Call it kismet: as my flight touched down at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, I came across an article about the new Leaf Spa opening at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park. Intrigued by its wellness approach inspired by Earth’s natural cycles, I was drawn to the idea that spa-goers might “shed old leaves and blossom anew.”
A quick check of my final schedule showed I could potentially fit in a treatment the next morning, between two meetings on the same side of the Chicago River. After reading the seasonal treatment menu in more detail, I made a reservation for a facial the following day.
© Alina Alexandra Photography
Nature and the seasons inform every aspect of Leaf Spa, starting with the names of the treatment rooms: Birch for rebirth and new beginnings; Holly for peace and goodwill; Red Oak for resilience; Red Maple for endurance; Sycamore for strength; Fern for good luck; Ginkgo symbolizing hope, love and duality; and Bodhi representing wisdom, enlightenment and compassion.
Treatments are organized around the seasons. You don’t have to book a service only during its designated season, but each treatment incorporates elements, scents and products associated with that time of year to enhance therapeutic impact. My visit coincided with fall, so I was drawn to the Falless Facial, which uses pumpkin and cinnamon to address uneven skin tone. Other fall offerings include the Dosha Detox Body Treatment and the Mindful Meditative Massage. Winter treatments encourage cleansing and mindful forward movement, featuring sage and options such as the Peaceful Pause Massage. Spring focuses on renewal with botanical boosters, skin re-energizers and rose aromatherapy. Summer offerings highlight honey in the Honeysupple Facial and cooling therapies—aloe, coconut and cold treatments—in the Cool Down Cure Body Treatment. Spa packages combine seasonal experiences, and additional services include Knesko masks, hot stones, CBD oil treatments, herbal soaks and scalp rejuvenation.
On the morning of my scheduled facial, the spa called to let me know the aesthetician had an emergency and could not make the appointment. Because I wasn’t available later that day, I switched to the Mindful Meditative Massage, a treatment that begins with guided breathing and sound bowl healing to calm the mind before a restorative massage.
© Alina Alexandra Photography
There was much to experience before my massage began. Time was limited that morning, but Leaf Spa is a place where I recommend arriving early to enjoy the full range of offerings. Candle-lit lanterns led me from the entrance to the front desk, positioned beside the Wish Tree and the Alchemist Bar. After check-in, I visited the Alchemist Bar, which displays healing herbs, essential remedies and plants. I chose rose and eucalyptus, and while I had my massage, the spa mixed a personalized therapeutic scrub from those selections. Guests can also choose a topical, oil or tincture. This bespoke approach felt uniquely personal—one of the most memorable touches I’ve encountered at any spa.
The Wish Tree, adorned with colored ribbons, collects visitors’ intentions and hopes. I tied my own ribbon to the branches and set a quiet intention for the treatment.
On the way to the locker room, I passed through the House of Knowledge, a gallery showcasing plants, herbs and leaves from around the world prized for their healing properties. The locker room was spacious and well appointed; I changed into a plush robe and slippers and found tea, nuts and dried fruit to enjoy. Soothing background music guided me to the relaxation lounge, where comfortable seating allowed me to wait peacefully for my therapist.
Once my therapist greeted me, the rest of my visit moved in a pleasant blur. He had recently relocated to Chicago and said Leaf Spa’s reinvention and philosophy drew him to the city. The Mindful Meditative Massage began with breathing and sound work, then transitioned to a restorative body treatment that left me feeling renewed and energized for the afternoon’s meetings. Before I left, the spa gifted me a bag of products, including my personalized scrub, which helped extend the calm and wellbeing I experienced back home from the Windy City.