has just begun.