Shops & Spas - Los Angeles 2010 - page 255

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Spa Montage This two-floor facility in the new Montage Beverly Hills hotel
is as luxurious as you'd expect it to be for the G olden Triangle. It's 20,000 square feet of
pure bliss that's inspired by the ancient Andalusia r egion of Spain, which means lots of
water ev erywhere—a co-ed mineral pool wher e couples can r elax after their massage,
trickling fountains in the whirlpool ar eas—and lo vely mosaic tile wor k thr oughout.
Treatments focus on well-being, like Fruits of the Orchard, a series of deto xifying baths
and wraps filled with fruit extracts and herbs ($285); or get slathered in mud from three
different parts of the world in the Three Bowls Ritual ($285). Even a classic facial is the
ultimate in relaxation ($195). Kim Vo, “colorist to the stars,” relocated his Beverly Hills
salon here. 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills. & 310/860-7800. www.montagebeverlyhills.com.
SANTA MONICA
Exhale Escape the cr owds at the Third Street Promenade at this luxur y retreat
that hails from New York but is so fittingly S oCal, with a yoga studio, well-being work-
shops, “healing waters” room, eucalyptus saunas, and Cor e Fusion Pilates classes. You'll
find 15,000 square feet of Ohm here, all with a tranquil design and natural aesthetic.The
signature Fusion Massage uses therapeutic massage practices from around the world, like
rhythmic movements and potent herbal and ar omatherapy oils. B efore any tr eatment,
you're encouraged to arrive early to sit in the “quiet room” where teas are ceremoniously
blended for each individual guest. R emember . . . just br eathe. 1422 2nd St. (bt w. Santa
Monica Blvd. and Broadway), Santa Monica. & 310/899-6222. www.exhalespa.com.
ONE, The Spa This beach-themed spa—it 's designed to r esemble a ship—is
owned by the tony Shutters on the Beach Hotel but located in a separate building, giving
it a little more privacy than the typical hotel spa. Featuring Ole Henriksen's (the “facial-
ist to the stars”) all-natural products and services, ONE has a great selection of treatments
and day packages with cheeky seaside names like the Clear as D ay, a deep deto xifying
treatment ($160 for 60 min.), or the Surf's Up pedicure ($130). When they suggest you
Get Stoned, it's not what you think: They're talking 90 minutes of hot stone therapeutic
massage that's designed to restore balance to the body ($220). 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
& 310/587-1712. www.shuttersonthebeach.com.
Spa at Le Merigot Le Merigot is a lo w-key luxury hotel that doesn't try to be
anything other than a comfortable place to spend your seaside vacation, and its spa is the
perfect place to unwind after a busy day of shopping and sightseeing. The 5,500-square-
foot space offers a full range of services, everything from waxing to couples massage. The
aestheticians have such a wonder ful touch that a 60-minute facial seems to heal mor e
than your skin: You walk out feeling beautified and blissed-out. Non-hotel guests can go
in for any tr eatment (including br ow waxes) and still use all the state-of-the-ar t fitness
equipment, pool, saunas, and other hotel amenities before or afterward. 1740 Ocean Ave.,
Santa Monica. & 310/395-9700. www.lemerigothotel.com.
DOWNTOWN
Pho-Siam Thai Spa Finds I used to live in Thailand, and there's nothing I miss
more than a traditional Thai massage, an ancient healing ar t that combines y ogalike
stretching, deep-tissue massage, and therapeutic balms. You walk in tense and stiff and
walk out a happy noodle. The family-run Pho-Siam Thai Spa is located near Downtown
L.A. at the south end of Echo Park and staffed by a group of Thai women who are well-
trained in the ar t of Thai massage. For a mere $40 your body will undergo 60 minutes

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