Downtown De-Stressing: Spas Among the Skyscrapers

Checkers Spa at Wyndham Checkers Hotel

535 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A., (213) 300-0456

$50-$180

www.checkershotel.com

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Feel pampered without leaving the city. This boutique hotel in the heart of downtown L.A. has a rooftop deck with commanding views; its friendly, knowledgeable staff offers customized treatments in a Zen-like setting. While the spa offers traditional massages--Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology--those who desire more should opt for the two-hour Ultimate Wrap. Your body is dry-brush exfoliated, doused in herb-infused aromatic oils, then swaddled in warm linens. The wrap includes a 30-minute head and foot massage and a full body massage.

Tokyo Shiatsu Massage

211 S. Central Ave., downtown L.A., (213) 617-1249

$50-$100

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The perfect place to unwind and regroup without the frills and fuss. Tokyo Shiatsu Massage doesn’t have a wet steam but does offer a deep finger massage that is coordinated to the points of command and meridians of acupuncture. These slow, 65-minute massages awaken the senses like nothing else. (Well, almost nothing else.) Dry saunas and whirlpool tubs are available in the facility, which has seen the likes of George Bush (senior) and Jean-Claude Van Damme over the years.

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Miyako Inn and Spa

328 E. 1st St., downtown L.A., (213) 617-2000, ext. 777

$60-$130

www.miyakoinn.com

The spirit of Japan lives at the Miyako Inn spa in Little Tokyo. Four fragrant whirlpool tubs contain mineral essences from major Japanese hot springs, making for some divine dipping. After soaking, nothing beats a Shiatsu massage, an ancient Japanese healing art rooted in the philosophy and practice of traditional Chinese medicine, in which the healing power of both practitioner and receiver build upon each other to balance the vital life force known as chi. Wet and dry saunas are also available, and green tea is served in a soothing, floral-decorated lounge.