The Watergate Hotel – the scene of the burglary which brought down Richard Nixon’s administration – has been given an extensive refit and re-design by Ron Arad Associates, and debuted a new spa that pays homage to the legendary building’s original architect.
The Washington D.C. hotel – which is listed as a national monument – was originally built by the Italian architect Luigi Moretti in the early 1960s as part of a mixed-use complex featuring offices, apartments and commercial facilities.
The hotel made headlines in the 1970s as the stage for the ‘Watergate’ political scandal, when the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee were burgled and wiretapped on the orders of high officials in Nixon’s team. The US president eventually resigned over the affair in 1974, and the suffix ‘-gate’ has been adopted for numerous scandals since.
“I have a confession to make: our initial attraction to this project was actually the Watergate scandal, and it is absolutely fantastic that this starting point led us to work on a project that also has such a great architectural legacy,” said Arad.
“Working within such a significant period piece, you can’t ignore the context, but at the same time you don’t want to mimic it. Instead you want to create something complementary, but importantly, something new.
The hotel closed for renovations in 2007, and work on Arad’s $125m (€110m, £85.5m) redesign of the public spaces began in 2012. His team have enhanced Moretti’s original curves to influence the anticipated flow of people through the spaces around the ground and lower ground floors.
The renovation includes the 12,500sq ft (1,161sq m) Argentta Spa, which features a modern, cutting-edge environment and fuses indulgence and efficiency. Inspired by the Italian word for silver, the name Argentta simultaneously pays homage to the hotel’s original architect, Luigi Moretti, and to silver as a powerful healing agent. The spa’s logo – Ag – takes its cue from the periodic table.
Argentta Spa features seven treatment suites, including one double suite, and features spa treatment beds from Gharieni, including the new multi-functional MO1 Evo.
The spa is using Swiss cellular and phyto-cosmeceuticals line Cellcosmet + Cellmen by Cellap Laboratoire as well as botanically-based skin and haircare line Red Flower and French skincare line Caudalie as product houses.
The spa will include 60-, 90-, and 120-minute treatments, as well as express treatments of 30 minutes or less. A signature treatment is a 90-minute, seven-part ritual that uses fresh, organic ingredients to treat ageing skin.
Pre-, post-, or in-between spa sessions, guests can unwind in the relaxation area’s curved walls – a signature of The Watergate Hotel – while enjoying complimentary macaroons and prosecco.
The spa’s wellness centre will also offer a robust class schedule of paddle-board yoga, guided memorial runs, aqua Zumba, aqua spin, roof-top yoga and more, and the hotel’s original indoor swimming pool remains. For frequent travellers and D.C. residents, the spa offers a membership programme.
The fitness space is equipped with Technogym and state-of-the-art cardio and strength machines, such as the Excite + Run Now 700, Synchro 700 and Excite Recline 700, all of which are compatible with Apple products and will broadcast the hotel’s cable channels.
“The Watergate is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous and illustrious hotels in the world,” said Rakel Cohen, senior vice president of design and development at real estate developer Euro Capital Properties, which has overseen the project. “We paid meticulous attention to every detail in its renovation and we’re excited to bring our vision to life.
“Its intrigue is driven by evocative design, from the deep-rooted retro feel to the mystique that lies behind every curve of the hotel’s architecture.”
