In 1992, Duane and Kelly Roberts purchased The Historic Mission Inn, located in Riverside. When the couple purchased the hotel, Kelly had an inclination to restore the hotel to what it had once been. She also wanted to exceed customer expectations by creating a world-class retreat, now known as Kelly’s Spa, which provides that experience and destination.
“I was inspired by the rich history of The Mission Inn to create a destination spa, bridging the gap between the hotel’s grand Spanish mission architecture and the serene, sophisticated spaces of a Tuscan-inspired wellness oasis and European ambiance,” explained Kelly Roberts, chief operating officer of The Historic Mission Inn and founder of Kelly’s Spa. “I introduced Kelly’s Spa as a sanctuary and escape for our guests – a place to indulge in luxurious treatments, relax and be pampered, all while feeling as though you’ve been transported to a Tuscan castle.”
Depending on the package the customer selected, guests are treated to a complimentary glass of champagne and gourmet truffles made onsite. . Guests are encouraged to pamper themselves with fluffy robes and slippers provided by the spa. Before their treatment, customers frequent the relaxation room, where they can put their feet up, read a magazine and enjoy the luxury of fresh fruit and a quiet atmosphere.
In addition to spending time in the relaxation room, spa guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, which are open to them the day of their spa treatment. Guests can lounge by the pool or work out in the hotel gym, which gives the patron flexibility in how they spend their “spa day.”
“Customers seeking an all-encompassing, leisurely and decadent spa experience would enjoy a visit to Kelly’s Spa rather than when in need of [a] faster paced mediaspa attention,” Roberts said. “Our customers are encouraged to unwind in our relaxation lounges and eucalyptus steam room.”
Although hotel guests frequent the spa, loyal Riverside residents return time and time again. Some come to celebrate special occasions or to receive their “must-have” beauty treatment while others come to see their favorite massage therapist.
The Hollywood Oxygen facial is a customer favorite that allows guests to feel like a celebrity. After their treatment, they can see immediate results.
“This treatment is gentle, relaxing and ideal for all skin types. Our rejuvenation serum stimulates regeneration of new cells, elastin and collagen and is infused with Vitamins A, C and E and Hyaluronic acid to saturate the skin with nutrients,” Roberts explained.
Roberts attention to detail is what has made The Mission Inn – and Kelly’s Spa – a success and a staple of the Riverside community.
Owning a business at The Historic Mission Inn “is a magical and one of a kind experience. This is truly a labor of love and reflects our families continued commitment to the city of Riverside,” Roberts said. “There is enormous pride, tradition and a genuine sense of community here at the Inn.”
Although The Historic Mission Inn is a well-known destination location for locals as well as travelers, Roberts said finding the perfect balance between running the hotel and the spa can be quite challenging.
“There are ever-evolving treatments, wellness programs and products that I constantly discover from around the world and would like to make them all available to our guests but it is vital that we remain true to the luxurious and charming old-world sense of The Mission Inn while presenting the most effective and innovative techniques that cater to our guest’s evolving needs and preferences,” Roberts explained.
Condé Nast Travelers’ recently ranked Kelly’s Spa number 10 in its “Top 50 Hotel Spas in the United States” poll.
Kelly’s Spa offers an array of body treatments, enhancements, facials, waxing, nail care, and massages. Each month, the spa offers special themed packages. Membership opportunities are available for those who wish to frequent the spa. To learn more about their treatments, visit KellysSpa.com or call (951) 341-6725.