It was January in Chicago, and the air was bitterly cold—especially along Michigan Avenue near Lake Michigan, where gusts off the water made walking between meetings uncomfortable. The thought of my late-afternoon spa appointment at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago kept me warm as I hurried across downtown for business.
My overnight stay at the recently refreshed, iconic Chicago property proved cozy and comforting—a welcome contrast to the frigid temperatures outside.
In July 2017, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation inspired by the city’s bold architecture. The redesign highlights panoramic skyline views and an impressive permanent art collection. In my suite, multiple rooms offered sweeping outlooks over the lake and familiar Chicago sights, including the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. My favorite work on display was Roy Lichtenstein’s Wallpaper with Blue Floor Interior in the ground-floor lobby.
Distinctive features of the renovation include the Flying Wave, a floating sculpture made from four types of handblown glass in the lobby; more than 25,000 square feet of updated event space, including The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom; and Torali, Italian – Steak, a modern steakhouse located on the 12th floor.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, which had also been refreshed, was the primary reason for my visit that afternoon. The spa’s design blends stone and walnut with a calming color palette that evokes the nearby shores of Lake Michigan. Treatments focus on hydration and renewal—options include a high-powered antioxidant facial, a full-body glow treatment and targeted muscle-recovery massages for athletes. The facility houses five treatment rooms, separate men’s and women’s steam rooms and a new nail salon. The spa uses ESPA natural skincare products exclusively.
Having experienced several ESPA spas previously, I’ve been consistently satisfied with their results. ESPA products emphasize holistic well-being while drawing on the expertise of biochemists, dermatologists and aromatherapists. Formulas combine plant and marine actives with essential oils to deliver immediate and lasting benefits that work with the skin’s natural chemistry.
When I arrived, my therapist was ready at the spa reception and personally escorted me to the locker room. With the spa, pool and fitness center centralized in one area, the space felt pleasantly active. I changed into a plush robe and returned to the lobby, where my therapist met me and led me to the treatment room. Reception is arranged to separate the changing and pool area from the treatment rooms, preserving privacy and serenity.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa © THE RITZ-CARLTON, CHICAGO
I had an 80-minute custom facial booked, which began with a thorough skin analysis. Fortunately, my skin tends to be balanced—neither overly oily nor overly dry—and I typically avoid severe breakouts. Blackheads are mostly confined to the T-zone, but the therapist recommended extractions to clear congestion. While extractions can be uncomfortable, they’re often necessary for skin health. My therapist worked efficiently and the procedure was quick; extractions were limited to my chin and the area around my nose.
A recurring concern for me is dark under-eye circles. When I mentioned them, the therapist suggested something I had not heard before: because the skin around the eyes is thin and contains many small blood vessels, harsh rubbing during makeup removal can effectively “bruise” that area and worsen discoloration. Becoming gentler with my cleansing routine has made a noticeable difference.
The facial was designed to purify, hydrate, brighten and smooth my complexion. It included a deep brush cleanse, a gentle exfoliation, a nourishing mask and a relaxing head, neck and scalp massage. Each step felt indulgent, and my therapist explained the products and techniques she used. I was deeply relaxed throughout the treatment, and that calm contributed as much to the outcome as the products did.
After tying up business in Chicago, I gathered my bags and headed to O’Hare International Airport for a red-eye to Philadelphia. I arrived home feeling refreshed and noticeably more dewy—my skin and spirit both benefited from the spa visit.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Water Tower Place
160 E. Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 266 1000
ritzcarlton.com