Vanessa Carter - Director, 5-Star Spa Palmera

Vanessa Carter, Spa Director

It’s always a good idea to spa. And there’s no better place to find your sanctuary than at The Boca Raton’s award-winning Spa Palmera.

Originally conceived to mirror the grandeur of Spain’s Alhambra Palace, the spa features 44 treatment rooms, a lush courtyard with tranquil gardens, waterfall whirlpools and a private pool, all of which provide pure relaxation and a moment to detox and recenter.

This winter, Spa Palmera welcomes a new slate of spa services, a wellness café menu, and a redesign of its spaces, curated by Colin Cowie. Spa Director Vanessa Carter discusses the spa’s evolution into a modern-day oasis.

What influenced the revamping of the spa and its previous spa menu?

“There’s a lot of anxiety and overall heaviness in today’s climate. We’re finding people need a little boost in order to have the energy that’s needed, and it gives us great pleasure to offer that opportunity for our guests. The new spa menu enhances our previous offerings and includes more high-quality services.”

What new treatments are you excited about?

“We are proud of all our offerings. We feature Natura Bisse and Biologique Recherche, which we consider among the top skin care brands. We saw a high demand for our 90-minute Biologique Recherche facial, which helps combat premature aging, so we decided to add a 60-minute version to give clients more options. In addition, we’re adding a 90-minute herbal compress massage featuring aromatic coconut aromas that are inspired by our tropical settings, a sound therapy session that allows one’s mind to disconnect, and drift into a harmonious and meditative state through the vibrational rhythms of singing bowls. We also have a new sensory awakening therapy massage designed to renew and recharge your mind and body through customizable pressure and contrast therapy of warm basalt and cold marble stones.”

The spa is known for its architecturally ornate ritual baths. What makes them a must-experience service?

“There are a wealth of benefits with the ritual baths that speak to the core of the spa. The whole design of the spa was inspired by the Alhambra Palace, which has several iconic water features. So, we thought, why not have a water feature that stands out and is a signature calling card of the spa? The ritual bath service is a whole elevated detoxification process. We have a salt room with halo crystals that is beneficial for lung health, pink Himalayan salt stones in the sauna, and a steam room that promotes skin health. After you detox, we then add back nutrients into the body with a self-applied scrub that helps with regeneration and hydration. Your senses are enticed with cold compresses and ice-cold sorbets, so there’s a contrast in therapies. There’s also the warm plunge pool with jets that massage your lower limbs, providing the benefits of a hydro-massage. This is such an important treatment for your mind, as well as your body. Here, you are in one place and have elements that will keep you present and grounded.”

How does the new café menu complement Spa Palmera’s ethos?

Our all-encompassing setting results in a positive sensory experience, and part of that is a café menu with fare that underlines a wellness theme. The new menu continues to feature Spanish-style tapas and light bites, plus a larger beverage selection.