Be good to yourself with affordable holiday spa treatments
In this rough economy, it’s hard to justify paying outrageous prices for holiday pampering. Thankfully, Los Angeles has some excellent day spas featuring high-quality treatments that make it easy to take care of yourself while giving to others. Here is a list of spas with treatments and packages that won’t stress you out.
The Lounge Spa, Culver City: This light-hearted spa with a retro SoCal vibe (think swingin’ Palm Springs) prides itself on offering quality at reasonable prices. The Mojito Massage includes full body exfoliation, passion fruit / lime body butter and a peppermint scalp massage (50 minutes, $75). Ideal for bridal showers, birthdays, moms-to-be and couples. The Holiday Stress Relief Package includes an aromatherapy facial and an aromatherapy massage (100 minutes, $120). 11911 W. Washington Blvd., Suite B, (310) 398-1498, www.theloungespa.com.
ZenSpa, Calabasas: For many, ZenSpa is a luxurious home away from home. With the Wellness Rewards Points system, costs balance out for incredible treatments, such as the Ayurvedic Abhyanga or hot stone massage (80 minutes, $159). Buy five gift cards and get one free until Jan. 8; also year-round promotions and specials. 23975 Park Sorrento Drive, Suite 120, (818) 591-0046, www.zenspa.biz.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, Corona: Native Americans first used these healing mineral waters, and Glen Ivy has been SoCal’s go-to spa for 150 years. Admission is $38 (weekdays)/ $49 (weekends) and includes use of the mineral hot springs, red clay mud baths, pools, Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. Massages start at $89. Glen Ivy day spas (no mud or mineral pools) are also open in Brea and Valencia. 25000 Glen Ivy Road, Corona, (888) GLENIVY, www.glenivy.com. Glen Ivy Day Spas: 1001 Brea Mall, Brea, and 24320 Town Center Drive, No. 100, Valencia.
Healing Hands Wellness Center, Los Angeles: With more than 40 massage therapists, you are sure to find a massage (one hour, $55) customized to your needs. Both locations are tranquil and feature a chiropractor ($60 per session) and an acupuncturist ($80 per session). Buy five massage gift certificates, get one free (offer ends Dec. 31). Regular package discounts, KCRW and WGA membership discounts are available. 303 S. Crescent Heights Blvd., (323) 782-3900; 414 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323) 461-7876, www.healinghandswc.com.
Center for Wellbeing, Sierra Madre: Yvonne Fata’s facials (starting at $50) are worth the drive to this quaint foothill town. The spa sells organic, botanical-based, top-of-the line skin care products, which aestheticians use in the treatment room, a rarity in most spas. The center also features massages (starting at $70), yoga classes, waxing, a medi-spa and more. Every two months, Friday spa nights offer souped-up 30-minute facials and massages. 31 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., (626) 355-2443, www.centerwellbeing.com.
Ona Spa, West Hollywood: The Vichy Shower body scrub and polish treatment is $50 (through Dec. 31) along with mini-facials, mini-massages and more at this high-end, celebrity-worthy Balinese-themed boutique spa. Be sure to enjoy some hibiscus tea in the relaxation room. 7373 Beverly Blvd., (323) 931-4442, www.onaspa.com.
El Leon Day Spa and Healing Center, West Hollywood, and the Raven Spa, Silver Lake: El Leon, a Spanish-Moroccan oasis, and its sister spa the Raven, inspired by the jungles of Thailand, offer $50 off a treatment they call the Rock Star: more than two hours of services featuring a Dead Sea salt and lavender oil hand/foot massage, a full-body Thai massage, and a head, neck and face massage ($135, regularly $185). Also amazing is the Ayurvedic facial (70 minutes, $125), a detoxifying ritual from India using organic herbs, essential oils and minerals. 2910 Rowena Ave., Silver Lake, (323) 644-0240, www.theravenspa.com. 8217 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 782-9582, www.elleonspa.com.
The Spa Loft, Woodland Hills: This West Valley oasis offers everyday specials such as the Indulgence package, including a massage and facial (2 hours, $144) or the Lavender Bliss, a nourishing facial for the hands and feet. (25 minutes, hands, $50; 45 minutes, feet, $60). The loft also boasts a Pilates and yoga facility. 5441 Topanga Canyon Blvd., (818) 226-5638, www.thespaloft.com.
Beverly Hot Springs, Koreatown: L.A.’s only 100% natural hot spring spa gushes with mineral waters from a natural artesian well 2,200 feet beneath the earth. Entrance is free with a body treatment, and $20 with a facial treatment. Otherwise, $30 (weekly) and $40 (weekends and holidays) will get you use of the mineral spa, cold tub, sauna, steam room and lounge. Try an invigorating body scrub (30 min/$60) with a seaweed soap wash and a Body Care ritual (50 min/$80) with milk, oil and cucumber for refreshed, smooth skin. Note: Korean spas are not for the modest! 308 N. Oxford Ave., (323) 734-7000, www.beverlyhotsprings.com.
Olympic Spa and Retreat, Koreatown: This beloved Korean day spa offers body scrubs (25 min/$30), massages and facial packages galore. A Simple Soak ($15) includes use of the saunas, steam rooms, jade stone floors, jacuzzis, cold pool, and mugwort tea tub. Try the Milk and Honey Body Smoothie ($100), which will leave you scrubbed, massaged and smooth from head to toe. Also popular is the Fresh î Sugar Polish ($70). Again, Korean spas are not for the modest! 3915 W. Olympic Blvd., (323) 857-0666, www.olympicspala.com.
Chocolate Sun, Santa Monica: The innovative owners behind “Nature’s Healthy Tan” created their truly unique organic tanning spray solution to be a hydrating mask for the whole body ($55). Customized according to individual skin tone and personal preference, you will glow evenly from head to toe in a natural, golden hue. Take $10 off full body treatments, 20% off Flowers Organics Skin Care and Chocolate Sun products and 20% of all tanning packages through 12/31/09. 137 Bay Street, (310) 450-3075, www.chocolatesun.net.
Flirt, Burbank: The aestheticians at Flirt move at lightening speed and use the highest-quality wax to limit discomfort and even make it fun (Bikini wax; $35-$50). The results are smooth as silk. Enjoy 10% off your first visit to Flirt, which also offers facials and peels (Flirt facial; $85) and serves as a great place for small spa parties. 859 N. Hollywood Way, (818) 843-9400, www.flirtsalon.net.
Skin Haven Spa Studio, West Hollywood: The philosophy at this haven is “true relaxation, real results.” Enjoy a 75-minute Signature Facial or Signature Massage ($99, regularly $135), or the December Treatment Package which includes a facial plus a 50-minute massage ($199, regularly $235) at this quiet and cozy city retreat. 300 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., (323) 658-SKIN, www.skinhaven.com.
Beach Massage & Day Spa, El Segundo: This South Bay spa features Vichy shower body treatments, a salt scrub with essential oils, an exfoliating scrub with tropical fruits, nuts, and shells (both 35 min/$65), and a natural black mud treatment (75 min/$125). Or try a Deep Tissue/Hot Stone massage (55 min/$85). 630 N. Sepulveda Blvd., (310) 322-2333, www.beachmassage.net.
Miri Mandel Skinworks, West Hollywood: The self-proclaimed “queen of extractions” and former assistant to a top NYC dermatologist gives wallet-friendly facials with real results in a soothing environment. Her signature Golden Hands facial is now priced at $75, regularly $120. 309 N. Ogden Dr., (323) 936-6444, www.skinworksla.com.
Radiance of Life Mini Day Spa, Hancock Park: This secret spot in the heart of Larchmont Village offers massages (1 hr/$55, 90 min/$80), facials which include a hand, arm, neck and shoulder massage (starting at $60), and body scrubs and wraps (starting at $80) as well as mani/pedi and waxing services. 205 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323) 203-0254.
Dubunne Spa Club & Massage Centre, Torrance: For $19 per month, delight in discounted spa services (massage; $60) as well as the spa’s signature Spa Ritual regimen which includes the use of private Japanese Onsen soaking tubs, a body scrub bar, steam room, sauna and bring-a-friend privileges. Non-members enjoy the Ritual for $35/visit. Specials through 12/31/09 include The Ultimate, a choice of massage or facial with microdermabrasion and oxygen blast or massage with candlelit bath (75 min/$99, regularly $125), and the Lemon Drop Scrub-Rub-Wrap (80 min/$125, regularly $175). 23725 Arlington Avenue, (310) 326-9062, www.dubunne.com.
Urban Retreats, multiple locations: In-town getaways with a variety of massage (starting at $45) and facial services (starting at $65), Urban Retreats have locations in Tarzana, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora/Covina and Hacienda Heights. Great deal: a European facial plus a one-hour massage starts at $110. www.urbanretreats.com.
Willow Spa, Santa Monica: Known for its detoxifying Japanese Enzyme Bath, this peaceful retreat offers a Zen Express Menu with a slew of 30-45 minute therapies for less than $100 as well as extensive ongoing promotions: with every 60-minute treatment, receive a 15-minute Citrus Flower Foot Soak and foot massage, and for every $100 you spend, receive $50 back in “spa dollars.” 3127 Santa Monica Blvd., (310) 453-9004, www.willowspa.com.
Pho Siam Thai Spa, Downtown Los Angeles: Persistent word-of-mouth has helped this Thai massage center stand out from the rest. Offering traditional Thai treatments (30 min/$25, 60 min/$40, 90 min/$60, 120 min/$80), foot reflexology (30 min/$25, 60 min/$40), a variety of skin care services including mini-facials ($35), multi-vitamin facials ($40), acne-facials ($65) and waxes. 1525 Pizarro St., (213) 484-8484, www.phosiam.com.