A WEEKEND OF REST AT THE PENINSULA.

The best part about a visit to The Peninsula Beverly Hills, is that you'll feel like you're staying at your best friend's private villa. With its lush foliage, discreet driveway, and lavish limestone facade, it's a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. And after a long week of 12-hour days at the office, my one-night escape could not have come at a better time.

As soon as I entered my gorgeous villa suite, I knew my visit was going to be exactly what the doctor ordered--peaceful pampering and royal relaxation. Swathed in silks and brocades in shades of yellow, peach, and celadon, the fabulously French interior was immediately intoxicating. I threw open the patio doors and knew I could live here. With grapes from a welcome bowl of fruit in one hand and a glass of Evian in another, I stretched out on the king-sized bed bedecked in luxurious sheets and closed my eyes until my afternoon of beauty was to begin.

Four o'clock came quickly. I dashed upstairs to the Spa where I changed into a cushy robe and cozy slippers. I had a few extra minutes before my appointment, so I sneaked into the steam room in preparation for my Vital Harmony body treatment. My therapist, Eugenia, soon escorted me to the private treatment room where I was slathered in a luscious lemon scrub. I was thrilled to discover that the Spa only uses the finest, most decadent lotions and potions around. Next, I was sloughed with a loofah, then massaged with a moisturizing/detoxifying lotion that was sealed-in by a warm, cocoon-like wrap. My feet and head, the only exposed parts of my body, were then promptly massaged to oblivion. In one word: bliss.

After rinsing under the heavenly 90-degree Vichy shower, it was time for a Swedish massage. Any remaining signs of stress melted away as Eugenia worked her magic. I was so relaxed that I didn't know what to do with myself. Ah, but Emily did. My next bit of beauty came in the form of a tropical self-tan. "What shade would you like?" asked Emily, as if I was selecting a new shade of lipstick. Knowing I couldn't return to work looking both regally relaxed and deeply tanned, I opted for a "natural" glow. Emily rubbed in the lotion, first my front, then my back, with a little drying time in between. I soon had a sun-kissed look - the kind that makes you feel like putting on a white strapless dress and dancing the night away!

I was not going to let my new look go to waste so I settled in to a two-and-one-half hour dinner at The Peninsula's beautiful Belvedere restaurant. My friend and I dined on tuna tartar, a truffle roasted Chateaubriand of veal, a tasty Australian cabernet, and a lemon tart (served with a grapefruit sorbet that I still cannot stop thinking about).

I slept like a princess that night, not wanting to wake up the next morning. It is easy to check in to The Peninsula Beverly Hills, but it is hard to leave. Realizing, however, that I had arrived frazzled and left dazzled only meant that I would soon return - doctor's orders.

Jennifer, Wilson is the senior editor for eStyle, Inc. She is the former associate style editor of Los Angeles Magazine.