Yeah, we have our traffic and “fire season” in LA… We’ve even had our share of earthquakes lately. But, nothing beats a west coast summer. Sundresses and flip flops take us day to evening. Barely-there to vibrant makeup passes as appropriate. Even the spas are boasting roses.
The spa is one of a few places where we actually indulge indoors during the summer. Three of our favorite BNLA-approved spots are offering special body treatments worth spending a few hours inside this month…
African Red Tea Body Cocktail at Ole Henriksen Face/Body
First off, we have to pay homage to the parking situation at Ole Henriksen – quite possibly the simplest in the city, which induces calm in itself.
As for the African Red Tea Body Cocktail, it feels as if you’re on some remote island being slathered by the local shaman. Whether it’s the healing properties of the African Red Tea, Rosa Damascena (rose flower extract), detox affects of the painted-on yogurt, or the tangy oranges squeezed onto your body, you’ll come out healed.
The exotic 1½ hour treatment includes an organic brown sugar body scrub and tropical rain rinse, fresh oranges, an anti-oxidant exfoliating/toning mask made from yogurt and African Red Tea and a warm wrap to release the active ingredients.
The only advice we’d offer is that if you’re at all shy, make sure to request your esthetician in accordance.
Ole Henriksen Face/Body
8622 A Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
http://www.olehenriksen.com
The Chocolate and Rose Body Treatment at Ona Spa
Ona, meaning all things good, stays true to its name with their Chocolate and Rose Body Treatment. It’s like Valentine’s Day found its way to the summer. And Ona Spa.
Decadent aromas and textures of chocolate and roses are swept over your entire body to nurture, calm, and soothe. A full body exfoliation from organic cocoa powder and Aloe is followed by a jasmine and rose essential oil wrap, mixed in with the occasional organic chocolate treat – appealing to all of your newly awakened senses.
7373 Beverly Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-931-4442
http://www.onaspa.com
With the economy in a state of disarray, it’s hard to feel good about treating yourself to a facial, massage or even a pedicure. But while being frugal might be good for the wallet, it’s definitely not good for relaxation or beautification. So, why not have your fruitcake and eat it, too?
Book any 50-minute massage and 50 minute facial package at this urban oasis and receive your choice of two Spa Luce signature products ($48 Value). Try the 50 minute Deep Detox Facial perfect for inflamed or congested skin or the MDT5 Vitamin Facial full of six highly engineered vitamins to deliver results – so coveted, it’s used by modeling agencies the world over. And pair any amazing facial with a Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone massage for a true luxe escape at Luce. (Product suggestion for your free pick, Chocolate Sun Sunless Tanning Cream.) Check http://www.spaluce.com for information on joining the Premier Club for even more VIP discounts, upgrades and regular news on new products.
Spa Luce
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel
1755 North Highland Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-491-1376
Santa Claus just wouldn’t be the same after a chemical peel and a cellulite reducing spa treatment, but he certainly deserves some major pampering after riding around on his sleigh delivering gifts all night in the freezing cold. Actually, we all deserve some spa-like indulgence this holiday season! And these holiday spa gifts sets will last a heck of a lot longer than an hour-long massage.
Gardener Gift Set from Thymes
For those on your list with a green thumb, these 5 essential Gardener products from Thymes – with the fragrance of freshly clipped grass, aromatic parsley, cool watercress, dewy moss and a pinch of pink peppercorn – are all wrapped up and ready to go in a handy gardener’s carrying kit. The set includes Purifying Hand Wash, Replenishing Hand Cream, a Herbaceous Candle, SPF 15 Lip Balm and a Convenient Nail Brush. Visit http://www.thymes.com to purchase.
African Red Tea Body Cocktail Kit by Ole Henriksen
For the more exotic giftee, check out the African Red Tea Body Cocktail Kit by Ole Henriksen. These anti-aging products work well on all skin types. With an antioxidant-rich body scrub, firming body mask and self-heating body soufflé, all enriched with African red tea, this kit includes all of your at-home spa essentials. Visit http://www.olehenriksen.com to purchase.
Leave the chocolate and subsequent pimples to little tykes and tots on their trick-or-treat tirades. The fall is the ideal time to head to the spa to get cleansed, rejuvenated and scrubbed into a state of guilt-free gorgeousness. Local L.A. spas have some fun and calorie-free options for playing along with the sugar celebration that epitomizes the winter time holiday season.
Ona Chocolate and Rose
There’s nothing better than roses and chocolate, the most sensuous and scrumptious romantic devices in the universe, and when you combine the two at Ona Spa you get bewildering body bliss. Try being exfoliated in organic cocoa powder and Aloe and then get wrapped in jasmine and rose essential oils while being fed an organic truffle! This is sinful satisfaction at its best.
7373 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
info@onaspa.com
323-931-4442
Pumpkin Cream Body Wrap
This organic wrap removes dead skin, hydrates and infuses the skin with antioxidants, not to mention stimulating your circulation, creating new elasticity and added revitalization in skin texture. Finish this cream wrap treatment with Pumpkin Spice lotion, just jump for Jack-o-Joy.
300 N. Crescent Heights Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
info@skinhaven.com
323-658-skin or 7546
agua Milk and Honey Body Treatment
agua at the Mondrian Hotel offers this signature dairy-friendly treatment based on Ayurvedic principles. The body is coated in warm honey and organic sesame oil in an hour long massage followed by a cleansing with warm milk with long strokes which remove the bee serum left on the skin. This treatment will soothe, smooth and send you to a paradise of pleasure.
8440 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323-650-8999
You look fabulous in the dressing room of the store, but seem frumpy and cheesy when you try the outfit on at home. You have the best big salad at the restaurant down the block but when you get it delivered, you could barely keep it down. And that aromatherapy candle you love so much in the spa’s bathroom ends up giving you a massive headache in your own bathroom. Well, keep reading for some surefire ways to reverse this phenomenon and recreate that perfect spa ambiance in your own home…without getting buyer’s remorse.
Sheet & Clothing Spray and Vacuum Beads from The Good Home Co.
There’s a pile of dirty laundry the size of Vesuvius sitting in the corner, but your mom is on her way over. What’s a girl to do? Simply spray a little non-staining Sheet and Clothing Spray from the Good Home Company on your pillowcase, sheets or clothing to release the scent of your choice (i.e. Pure Grass, Beach Days, Paris Rain, Italian Citrus and for the insomniacs out there, Lavender). And when you’re actually inspired to vacuum, be sure to use their vacuum beads. Your mom will be impressed! Visit www.goodhomestore.com to purchase these and other products.
Spa Music from Eclipse Spa
Alright, so the massage therapist probably has a lot to do with it, but you’d be surprised just how influential that spa music is for putting you in that meditative trance at the spa. Fortunately, your iPod travels with you back home. So, download the relaxing songs from Escape Volume 1 from Eclipse Spa, sit back, soak in a hot bath, and enjoy this collection of music that is destined to bring you deep feelings of tranquility. To order the CD and purchase other great spa-at-home products, visit www.eclipsespa.com.