Rejuvenate at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon at Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Sharon Kozden recommends one of the spa’s signature treatments, the Turkish Bath … a full body sensory experience.

“Be still: Be stiller yet; and listen. Set the screen of silence at the portal of your will. Relax, and let the world go by unheard …” – Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

Bring on the luxe life! As a woman of a certain age, or as the French would say, “une femme d’un certain âge” (as well as a runner presently training for my third Philadelphia Marathon), I’m the ideal candidate to be pampered on the regular. So when Cassie asked if I wanted to visit the Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon at Loews Philadelphia Hotel, I jumped at the opportunity.

As luck would have it, I was already in Philadelphia to cover two events, so sandwiching a spa visit between a gala and a flower show assured me a memorable time in my beloved running city. After an evening spent in high heels, makeup and a cocktail dress while photographing gala principals and attendees, I was more than ready to submit to the ultimate indulgent coddling experience. The many knowledgeable and friendly professionals at the Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon were on hand to make that happen for me.

On arrival at Loews Philadelphia Hotel for my scheduled appointment, I was welcomed by a handful of pleasant staffers eager to ensure my time during their watch would be, as stated in the spa’s menu brochure, “nothing less than wonderful.” It should be noted that, upon entry, I was suddenly and keenly aware of a dramatic change in my surroundings from world-at-large to something akin to nirvana. When I sighed audibly, my guide smiled at what must have been a familiar gesture, signifying that all was now being righted in yet another guest’s body, mind and spirit.

Decor-wise, nature’s soothing colors of tan, beige and ivory abound. Wood, smooth and polished or intricately carved, is present in the furniture and accent pieces. There are solid stone statues and artifacts. Lighting and candle touches throughout cast a warm glow and create an aura of soothing balance. Occasional swatches of grey and silver complement and add a touch of modernity. I felt completely grounded in the present by way of feng shui (literally “wind-water”) perfection.

In the waiting lounge, all manner of refreshments are available. Hydration is key, so I frequented the fruit-infused water stations. The ladies’ locker area is exceptionally clean, neat and bright. Within the central window area, a gorgeous stained glass window hangs, filtering light and acting as the room’s focal piece. Every imaginable spa amenity-from robes and slippers and more-is available. I felt as if anything I needed would be procured for me. Attention to detail and client satisfaction no doubt draws new clientele while ensuring the loyalty of existing patrons.

Admittedly, navigating our lives’ vicissitudes on any given day can be daunting. There are co-worker challenges, day-job stressors, commutes with traffic jams, and that’s just for starters. Consequently, I’ve designed my life to include some sort of calming activity on arriving home from the rat race. It can be as simple as a deep-breathing session or even staring into space. I used to like to futz in the garden, sweeping leaves or pulling weeds. Whether passive or active, I acknowledge the need for decompression time, an intermission between the frenetic pace of the day’s first act and the evening’s wind down. As an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), it’s a routine part of my self-care which serves me well. The folks at Joseph Anthony understand very well this concept of a transitional respite. Whether you identify behaviorally as neurotypical, neurodivergent or somewhere in between (on the vast range that is the spectrum of humanity), you’ll love the spa’s Transition Room. I relaxed with a luxurious foot-soaking while inhaling misted aromatic essential oils in the tranquility-fostering space.

My treatment of choice was the HydraFacial, a 30-minute tri-level approach that “delivers instant and long-lasting results that you can see and feel.” The three steps begin with a gentle exfoliation and resurfacing. Away with nasty impurities. Surface layer dullness be gone! With my skin now primed for a bit more intensive (albeit still gentle) action, debris was extracted from my pores via suction, after which hydration arrived via skin-quenching and nourishing moisturizers. Lastly, serums of antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid were applied to seal the deal. I felt like a million bucks. And when my highly accomplished esthetician handed me a mirror, I was clearly radiant and glowing–ready to, as the brochure bills it, “face life face first.” The HydraFacial’s patented technology addresses a host of concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, congested and oily skin, brown spots, skin texture, elasticity, firmness and tone and vibrancy. That’s a lot of bang for a human’s largest organ’s (skin) buck … not to mention the ambient lighting and sounds that surrounded me as I floated upon a super comfy bed. Immediate environment matters a lot.

I was intrigued by the descriptions of the signature treatments, which include a Turkish Bath, Body Exfoliation, Soft Pack Float Suite and the Brine Light Inhalation Therapy room. My intrepid guide continued our tour into rooms with a view for all of these treatments. She also explained the services in detail, then allowed me to wander at leisure in order to photograph the areas.

The spa’s standard treatments boast an array of facials and massages. Reading the menu options was enjoyable. I counted some 11 varieties of facials, including a Gold Mask, a Hyaluronic Acid Bubbly Mask, a Lactic and Glycolic Mint Mask and even one with “Rose Quartz Facial Rolling.” The names alone made me want to try each and every one! Exfoliating. Sloughing. Collagen stimulation. Tightening and reconditioning. Detoxification. Lymphatic drainage. Micronized 100% pearl powder to regenerate new cell growth. Some want to give their bodies to science; I volunteer to submit on the daily my skin’s layers, my hair and my body to the Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon. Now then, where do I sign up for such a gig because I want a “Hot Bamboo Massage” and multiple and frequent body polishing using rosemary and spearmint salts and organic brown sugar scrubs.

If you really want to, as I have, design your life with that European notion of such remedies being necessities rather than luxuries (along with daily or weekly habituating to them), take some direction by checking out snaps below of the Turkish bath area. Talk about being truly transported. Ornate Italian tile is everywhere, most prominently on the heated hamman tables. Once you’re prone on the lovely slabs, you’re able to choose from either the Joseph Anthony Experience (I’m not telling, but I’ll  just mention “Terra Sigillata Therapy” and “Bali Paradise Therapy”), the Aqua Experience (Vichy shower!) or the Warming Experience (herbal- and steam mists). Of course and naturally, all of this occurs beneath a starry, starry Swarovski Crystal Sky while calming music emanates from the background.

The Soft Pack Float Treatments are nothing short of immersive bliss in something like a weighted blanket. After a gentle body exfoliation, you’ll find yourself on an expanse of cushioning water, afloat on the soft pack system in a cocoon-like wrap. Try the Chocolate Butter Creme Melt Float featuring organic cocoa powder, the vitamin-rich Rosehip Apple Creme Float, medicinal and muscle-soothing Moor Mud Float or the Fruit of the Vine Float, during which your entire body is massaged with “fresh pulp from grapes blended with luxurious oils” that the warming dry float then allows the “juices to penetrate your skin.” As your body is undergoing this fruity pleasure-scape, your face and scalp are massaged. Essentially, every inch of you is being drenched in decadent nourishment and caressing healing. Given the challenges of this past year or so, who wouldn’t desire such peace and tranquility?

The final signature treatment on my tour was the Brine Light Inhalation Therapy room. Here’s what the spa had to say about this uniquely unique area: “Relax on our lounge chairs in this co-ed area, and let your body respond to the restorative nature of ocean breezes. Blending fresh mist from our brine waterfall, energizing light therapy and calming music, our Brine Light Inhalation Therapy room is a mini-cruise to better health.” This bathing of the senses is complimentary with multiple services.

For those thinking some of the aforementioned ministrations sound over the top, or for others who want to keep it simple, remember that the Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon has an equally extensive menu of traditional spa services. After all, this is a full-service salon and day spa; it’s your go-to place for any conceivable beauty or rejuvenation experience. I’m talking hair and makeup, waxing, eyebrows, you name it. And the experts and artists are just that, so bring yourself, a friend or family member, your favorite person or even a group (wedding party, mayhap?) and spend a few hours or an entire day primping and pampering. Don’t leave without checking out the “product pavilion,” which boasts the very best in skin, hair and makeup beauty care.

When I exited Loews Philadelphia Hotel and hit the streets of Philadelphia, I was relaxed and recharged, ready to take on whatever awaited me. If you’re old enough to remember the “Calgon, take me away” advert, you’ll understand my “cri de coeur,” a passionate appeal to be swept far and away by this luxe rejuvenation location in the heart of the city.

Whether you’re discovering Philadelphia for the first time or know the city like the back of your hand, find a slice of paradise on floor five of Loews Philadelphia Hotel. And this summer, there’s even more reason to do so, as Loews is serving up something special. To wit:

“Following a year unlike any other, Loews Philadelphia Hotel has its sights set on creating unmatched experiences for guests, while continuing to be a Good Neighbor. Loews’ Good Neighbor Program is based on becoming a true fabric of the neighborhood and supporting its local communities, while delivering a one-of-a-kind guest experience.

As part of a brand-wide initiative, Loews Philadelphia Hotel is giving friends and families a reason to getaway, even if for a staycation, and pay it forward this summer. Loews Philadelphia Hotel is looking to help teachers and students as they prepare to head back into the classroom and operate in this “new normal.” For any two-night (or more) stays booked direct, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Loews Philadelphia Hotel will donate to DonorsChoose to help fund Philadelphia school projects for the 2021-2022 school year.

DonorsChoose is an online non-profit that makes it easy to help teachers and students in need by allowing people to donate directly to local public school classrooms.  Schools and especially teachers have had a tough year. Whether providing art supplies, books or other essentials, Loews Philadelphia Hotel’s guests will be able to help teachers and classrooms get back to school, while also enjoying their own summer getaway. Guests can take advantage of a special summer offer Park & Stay at Loews Philadelphia Hotel which includes complimentary nightly parking for one vehicle. Families can refine the art of togetherness this summer with ‘Loews Loves Families,’ a brand-wide program that offers perks for children of all ages across Loews Hotels nationwide. From cribs to crayons and night lights to family activity guides, Loews has kid friendly amenities on-call. The brand’s summer focus further displays Loews’ commitment to ‘Welcoming You Like Family,’ speaking to each team members’ intuitive ability to care for guests as if they are family.”

Make your own spa and salon memories by visiting www.josephanthony.com.

Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon opened at Loews Philadelphia on November 11, 2019.

On arrival, I was warmly greeted by the very pleasant, professional and knowledgeable staff.

This water-bearing urn features lotus flower and candles.

Talk to the hand, preferably in soothing, meditative tones.

Brochure booklets flank the lemon-infused water dispenser.

A spa goddess dispenses informative literature.

While you wait, please do help yourself to whatever floats your hydration boat.

Candle holders of varying shapes, sizes and patterns adorn the spa’s waiting area.

The waiting lounge is an oasis of all things calm and restorative. Sharon Kozden adds a color burst to the natural hues.

Help yourself to inviting refreshments and drinks beneath reverse teardrop lighting fixtures, aglow with golden warmth.

A beautiful stained glass window panel is the focal point in the ladies’ shower and locker area.

Prior to entering the spa, soak your feet and inhale soothing aromas in the Transition Room.

Don’t even think about calling it “just” a facial, the HydraFacial is so much more.

Experience the singular skin-rejuvenating HydraFacial amid a warm glow and dim lighting.

It’s always about the little things as evidenced by this enchanting, luminescent floral touch.

Germs be gone! I’m in good, clean hands during my treatment.

Who doesn’t love fruit-infused water stations? Hydration matters.

Behold the Soft Pack Float! Stressors be gone.

Enter at your own bliss through this illuminated portal to find the Turkish Bath.

Slather me from head-to-toe with any and all of these nourishments, please!

The Brine Light Inhalation Therapy Room, where pure mist from the brine waterfall will engage and enliven your senses.

Peep this close-up of exquisite salt-of-the-earth brine mineral formation along the waterfall.

Enjoy from the lounge chairs the waterfall’s brine mist, calming tunes and aromatherapy as you’re transported far from the world-at-large.

Trust the expertise of top-notch stylists for your next hair affair, be it cut, color or blow-out.

Giving great face is the Joseph Anthony ideal. Allow the make-up experts to work their glam on you.

This is just a sampling of the variety of product brands available at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon.

A medley of elixirs to set the zen mood.

Product is artfully displayed for ease of perusal and purchase.

I was sold on this line of product after having once tried a equally outstanding lip scrub.