The Pink Palace is now home to the new Spa Oceana and its inviting rooftop terrace.

Known as Florida's legendary Pink Palace, the Loews Don CeSar Beach Resort is a familiar sight on the sugary white sands of St. Pete Beach, FL. The historic landmark, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, was the dream of Irishman Thomas Rowe, who made his fortune in Florida real estate. Enthralled by the grandeur of the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach, Rowe spent $1.2 million—nearly 300 percent over budget—ensuring the Don CeSar resembled the iconic Hawaiian resort. The project was especially close to his heart, and as such, he chose to name the resort after Don Caesar, the main character in Maritana, his favorite American opera.

The spa's rooftop terrace is an ideal place to relax or enjoy a treatment.

When the resort finally opened its doors in 1928, it created quite a splash among the glitterati. Al Capone, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Marilyn Monroe were some of the privileged few who frequented the lavish resort. Unfortunately, the good times were short-lived, as the Depression, World War II, and Rowe's subsequent death soon led to the Pink Lady's early demise. After serving as a convalescent center for battle-weary World War II airmen and later a regional office for the Veterans Administration, the building was abandoned in 1967 and seemed destined to be demolished. That's when a local preservation group stepped in, locating a buyer who would restore the resort to its former glory, a project that was completed in late 1973.

The mosaic tiles used throughout the spa incorporate its ocean vibe.

Recently, the Don CeSar underwent a $20-million enhancement project, which included the addition of the $11 million Spa Oceana. Although a 4,000-square-foot spa was added in 1994, it was much more modest in scope and in desperate need of an upgrade. Opened in March, the 11,000-square-foot spa draws inspiration from its sensational seaside locale.

The comfortable relaxation room features a view of the Gulf Coast.

According to spa director Gigi Wiegman, the spectacular setting is just one of the spa's many claims to fame. Taking advantage of the scenic surroundings, many of the treatment rooms, as well as the whirlpool areas, offer views of the beach and azure waters. The spa also features a rooftop terrace—complete with a lounging area and a fire pit—that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. A spa cuisine menu featuring healthy options, such as a Tarragon Chicken Wrap or Arugula & Field Green Salad with Seared Atlantic Salmon, invites guests to linger and take advantage of the rooftop terrace.

Spa-goers can socialize while indulging in the spa's pampering pedicures.

Wiegman says the idea behind the spa was "to create a sanctuary for relaxation and restoration based on the timeless effect of the ocean for rest, healing, and rejuvenation." With that in mind, the sea was also used as a source of inspiration for the decor. "Many elements of the ocean were incorporated into the design by using calming colors and mosaic tile designs of waves and sea life," says Wiegman. "Sights, sounds, and treatments immerse the guest in an oceanic cocoon for a deeply therapeutic spa experience."