Spa De La Mer
La Mer. Enough said. Crème de la Mer is so recognized as much for its celebrity cult following as its hefty price tag. Think of a celebrity (Beyoncé, Chrissy) and they most likely use the line. How much is la Mer? La Mer costs close to $500 for 3.4 oz. (and over $2,000 for a 16 oz. jar!), so in some respects, celebs may be the ones most likely to spend that much.
Personally, for me I like to be able to experience a product before I commit to a line. Most of my favorite skincare products are discovered through facials. Therefore, before I went and spent that kind of money on a skincare line, I figured it was best to try it first at the Spa de La Mer in New York City, which is the first dedicated La Mer spa in the United States.
Now arguably, the services seem a little expensive, but when I compared them to the prices of services at the Spa Peninsula or Chuan (coming soon), the prices were in line with NYC high-end spa prices. Thus it kind of seemed liked a no-brainer to get to experience this lavish and luxurious skincare product.
The Spa
The spa is located in the Baccarat Hotel. Which to me seems like such a perfect marriage of French luxury lines. La Mer took full advantage of that partnership in creating its signature services, such as the La Mer Baccarat Facial. I have loved Baccarat crystal ever since my first trip to France where I purchased a Baccarat crystal butterfly (butterflies have always been my symbol). But with the Spa de La Mer, while the signature service is the marriage of these two luxury brands, I was really intrigued by its description of a facial which “journeys through the elements of crystal creation.” With promises of post-treatment results of “flawless clarity and ultimate radiance,” I knew I had to try this service.
I opted for the ultimate pampering and added a massage as well. In this case for a small upgrade, you could replace traditional massage lotion with La Mer Body crème. I mean if you are at La Mer, why not go all in? When in Rome, or rather France or in this case, La Mer, right?
Spa Details
The Spa De La Mer is located in the lower level of the hotel, by the pool area. The pool actually doubles as a lounge and waiting area for the spa. Since I was there in the middle of the day in March, there weren’t a lot of people around. However, I am not sure what this area would be like during more peak periods, and with people using the pool and hanging out before and after the spa. So, it is not a spa where I would plan on hanging out for long periods of time beyond the treatment times.
The Facilities
The locker room area was bright, and featured all the amenities, including a
steam room. Locker room space can be a little tight with more than one guest in there, but hey this is NYC, most spa locker rooms are efficient. But, the spa uses the space where it counts as the treatment rooms where spacious enough. All of the rooms pay homage to the star of the show – La Mer’s Miracle Broth – the secret weapon in their products.
The Relaxation Area
The Relaxation Area also doubles as the Pool Area for the Baccarat Hotel. There are only a few daybeds along the one wall. Now I do think the spa does a good job of managing the guests and so you shouldn’t have too many guests waiting in one area. However, I could see where it might be an issue if hotel guests were also lounging by the pool. Then it might be a little crowded.
Service Experience
My massage was very relaxing and the body crème was a wonderful treat. My massage therapist recommended which La Mer products to use – her go-to products. Aside from the body crème, she recommended the facial mist and the lip balm. For me, I don’t know that I can fully justify the body crème, but the lip balm or misting spray are little La Mer luxuries that seemed worth it.
And the facial? Well, that was truly an experience. I was a little leery because it was a 90-minute facial. Which in the past, whenever I have done a 90-minute facial I come away with a headache. However, But, La Mer has this technique to perfection, and there wasn’t even an issue. They even had special tools made with Baccarat crystal, of course! And I do have to say, they were right, my skin was never so radiant! And sculpted too! I honestly have never come away from a facial before with my skin chiseled with definition in the cheekbones.
And randomly, I do have to say, that the table linens are some of the most luxurious of any spa I have been at. I loved them and the Spa de La Mer very much keeps with the brand image of luxury, but ensuring that all details comply.
La Mer
I haven’t fully converted to the skincare line totally, given the price tag that comes with it, but I am now a fan of the line, and I can see why it does have such a cult following. For me, I am looking to explore which La Mer product is worth it. I do like the La Mer Cooling Cream and I am currently waiting for a La Mer Make-up product on backorder. I would like to see how their foundation compares to my current foundation. If the foundation is both skincare and make-up, it might just be a great option to incorporate this line into your skin care routine, especially given how much some foundations can cost anyway. Stay tuned for a review once I have that product.
If you want an introduction to the La Mer line, or just want some serious luxury for your pampering, the Spa de La Mer is definitely worth a visit.
March 2019
Rating: 
28 W 53rd St,
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 1.212.790.8910
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