There’s nothing better than a solo staycation. Especially when it comes with 360-degree views of the city, a lavish treatment at the Guerlain Spa, and an evening spent unwinding in the sauna. At Raffles Boston, the moment you arrive feels like a treat.
“Ms. Domin, we’ve been expecting you.”
I make my way to the sky lobby to begin my check-in process. Smooth, seamless, and the attention to detail you’d expect from a 5-star stay. Wellness begins in the rooms, and my Signature Suite sets the tone with floor-to-ceiling windows, artwork portraying elements of Boston, and gentle pops of color. Walking through the suite is a journey in itself. Each space unfolds beautifully: a marble bathroom with a soaking tub, rain shower, and Guerlain amenities; a living area designed for slow mornings, complete with plush seating, a coffee table with a view, and a generous kitchen stocked with local food and beverage items; and a serene bedroom finished with Casarovea linens, neutral tones, and an unexpected writer’s box for when inspiration strikes.
Photos via Raffles Boston
Already in a state of wellness, my butler takes me through the 4th floor, highlighting subtle design intricacies along the way, like the live moss wall in the fitness center, meant to improve air quality by converting carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen. While the 20-meter pool with beautiful views over the city is enviable, the real star of the show is the Guerlain Spa. Upon arrival I’m given a cup of herbal tea, a gentle prelude to the treatment ahead. Here, every experience is tailored, with treatments personalized to individual needs and thoughtfully curated to combine sensorial experiences through different scents.
Facials use different collections of the Guerlain skincare line. Think Abeille Royale, Orchidee Imperiale Black, Orchidee Imperiale Gold Nobile, Orchidee Imperiale and Orchidee Imperiale Brightening. My beauty expert spends a few minutes learning my overall skincare goals, and we decide to use the Abeille Royale product range, known for its anti-aging properties and the power of honey to actively repair skin in the winter. The double cleans and steam felt extremely gentle on my skin, but my favorite part is the Guerlain 19-minute facial massage to help lift, tone and enhance circulation. As someone with a bit of an aversion to overly warm tools or treatment rooms, the cold globes were a welcome change, helping reduce puffiness while relaxing my facial muscles.
After a quick rotation through the relaxation pods, sauna, steam room, and experience shower, it’s time for the next step of my wellness journey at Raffles—gastronomy. While there are four main dining options offering a mix of local and Mediterranean flavors, I enjoy dinner over the Boston skyline at Long Bar & Terrace. Trust me when I say, the whipped sling feta with honey is not to miss. After a seasonal sip or two, we pop over to the Blind Duck speakeasy to continue sampling the flavors of Raffles. The Cloud 9 cocktail with cucumber “air” is the perfect way to close out the evening.
Photo via Raffles Boston
Waking up in a hotel bed post-facial brings a new sense of tranquility. One that’s difficult to leave behind. Skin smooth and ready for the day ahead, I order room service to make the most of the view, then say goodbye to Raffles with a matcha latte at Café Pastel. Opening in 2023 as part of the 135-year-old luxury brand, Raffles Boston is a peaceful hideaway in Boston that’s meant to be lived your way.
