Hardly anything spells luxury better than a facial at The Guerlain Spa. This is something I recently found out for myself when I got to try it at their Berlin address, located inside one of the city’s most stunning hotels – The Waldorf Astoria.

Before I get way too ahead of myself, however, let me let you in on a secret. It took me over a year of living in Berlin before I actually tried getting a facial.

Good God, I could hear your gasps from within my apartment. I know, I know. It doesn’t sound like me at all. I’m one who enjoys having someone do it for me. So much so that I used to go for one almost every month back when I was living in Manila then Kuala Lumpur.

Skin Problems

When we moved to Berlin, however, I found myself having skin problems.

Que horror. 

Being new in Berlin, it took me a while to decide. Go to a facialist or wait it out? I didn’t want to make the mistake of going to someone who may worsen my condition. Also, facials also cost more in Europe than in Asia so it’s only smart to go to one that’s worth it. I did my research and have been asking people where it is that they normally go. In the end, I only met two (!!) women who regularly go for facials.

I went the DIY route since my skin was not at its best. I was scared a new facialist may aggravate the situation. So, I swore it off until all of my skin’s tantrums have subsided. A dermatologist did tell me that all I had to do was wait it out anyway.

And it finally cleared up a little over a month ago – just in time for my birthday. I was ready to throw a party! To be honest, it’s been a really great birthday month for me. Several lunches and meet-ups with friends that are too fun to post, the arrival of Juancho, low-key celebrations with Alvin at home since I was sick, and the National Day events that I always tell people are really for my birthday. 😉

They really are! 😛 Tee-hee.

My birthday month got even better when one of my friends gifted me with a facial at the Guerlain Spa. Knowing of my skin’s recent struggles and how I’m finally seeing the light at the end of a truly long and dark tunnel, it was the perfect way to really ensure that it bounces back. I have the most caring friends in the universe, you see. My dry-sensitive skin is and will be forever grateful.

The Guerlain Spa

Coming from our embassy’s Independence Day flag ceremony and breakfast event, I rushed to my appointment at The Guerlain Spa. Good thing they’re near each other and I made it right on time. A little winded, but all’s good.

I entered the spa that was flooded with warm daylight and was greeted by Annika who was also going to be my facialist that day. She was warm and friendly – something I truly appreciate. I do love forming bonds with people who help me with my beauty needs. I have yet to tell you guys about Fanny who was my waxer and friend in Kuala Lumpur. Yes, that’s her  real English name. The story behind that and our friendship are topics for another post, though.

Annika then asked me to go to my private bathroom which would be mine for the duration of the treatment. I could leave all my stuff there, go on a shower if I wish, and relax a little bit.

Berlin Beauty: The Guerlain Spa (Waldorf Astoria)

After changing into a Boco Terry robe, Annika helped me choose a scent that will fill the room for the duration of the treatment. We landed with the Mon Guerlain Florale. It’s got floral notes of jasmine, lavender, and peony at just the right strength – nothing too overpowering. At the same time, it’s also woody and powdery – something I always appreciate when it comes to perfume.

Berlin Beauty: The Guerlain Spa (Waldorf Astoria)

Annika also offered me some tea. I asked for green and luckily, they had Sencha – my favourite. Then, it was time to really start the treatment. We first went for a foot bath that put me in a whole new level of being relaxed. If you know me personally, you know that’s hard. I’m as high strung as the next type-A millennial you know.  Berlin Beauty: The Guerlain Spa (Waldorf Astoria)

The foot bath was short but sweet. You get cleaned and scrubbed as your scent of choice floods the air around you. I was almost falling asleep. So, I chatted with Annika who gave me more details about the spa – how it has a Vichy Shower (okay, already planning my next visit) and some of its other special features.

Berlin Beauty: The Guerlain Spa (Waldorf Astoria)After the foot bath, she even showed me one of their special rooms where you can get a hydrotherapy bath complete with colour changing LED lights that each have a certain benefit to your skin.  I’m actually a huge lover of LED technology being used for beauty – from masks to light pens.

Facial Treatment

Berlin Beauty: The Guerlain Spa (Waldorf Astoria)

The treatment room (one of six) was utterly divine. Clean, modern, and luxurious. True to the promise of keeping the scent we picked throughout the treatment, Mon Guerlain Florale was also in the air. The moment I saw the bed, I just wanted to sink into it. And so I did.

Berlin Beauty: The Guerlain Spa (Waldorf Astoria)

After a thorough look at the state of my skin and how I told her a bit of its history, Annika decided on using products from the Abeille Royale range. They promote healing and rejuvenation.

Annika also told me that the Ouessant Honey, one of the range’s major ingredients, is one of the purest in the world. It’s produced in the island of Ouessant, 18 kilometres off the coast of Brittany. It’s a UNESCO biosphere reserve where black bees can live and thrive peacefully, producing honey that’s rich in amino acids and other essential ingredients that are vital in the repair process of skin tissue.

She wrapped my head in a towel to keep all the hair away. Then, Annika began to clean my face, neck and the upper area of my chest through a relaxing ritual that somehow, felt more like a massage.

My favourite part, of course, was the extraction. I believe in “No pain, no gain” so I readied myself for some minor squirming. However, Annika did it expertly – cleaning out every blocked pore swiftly and with just the right amount of pressure that almost but never fully translated to discomfort. It was the most relaxing extraction I’ve had.

Then, there were some serums and moisturisers which she told me about in such a soothing voice. I remember listening and answering her – even asking a couple of questions – but also being so relaxed that I was half asleep. I really blame the way she massaged all of those products into my skin as well as smell and vibe of the whole place. High strung me was nowhere in sight. I was relaxed and I wasn’t even thinking of anything else (even deadlines!) aside from wanting to stay longer and making sure Annika never leaves my side ever.

But alas, all things – both good and bad – come to an end. When my hour was up, Annika left me alone to put my robe back on and have some more tea. Then, I drifted back to my private bathroom to get dressed. She left me a bag of samples to bring home and try. After two weeks of giving them a go, I can honestly say that I’ll be incorporating Abeille Royale products into my skincare routine.

*Note to self: Must make more money with my writing to buy skincare products that are on the high-end spectrum but really worth it.

*Note to everyone: Great skin is something worth investing in.

Berlin Beauty: The Guerlain Spa (Waldorf Astoria)

If you’re headed somewhere after your treatment, you can get some light makeup done either in the treatment room or at one of the counters. It’s also a great way to learn more about the products.

Is it worth it?

While my treatment was a gift, I could honestly say that the Guerlain Spa is worth its price point. (You can check their spa menu and special offers in this link.)

I left the Guerlain Spa slightly flushed and with extremely hydrated skin. On my way home, I had an American lady chat me up and asked which university I was studying in. I told her I’m married and that I’m nearing my 30s. She wouldn’t believe me at first. For real.

Why thank you, Guerlain!

The spa also has a pool (currently under renovation but it should be ready soon), a gym, and a sauna. So if you’re planning a day of relaxation in the heart of Berlin, this is the perfect place to go. It’s also ideal after brunch at Roca or shopping in nearby Kurfürstendamm.

It’s also something worth saving up for when there’s a special occasion coming up. They’ve got a day experience for brides to be and even a half-day pampering session for moms and those who are expecting.

I’m lucky to be in a city where there’s a Guerlain Spa. There’s only around 20 in the world and most of them are in Europe too. So if you ever find one in the city you’re in and you’re due for some pampering, you have to try it.

Treat yourself every now and then! You deserve it. 🙂

Guerlain Spa Waldorf Astoria
Hardenbergstraße 28, 10623 Berlin
Appointments: +49 (0)30 814000-2950
Website

More later.

Love,

Carol