Over the last decade, I’ve learned that virtually anything is possible at a Four Seasons Hotel. Before checking into Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, I mentioned to hotel staff that our trip to China’s capital city was an early 7th birthday celebration for my daughter, thinking a little cake after dinner might be in order.
Yes, I write for the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts family blog and magazine, but this extraordinary experience is an example of what you can request to enhance your stay or surprise a loved one. This trip was a big deal to my daughter—having been born in Hong Kong, she self-identifies very strongly as Chinese. She was thrilled to be welcomed to Beijing with such a party even though, at the time, she was so overwhelmed (in a good way) that she could barely talk.
I’m not sure how I’ll ever top this. Here’s how it unfolded.
We were a bit late to arrive after a 5.5-hour bullet train ride from Hangzhou and were both in a daze once we hit the spa immediately after checking in. There’s really no better way to end a long day of travel.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing offers a nice menu of spa treatments for children ages five and older that can occur next to mom or dad in a spa suite. As the doors opened to our spa suite, our jaws hit the floor. The entire space was decorated with gorgeous, fragrant rose petals… everywhere. Happy birthday was spelled out in rose petals across the treatment beds while my daughter’s name was spelled out in rose petals on the adjacent bathroom floor. To say we were surprised is totally an understatement.
She is initially quite shy among strangers. However, she is no stranger to luxury spas. After surveying the elaborate decor we both changed into robes (a kid-sized one for her, of course) and slipped our feet into rose petal foot baths.
Next, my daughter enjoyed her first ever full body massage while I relaxed during a lovely facial that reset my skin after a lot of travel (we’d already been to Shanghai and Hangzhou). I’d occasionally open one eye to peer over at her. She looked pretty blissed-out through her entire treatment. My facial lasted longer than her massage so her therapist proceeded to paint her nails with little flowers to keep her occupied.
We dressed and proceeded to what I thought was a lounging area to relax in before check-out. Instead, a room full of balloons, cake, lanterns and little gifts awaited.
Staff members joined in to sing happy birthday to my daughter. Shyness kicked into overdrive but I could tell she was nearly imploding with joy. They had asked in advance what her favorite color is (blue) but I had assumed this knowledge was for something far more simple. Note that the delicious cake with blueberries on top and the blue glitter-dipped roses which are on display in her room as I type this.
We were left alone to enjoy the moment and eat cake. The remainder of the cake was packed up and sent to our room. My daughter looked at me with a huge smile and said, “Can you believe this? This is better than your last birthday party!” Indeed it was.
Next, I arranged for an early dinner at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing’s signature Chinese restaurant, Cai Yi Xuan. After we completely stuffed ourselves with dumplings and other local specialties in this glamorous spot, they sent her another cake with a blue candle and blueberries.
The following day, we hired a private tour guide and driver to take us to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. Upon returning to the hotel in the late afternoon, the spa sent her this luxe bath.
At any time during your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, you may order a special bath drawn in your room. Hers included soothing music on the speakers, candles, bubbles and rose petals scattered everywhere. I’m telling you, it was divine.
After we arrived home, my daughter recapped the experience in her weekly school journal that is read out loud to the entire first grade class. It must have made an impression on her classmates because a few parents mentioned that they had heard about her spa birthday party. Did it really happen? Yes, yes it did.
More about our stay at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing to come! In the meantime, read about our love of Four Seasons Hotel Beijing Executive Club’s library.
*Spa lobby and spa suite photos are courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, who also arranged this special spa experience on our behalf. Thank you!
Katie Dillon
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