Overall Impression We first encountered the Four Seasons Spa while looking for a late lunch spot. The following afternoon we found ourselves heading back, one hour each way, for spa treatments. It was worth the drive. The Four Seasons spa facilities were impressive; especially considering that the hotel is on a small out island in The Bahamas. Although outside the sign for the spa was so discreet we missed it, the interior of the large building was cheerful and bright.
We liked the spa’s helpful and smiling staff. Everyone we interacted with was agreeable, had a professional attitude, and made us feel welcome. They were among the nicest spa staff we have encountered.
Spa décor was elegant yet cozy The Balinese massage performed by 10-year veteran Ayu from Bali was noteworthy, working out the tension and leaving me stress-free. We especially liked the intimate feel which made us forget we were in a 32,000-foot facility. Our visit to the Four Seasons Spa was a success. We would return for the attentive and capable staff, well maintained and attractive facilities and tempting treatments.
Arrival Process Ease There was a slight wait when we arrived. There was one staff person and five guests who arrived simultaneously.
General Manager Pia Newport
Handicapped Access There was an elevator to the second floor where the treatment rooms were located and the staff indicated they welcome guests with disabilities.
Location At the Four Seasons Resort on Exuma in the Emerald Bay area, about a 30-minute drive from the airport
Managed Four Seasons
Number Of Staff 30
Owned Emerald Bay Holdings
Size There were 17 treatment rooms and two outdoor treatment cabanas in the 32,400-square foot facility.
Special Training Staff were trained in Indonesia, U.S. and in the Bahamas
Treatment Rooms The two standard treatment rooms, one slightly larger than the other, where I had massage and facial were on the second story of the building. Furnished with adjustable treatment beds and easy to reach blankets, they had light colored walls and dim lights. In between treatments, I waited in a Relaxation Room. It was sunlit and filled with cushy armchairs and footrests. The manicure was in the beauty salon.
Year Opened-Renovated The spa opened November 2003
Common Areas The common areas were decorated in cooling beige earth tones. The lobby was rectangular with doors on both ends and products for sale in display cases along the walls and on tables in the middle. There were slippers, candles, incense, clothes and beauty products for sale. There were doors to the men’s and women’s locker rooms on either side of the room and an elevator leading to the upstairs treatment rooms. The rear doors lead to an outdoor area with a fitness center, treatment cabanas, hot tubs and plunge pools. The Relaxation Rooms were comfortable. They were decorated in the same beige and earth tones as the rest of the spa.
Food And Restaurants A short spa menu was available for guests to order while at the spa.
Amenities Occitane shower caps, disposable razors, body lotion, shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, deodorant, hair spray, and q-tips. There were also self service apples, cranberry apple chilled juice and hot teas in the Relaxation Rooms upstairs in the ladies locker room. There were plastic slippers (sizes 4-13). These fit well and allowed me to walk comfortably. My locker also had a microfiber branded bathrobe which I wore in between treatments.
Facilities Steam room and sauna. There were two outdoor hot tubs and two outdoor cold plunge pools. The men’s and women’s steam rooms were separate.
Lockers And Bathrooms There were numbered lockers with microfiber bathrobes. There was one thick towel in my locker and plenty of additional towels within easy reach. I noticed three shower stalls, one extra large, and the spacious steam room in the rear of the locker room.
Cleanliness Excellent
Date Of Review June 2006
Number Of Treatments Three
Reviewers© 2006 Simon and Baker, Inc.
Article by Elena del Valle
Photographs by Gary Cox
Would You Return? Yes
Treatments Experienced Sports Manicure (40 minutes), 50-minute Balinese Massage and Clean Pore Facial (50 minutes). Ayu, a native of Bali performed the superb massage. She was considerate, friendly, and efficient. She looked out for my comfort throughout, asking about medical conditions, how deep to make the massage, the temperature in the room. A ten year veteran, she had previously worked at the Four Seasons property in Bali. Using a coconut and ginger blend massage oil she kneaded deeply. She concluded the treatment with a warm and moist foot wrap and a neck rub. Ayu also performed the facial which included a gurgling self heating back algae treatment, hand massage and brief neck rub. She used French Phytomer ingredients. The treatment included a brief extraction and a mild scrub. The man’s manicure, performed by Alayna included a sugar cane scrub and hand and arm massage with moisturizing extra virgin nut oil.
