Recently I was invited to accompany Tracey Serebin, aka “Wine Girl,” to the Four Seasons Resort in Orlando. I took a great amount of time to consider the offer… Just kidding, I said yes even before checking my calendar! We were both celebrating October birthdays and felt the stars were truly aligned for the occasion. Thanks to the resort’s stellar director of PR, Dana Berry, no detail was overlooked.

Tracey was interested in finding out why Capa, the resort’s 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse and bar with a unique Spanish influence, was recently named one of the top 100 wine restaurants in the U.S. by Wine Enthusiast. To read more about her findings during our private wine tasting with the resort’s tremendously knowledgeable sommelier Nga Ly-Henschen, check out Tracey’s “Wine Girl” column in the upcoming Holiday Issue of dupont Registry Tampa Bay.       .

As dRTB’s style and beauty editor, I needed to know more about this AAA Five Diamond Resort’s spa services. Our appointments were set and we were ready to do the “research.”

Our time at the Spa at Four Seasons, which reopened in July, was more than just a couple of appointments; it was a luxurious escape.

Having been given a tour of the Spa the day prior, we knew exactly how beautiful our afternoon would be. We were greeted by Brittany, who perfectly coordinated the services for us. Then Rosa was our guide, showing us around and getting us set up with lockers, robes and slippers. We missed out on the outdoor jacuzzi with its beautiful tranquil fountain, but don’t feel sorry for us — we made up for it with our indulgent treatments.

We both had a massage and facial. Tracey chose the “Sticks & Stones” massage, exclusive to Four Seasons Resort Orlando, in which warm basalt stones and birchwood massage sticks allow the therapist, Kim Landis in Tracey’s case, to target every  spot that ails you. I chose the “Massage Classics,” and my amazing therapist, Stephany Collins, customized the massage to treat my tired muscles. After our massages, both of us said we absolutely had to return again; this was too good to do only once.

Between services we were taken to the spa lounge, where we drank bottled water and enjoyed the fireplace and soothing decor.

Our facials, given by esthetician Nicole Schummp, were equally magnificent. We both chose the “Rejuvenating Oxygen Facial,” which promises a dramatic improvement in lift, tone, glow and moisture — the exact list of enhancements we were looking for. Tracey opted to add the “Collagen Enhancement” to her facial for an extra boost. We were both intoxicated with the relaxing aromas of essential oils and products.  Nicole was very attuned to our skin’s specific needs while at the same time making the experience uber-pampering. The Spa uses three fine lines of products: Intraceuticals, IS Clinical and, recently added, Biologique Recherché.

We finished off our treatments with a glass of chilled bubbly on a chaise lounge in front of a beautiful, quiet pond. The upshot? Relieved muscles, absence of stress, plump, hydrated skin and the feeling we could conquer the world — that is, if we weren’t so relaxed.

(By the way, The Spa doesn’t forget the youngest ladies who visit the resort. For little girls wishing to complete their fairy-tale stay, The Spa features an armoire full of Disney princess dresses and tiara to choose from after their beauty treatment of choice. Hair, nails, a dress… and sparkles! Sort of a necessity, don’t you think?)

Safety was key throughout the entire resort, which follows the Johns Hopkins guidelines for COVID-19 safety. All spa members wore masks, even during services. Surfaces were cleaned before and after each guest. A scanner at every entrance takes the temperature of all who enter the facility. They even offered us complimentary bottles of hand sanitizer to take with us each day. Every single team member of the resort was incredibly hospitable and welcoming.

I now understand how the Four Seasons Resort Orlando earned its AAA Five Star Rating. Are you ready to lose yourself in time? I knew you would be. To check out the spa’s service menu visit: https://www.fourseasons.com/orlando/spa/