The Uptown Vibe: Arcona Spa Santa Monica

Though it straddles the busy Santa Monica corner of 4th Street and Broadway, it’s easy to miss the nondescript, off-white Arcona Studio spa. The building bears little signage and the storefront is dedicated to selling the organic and plant-based skin-care products for which Arcona is known and that are arguably the strength of the business.

Nabbing an appointment was easy and far less painful than an enzyme mask. Calling on a Friday, I was able to book something for the next day with my choice of afternoon time slots. Prices for face treatments range from $85 to $225, while massages are $55 for 25 minutes and $155 for 80 minutes. There is a menu of add-ons — such as LED light therapy to stimulate collagen production, oxygen spray and an eye treatment — ranging from $15 to $25. An extensive menu of men’s treatments is also offered.

There is no steam room or Jacuzzi area, but there is an infrared sauna for those who can bear it.

The back lounge of Arcona is not the soothing respite one might hope for. Though the sitting area is a serene visual palette of taupe and ivory with plush, ultra-suede armchairs, ice-cold pitchers of cucumber water and an extensive tea selection, anyone waiting for a friend or wife (even if not having a treatment) seems to have access to the lounge.

This can be slightly awkward for the client trying to relax in a bathrobe while the interloper thumbs through text messages in street clothes. Thankfully, the waiting area is a large, wide space, so you can sit far from someone who wants to discuss at high volume what they bought at Zara. The changing area is disproportionate in size to the amount of lounging space, with 12 half-size lockers and one changing room in a small hallway adjacent to the waiting room.

Before my enzyme facial, I paid $20 to sit in Arcona’s infrared sauna. The personal-sized cedar box induces an artificial fever and supposedly strengthens the immune system, eliminates metals in the body and aids in weight loss and detoxification. It is uncomfortably hot (the glue on the binding of my magazine disintegrated), but in 10 minutes you’re sweating like you just did four hours of yoga. For anyone who is on a cleanse or (like me) wants instant gratification, this sauna does the trick. Drink plenty of water afterward, though, especially if you plan on consuming alcohol later in the evening. I was apparently dehydrated when a glass of white wine made me sick at a birthday celebration hours after the sauna.

The enzyme facial proved just as intense as the sauna. The esthetician asked me about my skin concerns and concocted a mask of enzymes designed to remedy dark sun spots and facilitate anti-aging and hydration. The enzyme mask burned and itched for the 10 minutes it was on my face and throat, but my glowing, even complexion afterward was certainly worth it.

Between the inferno of a sauna, itchy face mask and bustling waiting area, Arcona is not the most relaxing spa, but the products and treatments are instantly effective and work without chemicals, parabens and artificial ingredients, good for anyone who likes using natural skin care but doesn’t want to wait for results.

Arcona Studio, 425 Broadway, Santa Monica ( 877) 272-6620 or (310) 458-3800. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. https://www.arcona.com