The Shops at The Bravern
Bellevue offers many levels of indulgence allowing one to dip in a toe or plunge headfirst into luxury’s deep end.
FOR THE BODY
Spahhhhh. Even saying the word is relaxing with a built-in sense of satisfaction. When Gene Juarez, a name synonymous with beauty in the Pacific Northwest, moved to the Shops at Bravern in late October, its famous “Day of Beauty” package found its rightful home. The six-hour plunge into aesthetic and wellness treatments includes a 90-minute therapeutic massage, a 60-minute facial, a spa manicure and pedicure, followed by an expert blow dry and makeup application. All that beautification can really work up an appetite. Luckily, the package includes a catered lunch ($475). Or try individual treatments at Truce, located on the second floor of the Westin Bellevue. They offer massage, facial treatments, nail services, and a full line of organic skin care products from Eminence.
Spa room at Gene Juarez Salon & Spa
FOR THE PALATE
But first, Champagne. Always. Civility & Unrest was founded as a high-end cocktail and Champagne bar and the list reflects that commitment from NV Krug ($700) and Dom Perignon ($400) Rosé to 2004 Pol Roger Champagne ($250), and up into the Champagne stratosphere with some 1998 Dom Perignon P2 ($970) or 2000 Krug Clos d’Ambonnay ($5,400). Ask about the collection of rare bourbon, single malt Scotch, and Cognac or try the “Head Over Heels” cocktail made with Hennessy XO, Absinth, and Peychauds bitters infused with strawberries and black truffles. Upstairs at the W Livingroom Bar, Louis XIII Remy Martin Cognac is poured by the glass ($350), but why not spring for the bottle ($10,000)?
Caviar, foie gras, oysters, filet mignon – the list of indulgent ingredients can be found on many of the city’s restaurant menus. At John Howie Steak (JHS), the Wagyu trio lets diners compare American, Australian, and Japanese versions of the world’s most tender steak ($250). Or play chef in the comfort of your own home with the JHS Steaks to Go program – 28-, 35-, and 42-day custom aged USDA steaks are cut to order and delivered overnight with seasoning and cooking instructions. Finish a night at JHS with the famed Kopi Luwak coffee service prepared tableside Turkish-style in gilded cup and saucer with naturally rich caramel and chocolate flavor ($45/cup).
Indulge your solid gold sweet tooth with an order of Chocolate Gold fondue at the Sugar Factory (also available at its bar, Chocolate Lounge). Gold-coated dark chocolate truffles are melted tableside and served with myriad gold dusted accouterments. The $1,000 treat serves up to six people and comes with a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne and a glass of 50-year Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac. Guests also leave with a sweets-stuffed gift bag.
TO BE SEEN
There’s not an evening on the planet that could not be improved by a red Ferrari, though the canary yellow McLaren MP4-12C may be hard to pass up when browsing the luxury rental options at Zadart Exotic Car Club & Rentals.
The company is the only one of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, according to the staff. Started by local teen Jonny Netz as a high school project, Zadart offers a fleet of current model luxury vehicles by the hour, day, and longer. The popular “Date Night” package allows customers to pick up the vehicle at 6 p.m. in time for a swanky night out on the town, returning the vehicle by 10 a.m. the next morning. Driving by busy sidewalks highly recommended for maximum preening impact. With a $500 credit card deposit, most vehicles range between $250-1500 per day. Hourly rates vary.
Finally! Evidence that the best things in life really are free – personal styling at both Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus don’t cost a dime. The process at Nordstrom starts with an online contact form after which someone from the styling staff replies with a survey to narrow down a potential client’s needs, tastes, and budget expectations. On appointment day, the stylist gives the clients a fashion parade of possibilities. While the commission-based stylists would love to establish long-term relationships with clientele, customers are under no obligation to purchase.
Jewels in every color sparkle from beneath glass cases at Gordon James Fine Diamonds on Main Street. With 40 years of experience in the industry, Gordon has access to exquisite and rare stones like the natural fancy 6.94-carats pale greenish-yellow oval cut ring that graced my finger for a few luscious minutes one afternoon ($375K). Gordon and Gretchen Raine pay attention to comfort details when designing their pieces making for smooth bracelet backs and invisible closures, and lighting-catching details like using higher E-grade diamonds in the best-selling “Huggie” earrings to radiate more sparkle whether worn to a gala or under a ski helmet ($2,750).
TO REST
A good night’s sleep is a luxury in and of itself. Treat yourself to a fantastic night in the Chairman Suite with views of the Seattle skyline at The Westin Bellevue, a brand focused on wellness and renewal featuring its trademarked Heavenly Bed® and Shower. Or go big with the Extreme WOW Suite at W Bellevue boasting idyllic lake views from a window-side soaking tub, future-forward tech, and 2,300-square feet of room in which to stretch out or curl up.
Skyline view from the Westin Bellevue
Article written by Julie Arnan.
Images courtesy of: The Shops at The Bravern, Gene Juarez Salon, Sugar Factory American Brasserie, Zadart, Westin Bellevue.
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