We had the pleasure to interview Verena Lasvigne-Fox, the director of the spa of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia Spa, who shared her journey in managing one of the city’s most luxurious spas.
Awarded as Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa, Four Seasons Philadelphia provides the ultimate escape for your wellness retreat.
This luxurious five-star hotel is located in the heart of the city. It boasts breathtaking views of the city skyline, world-class dining options, and an unparalleled spa experience. With this, Sodashi is honored to be the spa partner of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, where our spa treatments are featured on their menu.
EXPLORE SPA MENU
1. First off, please tell us how you got into the spa industry. Have you always been passionate about health and wellness?
I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness. When the Director of Spa position became available in Philadelphia, I felt that it would be a tough decision to leave Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. My passion for providing a memorable experience led me down this career path, while giving me the opportunity to in a luxury market to design memorable wellness experiences.
2. With over 700 lbs. of healing crystals encased into the structure of the walls, guests will feel the sense of calm and relaxation that surrounds them from the moment they disembark the elevators on our 57th floor. What was the ideation behind this modern, luxurious look and feel of the spa space?
We are very lucky to be situated on the 57th floor of the Comcast Technology Center, the tallest building in the city. One of our goals when constructing this spa was to create a wellness sanctuary for hotel guests and local guests alike. Our floor-to-ceiling windows provide open ended views and an environment that offers a space for guests to unwind and relax while looking out over the iconic city of Philadelphia. Our spa was meticulously designed to provide a unique and rejuvenating experience, with a focus on bringing the natural beauty of the outdoors inside. Natural light streams through our windows, illuminating every corner of the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The crystals embedded in the walls were carefully chosen to enhance our guest’s sense of calm and balance, and different crystals are activated in different spaces as you move throughout the wellness floor.
3. Coming into the warmer time of the year in the USA, which treatment would you recommend your guest to be doing during this time?
With warmer temperatures approaching, hydration is key to maintain the health of your skin. For this time of year, I recommend our Body Renewal Wrap treatment which allows the body and mind to detoxify with a rich blend of algae and marine minerals. Sodashi’s signature salt therapy exfoliation followed by a warming marine body mask offers guests a journey which is completed with the application of lime and lemongrass hydration. A great addition to any of our facial treatments is the Sodashi face mist which promotes hydration and leave the skin feeling nurtured and refreshed of revitalizing relaxation.
4. You quoted “As we become more connected with high-tech innovations that consume our everyday lives, I am thrilled to create a spa program that helps our guests find balance.” Can you tell us more about the personalized spa experience?
I am a big believer in providing a personalized experience. Guests are coming to luxurious spas for a luxury experience. As much as high tech innovation can become a part of it, and add to the facial, I feel that it is all about the pampering from human hands and feeling the energy from a massage therapist that enhances an experience for our guests.
5. Philadelphia is known for its national historic landmark, what are the top 3 experiences you would recommend to your guests who have never visited Philadelphia?
a. Philadelphia is such an amazing food city and it can truly be hard to experience it all if you are only here for a short amount of time. Both a local and tourist favorite is Reading Terminal Market. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest public markets, and housed in a The National Historic Landmark, Reading Terminal Market offers a true taste of Philadelphia with family-operated stands that feature authentic Philly cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare as well as cuisines from all different cultures.
b. Another classic Philadelphia Landmark is of course the Rocky Statue and steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the famous steps are a really fun
symbol of the city that all visitors love. I loved bringing my kids there for the first time, watching them climb the steps like Rocky Balboa’s famous climb. It’s an iconic movie moment that also gives a great view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Philadelphia’s City Hall.
c. I think that one of the best ways to explore the city is by walking or by bike. We’ve launched a bike tour that allows our guests to cycle the city on a Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia curated route to discover the sites, monuments and museums dedicated to preserving the country’s rich history. It also allows our guests to experience the city through the eyes of a local which is a really special experience.
Enjoy a Bespoke Treatment Tailored to Your Individual Needs at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia’s Spa
Whether you are looking to relax, rejuvenate, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia’s spa is the perfect destination.
