Four Seasons Hotel

St. Louis, Mo.

By Aquatics International Staff

Four Seasons Hotel

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Aquatic vistas are the crown jewel of many urban high-rise hotels, but none offer an experience quite like the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Inspired by the 19-story hotel itself, the design team created a dynamic rooftop pool terrace and a day spa environment focused on hydrotherapy.

Both spaces utilize natural light and color, and feature multiple bodies of water — all with unique, forward-thinking design aspects, including a number of green building measures.

On the rooftop pool terrace, the design team combined the elements of water and fire to create an aquatic space as awe-inspiring as the majestic cityscape views.

At the center of the deck is a reflecting pool finished in garnet red, glass mosaic tile, with a raised 4-inch black granite infinity edge. Positioned to mirror the St. Louis Gateway Arch, the fountain’s attached whirlpool spa is separated by a glass partition and flanked by raised water bowl fountains that cascade into the spa.

Beyond the reflection fountain is the 1,624-square-foot, outdoor, heated lap pool, which features Italian glass tile and a grand-stair entrance crafted to accommodate a state-of-the-art automated pool cover. A 41-square-foot fountain placed in a central seating area has the same tile work. The fountain features a 360-degree infinity edge base topped with a “fire bowl.”

Located off to the side is an 850-square-foot deck fountain. Designed for splashing, the fountain includes a series of spray jets highlighted at night with color-changing lights computer-programmed to produce a multitude of facilitated sequences.

Downstairs on the seventh floor, the aquatic elements in the indoor day spa are combined with a neutral color scheme and nature-inspired materials to evoke feelings of peace and serenity.

The day spa facility includes separate men’s and women’s areas, each with a whirlpool spa fashioned with cream-colored tiles, matching pebble finish and a soothing, sheer waterfall feature.

Rounding out the day spa is a 112-square-foot, mixed-gender relaxation pool situated beside glass windows that offer sweeping city views. An elegant reflection fountain featuring a cascading water curtain provides an additional focal point. Made of marble and tile, the fountain provides a continuous sound of falling water, creating a mellow, tranquil space.

The spa and rooftop aquatic amenities were created with safety and sustainability in mind. The Terrace deck fountain, reflection pool, whirlpool and fire fountain all include space-saving FRP surge tanks, which create a closed system that reduces heating and chemical expenses. The day spa amenities are equipped with on-site chlorine generation. The technology is salt-based, so there’s no need for a specially outfitted chemical storage space and no risk in transporting a supply through public spaces.

Other green, cost-saving measures include LED lights and variable-frequency drives on the pumps, pool cover and splash fountain systems.

All told, the liquid escapes at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis have helped make the property a premier urban resort experience.