Royalty-quality spa treatments

In this week's Lap of Luxury we take spa treatments to a whole new level at L. Raphael, where anti-aging and relaxation come together.

L. Raphael is a Swiss brand founded in Geneva. Its main spa in New York is at The Four Seasons Hotel on 57th Street.

The real hidden gem, however, is just a few blocks away: La Maison L. Raphael on 58th Street, a private 5,000-square-foot spa overlooking Central Park. It often serves just one client at a time.

Founder Ronit Raphael Leitersdorf says La Maison L. Raphael won't take more than three VIP clients per day. Spa treatments there start at $245 and can run as high as $50,000 to $100,000.

A limited number of Global VIPs are invited to join L. Raphael's exclusive new beauty club, which started a year ago. Leitersdorf says they currently have about 75 members, and will cap membership at 100.

For $6,500 to $10,000 a month, those guests have access to a range of treatments from sculpturing and tightening to the Oxy Star and Oxy-Peel, even hair, nails, and makeup.

David Arnold, senior vice president at Robb Report, says these treatments have been developed over a number of years by scientists, and have been proven to work. They also have plenty of testimonials from happy customers who say they're looking younger and more youthful. Among them are celebrity clients Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton, and Queen Noor of Jordan.

Leitersdorf says two years ago they launched a special treatment with white truffles to help celebrities get rid of pigmentation and prep their skin for the red carpet.

Last year they launched the Beauty Diamond treatment to eliminate small wrinkles and make skin glow.

Thanks to L. Raphael's signature "four hands" treatments, guests can get a lot done in a short period of time, one of the ultimate luxuries.

Combine the Oxy Star or Oxy Eye treatments with a massage, and be in and out of the spa in 50 minutes.