Five-star hotels like The Beverly Wilshire naturally house impeccable five-star facilities and service. We were doubly impressed when this one contained a hint of whimsy as well.

Dim lighting and rich, mahogany wood greet guests at the Spa's spacious entrance, but the sauna and changing rooms are bright with modern touches and color. Lockers contain plush white robes with matching soft slippers (as well as separate shower slippers) and a handy bag with personal items such as deodorant and a collapsible hairbrush. The sauna is a blue-tiled wonder; small lights up above, scattered to resemble a dark starry night, change color periodically. Upon stepping out, we were welcomed with the options of soothing crushed ice, cooling aromatherapy face towels and the spa shower. The shower consists of three settings: Cool Mist (soft and minty in fragrance), Caribbean Rain (medium pressure with a fruity aroma) and Atlantic Storm (a downpour also with a fruit-tinged scent). We waited for our treatment specialist in the Balinese inspired sitting room, which featured long, upright beds and a snack and fruit cart, before being led into one of nine treatment rooms. The Spa offers a variety of massage, facial, wax and body treatments; the best way to enjoy a wide variety is to book two to five hours of "Personalized Time," in which guests can customize and combine several treatments. —Enid Portuguez