Relax, revitalize, replenish.

While most spas simply treat ravaged skin or knotted muscles on a topical level, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village works synergistically with the California WellBeing Institute to provide guests with an understanding of what's causing wrinkles, sun spots, collagen depletion and chronic aches, then develop strategies to help repair and prevent cellular damage going forward. Meanwhile, The Spas elegant design and luxurious amenities foster not just relaxation, but a receptivity to the kind of health transformation guests experience as they progress through the clinical and educational components of the institute's programs. Of course, The Spa is available for those seeking simply a relaxing, pampering experience in and of itself.

Integrating all these components is the job of Spa Director, Sheri Claflin. A native of Southern California, Sheri's first spa experience was in a traditional Turkish bath outside Istanbul: It was a decidedly no-frills exfoliation treatment in which she was rubbed raw and red as a beet. Undaunted, Sheri continued to explore various treatments in her global travels, ultimately returning to the Los Angeles area. When she received the call from Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village to head up this newest project, she was intrigued by the opportunity to marry, wellness programming with the spa philosophy. Here she provides a preview of what guests can expect in this unprecedented new flagship facility.

What makes The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California different from other spas in the LA area?

SC: What sets us apart from our competitors is our integration with the California WellBeing Institute. We're not just treating the outer being, but the whole being for a comprehensive approach. In addition to offering evidence-based beauty and relaxation treatments, we work hand-in-hand with the medical and lifestyle advisors to ensure that visitors not only feel better and look better, but gain the skills needed to take the spa experience home, and make it a part of everyday living.

From cellular renewal facials with Idebenone (one of the most powerful new topical antioxidants) to Shiatsu massage, we're combining the latest advances in skin care with the very best from alternate and ancient therapies. Then there's the sheer grandeur of the spa space itself--it's like entering a temple dedicated to beauty and wellbeing. Guests will glide down pristine white marble corridors, relax in one of our three reflection lounges, receive pampering treatment in one of our lavishly appointed treatment suites, stroll amid serene gardens, waterfalls and an authentic pagoda--I daresay there's no other spa like it in the world, much less the area.

What will spa goers find at this location that they may have enjoyed at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts spas--and what are some of the innovations and new offerings that may surprise guests?

SC: Each guest will find Four Seasons signature intuitive service--in which their needs, preferences, and desires are anticipated, met, and remembered. But many of the design details are unique--the fireplaces, spacious private gardens, the dramatic wall of water separating the men's, ladies' and co-ed lounges, the mosaic-tiled steam, sauna and whirlpool areas. Treatments may also be taken outside in two of the private cabanas by the serenity pool.

But again, the biggest differentiator is how the spa services will be integrated with the programs offered by the California WellBeing Institute, which merge the science of living longer with the art of living well. In many ways, spa services are at the intersection of these two ideals: treatments that have both objective physical, and subjective spiritual, benefits.

Tell us a little bit about how you expect The Spa and the California WellBeing Institute to work together?

From a guest perspective, the transition between programs at California WellBeing Institute at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village will be seamless. Our therapists will work closely with the staff at the institute to support guests' goals, whether they have to do with longevity, weight management, menopause, or stress management. Many of the programs also integrate advanced western medical technology with complementary techniques--such as reiki or Thai massage--that we will provide through The Spa.

Many of the programs and diagnostic tests offered by the California Wellbeing Institute rely on cutting-edge advances in medical and social science. In what way do the services and products offered by The Spa at Four Seasons also reflect this evidence-based approach?

SC: Increasingly, spa users indicate that a spa visit is not just an indulgence, but a regular part of their maintenance regimen. The most popular treatment, a seemingly simple massage, offers numerous health benefits that include a calmer nervous system, reduced tension and anxiety, pain management for injuries or arthritis, improved blood circulation and a stimulated lymphatic system.

One of our product lines, True, participates in extensive clinical trials to test the results of their products. They have the patent on Idebenone, an anti-aging compound that guards the skin from the effects of damaging free radials and is gentle enough for almost any skin without irritation or additional vulnerability to sun or environment. We also carry Kirsten Florian, which is incorporated into an 80-minute Caviar Facial, among other skin-repairing treatments.

How are the finest spas of today different from those of five years ago--and if you'll gaze into your crystal ball, how will the spas five years hence be different than those which enjoy popularity now?

SC: Just as men now make up 35 percent of spa users, younger guests are becoming increasingly spa savvy. Future offerings will be adapted to address this up-and-coming age group. Additionally, the partnership between a spa such as ours with expert medical and diagnostic capabilities at California WellBeing Institute will be more and more sought after as people take a proactive approach to their health care and supplement their own wellness routines outside of the doctor's office. Of course, spa experiences are extending beyond the traditional four walls to people's homes. Entire wellness communities are developing where people with similar interests seek to live in neighborhoods offering spa and fitness components.

You mentioned that men now account for 35percent of spa clientele. What kind of services will you have that caters to this demographic?

SC: Because men and women have different skin types and potential problematic zones, we offer an entire series of services specifically focused on male skin care needs. We call this the Men's Signature Collection. The Aromatic Hot Towel Massage combines a deep vigorous massage with steaming hot towels steeped in aromatic herbs and essences. A purifying back treatment with an antioxidant clarifying mask perfects visible skin impurities to leave skin soft and smooth. I also think the Men's Rescue Facial will be a popular selection.

Southern California is celebrated for its "endless summer" of sunshine and gorgeous weather--though of course there's also a downside to UVA and UVB radiation. What kind of products and services will you offer to help counteract and repair the damaging effects of too excessive sun exposure.

SC: Of course, the best piece of advice would be to avoid direct exposure to the sun. For those who can't do without that sun-kissed glow, the California Sunless Tan includes an exfoliation and a careful application of a firming botanical lotion. To repair the after-effects of exposure to the elements, we recommend the Environmental Defense Facial which incorporates naturally corrective skin care products and results-driven techniques to ease rosacea and redness.