As a mom, you learn early on that there are no favorites — at least not aloud. With a baby growing inside me and a toddler steering the daily routine, my own preferences often get set aside: wholesome meals traded for quick snacks, peaceful playlists swapped for loud sing-alongs. So when I heard my favorite spa had relaunched its facial program, I felt no guilt about taking a morning off to book a long, restorative facial at The Spa at Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center.
“I’ll start with the same message I share with every mom who walks through our doors,” said Jenny Gaus, my aesthetician, at the beginning of a 90-minute collagen renewal facial. “Breathe deeply and remember: caring for yourself is not indulgent — it’s necessary. Like the safety instruction on a plane, put your oxygen mask on first. Taking care of yourself enables you to better care for others.” With that, she tapped a wooden mallet against a crystal singing bowl and I let my tired body sink into the warm, plush treatment bed.
PHOTO: © FOUR SEASONS
The Spa at Four Seasons Philadelphia sits on the 57th floor of the city’s tallest building, and arriving by glass elevator feels like part of the ritual. Although the lift reaches the top quickly, the atmosphere on the 57th floor slows you down: more than 700 pounds of energy-nurturing crystals are embedded throughout the level, creating a distinct, calming ambience. Mechanical-diffusing stones such as pyrite, obsidian and clear quartz are positioned near the elevator, electrical room and fitness center to counter electromagnetic frequencies. In the relaxation lounge, salon and staff areas, softer stones like rose quartz, moonstone and lepidolite help cultivate a serene, welcoming energy that seems to influence both guests and staff.
When the spa opened in August 2019, its design intentionally balanced low-tech and high-tech elements — an approach that has become increasingly relevant as visitors seek restorative experiences after recent years of upheaval. The spa also maintains its energy intentionally: a certified crystal healer visits every six months to re-energize the space and ensure the crystals remain charged. Each treatment room highlights a single crystal and encourages guests to select services aligned with that crystal’s qualities. Choices include rhodochrosite, carnelian, citrine, malachite, turquoise, kyanite, amethyst and clear quartz. My facial took place in the amethyst room, where the stone’s association with the crown chakra supports calmness, clearer thinking and emotional balance.
Among the spa’s offerings — from body wraps and exfoliations to salon services and massages — several signature treatments stand out. The Seasons of Chakras Massage is particularly notable: during a 60-minute session, therapists use essential oils to engage all five senses and promote balance. Reiki and sound energy healing sessions are popular and often fully booked; the sound healing lasts about 105 minutes and includes a complimentary chakra crystal set for guests to take home and continue their practice.
The panoramic views and the rare chance to swim in an infinity-edge pool on the 57th floor inspired another exclusive experience. In January 2021 the spa launched its Night Spa, which remains a favorite for couples. The evening begins with a candlelit runway that leads two guests into the empty pool room, followed by a private 60-minute couples massage and a swim above the city lights.
Whether shared with a partner in the treatment rooms or enjoyed solo while reclining in anti-gravity chairs that look out over Philadelphia’s streets, time at the spa feels restorative and intimate. For me, it has become a sanctuary — a place where taking time for myself is framed not as selfish, but as essential. I leave feeling replenished and ready to return to the small gemstones waiting for me at home: my family.