The spa and our broader wellness activities are an intrinsic service platform within the hotel’s narrative – a sanctuary for the health-conscious
– Emlyn Brown

Fairmont Spa Century Plaza is now open at the new Fairmont Century Plaza hotel, in Los Angeles, formerly home to the iconic crescent-shaped former Century Plaza Hotel.

Since opening in 1966, the property has hosted generations of Hollywood celebrities, foreign dignitaries and multiple US presidents.

Fairmont's five-year US$2.5bn (€2.1bn, £1.8bn) refresh has seen the hotel updated with 400 guest rooms, 63 residences, four dining concepts, 24,000sq ft of event space and a 14,000sq ft spa.

The spa and wellness facility has been realised to deliver experiences beyond those currently available in the luxury market and to reinvent traditional spa culture.

Designed by international design team Yabu Pushelberg, Fairmont Spa Century Plaza has been conceived as a minimalist sanctuary of quiet and serenity.

Soft lighting illuminates slate-coloured tiles, high ceilings, warm woods, sleek black accents and natural polished grey stone.

Through its doors lie experiential rain showers, sanariums, aromatherapy steamrooms, a Himalayan salt room and a hammam.

The spa is complete with nine treatment rooms including two suites and two couples’ rooms, all outfitted with custom-made treatment tables by Italian spa and wellness equipment supplier Lemi.

“Fairmont Spa Century Plaza is one of the most exciting wellness developments for Accor globally and a blueprint for our spas across the group,” said Emlyn Brown, Accor’s global vice president of wellbeing.

“Under the leadership of the spa’s general manager Magdaleena Nikolov, the management team on property has raised the bar and thrown down the gauntlet of what a hotel spa can be.

“As a result, the spa and our broader wellness activities become an intrinsic service platform within the hotel’s narrative, a sanctuary for the health-conscious.”

Nikolov told Spa Business the treatment menu takes inspiration from nature, with offerings including a signature Sunset treatment to transport guests to the moment of pause experienced while watching a glorious sunset.

The menu also offers an array of facials, sensorial body treatments and relief and recovery massages. All treatments are performed on smart-linen provided by Nollapelli.

Rituals are supplied by professional skincare brands Dr Levy Switzerland, Ultraceuticals, LILFOX and Natura Bissé – including its brand new line of Diamond Well-Living rituals.

Surpassing expectations

In addition, Fairmont Spa Century Plaza encompasses a collective of wellness specialists including Dr Rita Rakus, London-based rejuvenation and anti-ageing aesthetic treatment pioneer, and Dr Oz Garcia, a biohacker and authority on healthy ageing.

Guests can experience OZ Garcia Wellness nutrition consultations as well as exclusive biohacking treatments co-designed with Nikolov to improve overall wellbeing and improve sleep, mental wellness and stress management.

“We’re beyond excited to introduce our futuristic approach to wellness to locals and guests alike,” shared Nikolov.

“The true soul of our spa will shine through thanks to our highly talented team and innovative group of strategic partners. We’ll offer unsurpassed experiences to create a wellness community that all are invited to join.”

Thanks to a partnership with Three Sages Wellness, wellbeing activations are integrated throughout the hotel starting from the moment guests arrive. These include outdoor meditations and breathing exercises, in-room content for mindfulness practices, a recovery station in the fitness centre and focused wellness content and music in the spa.

Guests can even take it with them via a Spotify playlist to continue their wellness journey at home.

FitnessThrough a partnership with recovery specialists Hyperice, the spa also delivers recovery treatments to offer a premium rejuvenation experience, designed to ease tension.

Fairmont guests can choose from on-demand Hyperice wellness services, enhanced spa treatment options and enjoy access to a suite of Hyperice technology in the hotel’s modern fitness centre.

The fitness facility is accessible 24/7 and features Technogym equipment.

Here, guests can access personal training sessions, classes with partners such as Fortune Boxing and a gear-lending programme.

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FEATURE: Interview – Emlyn Brown