As they say, third time’s a charm. In April 2022, after returning from a cruise and before attending a convention, I tried to visit The Spa at the then-new Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, but there was no availability. Another high-season visit by a colleague also found the spa fully booked. Finally, a February 2023 overnight stay gave me another opportunity, and this time a reservation was available. It was worth the wait.
Anyone who has visited Fort Lauderdale knows the city’s heart is its coastal waterways and oceanside setting. My earlier trip didn’t leave time for a spa visit, though it did include an evening water taxi ride that showcased stunning homes, twinkling lights and panoramic views. The Spa captures that waterfront spirit through yacht-club–inspired decor and treatments that draw on water imagery and techniques.
© Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
The water theme is most evident in The Spa’s Waves body treatment series: scrubs, wraps, body treatments and facials performed on a specialty Spa Dream aquatic table. The table simulates the motion of the ocean with hypnotic, rhythmic waves designed to ease tension and provide a sensation of weightlessness.
The Spa features six treatment rooms, Himalayan salt-wall saunas, aromatherapy steam rooms, ice fountains and multisensory showers that provide targeted water treatments mimicking massage techniques. The design, by London’s Tara Bernerd & Partners, uses mid-century curves, marble, natural woods, rattan, antique brass and pale linens to create a soothing luxurious atmosphere. Guests staying at the hotel will find the same refined aesthetic throughout the public areas and guestrooms.
My visit moved from one water-based activity to another: an afternoon event on a yacht cruise followed by my spa appointment. On the way, I struck up a conversation with my Lyft driver, a professional photographer who had lived for years in my hometown region of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He photographed many of the same places I frequent, and even had connections to people I knew. It was a reminder of how small the world can feel.
© Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
During my visit I was about 10.5 weeks pregnant, so the spa recommended a facial rather than a massage during the first trimester. The staff learned about the pregnancy before many of my friends and family did, which was a funny coincidence. I was overdue for a facial, so I welcomed the suggestion.
I chose the 60-minute Tammy Fender Signature Holistic Facial, customized to the client’s skin and using plant-based herbs, vitamins, minerals and clinical-grade essential oils. The treatment aims to purify and rebalance the skin, promote natural cleansing, and smooth fine lines. Guests can upgrade to a 90-minute session that includes red LED therapy, though that option was not recommended for me at the time. Tammy Fender, who began her career working at a cosmetics counter, launched a movement toward natural, plant-based luxury skincare more than 25 years ago. Her bespoke, pure plant formulas were reassuring given my pregnancy, and it helped that Fender collaborates with the Four Seasons spa and operates her own West Palm Beach spa.
The spa also offers the Tammy Fender Holistic Cupping treatment. My therapist incorporated small cupping tools during my facial to address dark under-eye circles. Cupping helps stimulate the lymphatic system, promote drainage of excess fluid and toxins, and encourage nutrient delivery to skin tissues. It was my first experience with cupping, and I found it calming and effective.
My time at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale was pure bliss, and—true to form—meant to be.