With one of the most spectacular views of Los Angeles from its 12th floor, overlooking the estates of Beverly Hills, the Wilshire Corridor, and the downtown skyline, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has been captivating locals and guests alike with its stunning 2,900-square-foot rooftop bar (for more on that see “Dining Around” with Chef Jean-Georges) since it opened in June 2017. For the natives who have sauntered past the heavily guarded rooftop pool—staff monitored, keyed entry—wondering what it takes to enjoy the stunning setting, the answer has come. The famously exclusive rooftop pool is now available to nonguests through a Private Wellness Club that also offers access to the 2,000-square-foot gym with equipment from Technogym and Skillmill and the La Prairie spa locker room with LED steam room. Membership—limited to just five people this year—allows guests to bring their own trainer for a workout or call upon the hotel’s list of experienced fitness trainers. It also includes complimentary valet parking, one night’s stay at the hotel within the first year, and 12 annual guest passes.
Though members don’t have to stay at the hotel, they do have to go through a membership process, which includes an interview with the spa director, Amanda Raich, to determine whether the membership is a fit for both parties, and the price of membership is revealed.
“This is a membership for guests that want to make the Waldorf their second home. They love the fresh and opulent feel to the hotel and want to have the privacy of the gym, spa, and pool, and at the same time, enjoy the convivial atmosphere at the rooftop in the evening,” describes Raich. “It’s the five-star version of Cheers. Everyone wants to feel like they belong and love what is familiar to them.”
Extra amenities during the summer at the pool include hourly passings of popsicles and frozen grapes. With 170 guest rooms and 53 lounge chairs, the pool is designed to never be so full that guests—and now members—can’t get a chair and enjoy delights from the Jean-Georges menu featuring such options as the Thai short rib burger, chargrilled chicken with kumquat lemongrass dressing, rosé-Aperol spritz, and pomegranate margarita. For more information, contact Amanda Raich, amanda.raich@waldorfastoria.com.