Insider’s Club Afternoon at the iLa Only Spa at The Palace Hotel
Anne Akers and I couldn’t think of a better way to unwind during the holiday season than spending an afternoon at the iLa Only Spa, tucked inside the beautiful Lotte Palace Hotel on Madison Avenue, with several of our NYC Insider Club members. Walking through the Palace courtyard during the holidays is pure magic — twinkling lights, festive décor, and the grandeur of the setting — before heading up to the serene 8th‑floor spa space overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
a few of our insiderclub members
A special thank‑you to Karen Ballou, founder of Immunocologie, a natural skincare line rooted in mineral‑rich, plant‑based formulations. As one of the spa’s Blue Zone partners, Karen arranged our tour and gave us the chance to experience some of iLa’s most innovative, high‑tech treatments. We were also treated to mini facials using Immunocologie products, plus champagne, and delightful seasonal treats.
Karen Ballou
The Future of Wellness
Karen Ballous and spa general manager Joshua Holman who explained the high tech and blue zone aspects of the spa
The iLa Only Spa is redefining what a spa can be. In addition to traditional services, it embraces Blue Zone longevity principles and cutting‑edge therapies designed not just for relaxation, but for deep rejuvenation and vitality.
Robotic massage
One of our insider club members trying out the robotic massage
Powered by Aescape technology, this fully automated massage table uses AI-driven robotic arms to deliver a customized 30-minute massage. Guests can adjust pressure, intensity, and even music/lighting during the session.
Oxygen Health System
This advanced therapy enhances oxygen absorption directly into the bloodstream, helping the body restore balance from within. Guests experience:
- Elevated energy
- Radiant skin
- Boosted circulation
- Reduced stress
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Inside a medical‑grade chamber, you breathe 100% oxygen in a gently pressurized environment — allowing your body to absorb up to 20x more oxygen than normal. Benefits include:
- Enhanced healing and faster recovery
- Stronger immune function
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased energy and mental clarity
- Anti‑aging and improved overall wellness
PEMF Therapy
Approved by the FDA for treatment in 1979, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy itself isn’t that new, but its application as a spa treatment is. Completely safe, it charges the cells in your body so that you feel rejuvenated, refreshed and ready for the world.
Red Light Therapy
A few minutes under the red light canopy boosts collagen, smooths fine lines, and leaves skin visibly firmer and radiant.
The Satori RLX Chair
This advanced sleep lounger uses sound frequencies and gentle vibrations to guide the mind into deep relaxation — a reset for body, energy, and soul.
The Collagen Bar
Another standout feature, the Collagen Bar offers personalized skincare programs designed to give skin a tighter, smoother, and longer‑lasting youthful appearance. One of their signature treatments is a salmon facial — truly unique.
Our Takeaway
The Insider’s Club afternoon at iLa Only Spa confirmed it: the future of spas is here. From oxygen therapies to red light rejuvenation, every detail is designed to help guests live longer, healthier, and more radiant lives.
Get more details and note that ONE DAY SPA PASSES are available at a reasonable price.
The tomato behind The Three Tomatoes.
Cheryl Benton, aka the “head tomato” is founder and publisher of The Three Tomatoes, a digital lifestyle magazine for “women who aren’t kids”. Having lived and worked for many years in New York City, the land of size zero twenty-somethings, she was truly starting to feel like an invisible woman. She created The Three Tomatoes just for the fun of it as the antidote for invisibility and sent it to 60 friends. Today she has thousands of friends and is chief cheerleader for smart, savvy women who want to live their lives fully at every age and every stage. She is the author of the novel, "Can You See Us Now?" and co-author of a humorous books of quips, "Martini Wisdom." Because she's lived a long time, her full bio won't fit here. If you want the "blah, blah, blah", read more. www.thethreetomatoes.com/about-the-head-tomato
