If it's true that a spa a day keeps the stress away, then Los Angeles is surely the place to be. Whether it's getting a massage, a wax, a peel, a wrap, a cut, a tuck, a clip, a scrub, a stone or anything else uniquely indulgent, L.A. offers it in droves. Here are eight of the city's best spa experiences.
Wilshire Spa
The Wilshire Spa is a relaxing getaway for men, located in the heart of L.A.'s Koreatown. What once began as a quaint place for a simple massage has since blossomed into a stunning full-service spa. The specialty here is shiatsu massage (a unique form of acupressure), accented by Korean body scrubs, with upgrade options for their award-winning foot massages. Post-treatment amenities include hot and cold baths with flat screen televisions in the wall, a unique "jade bath," dry and steam saunas and relaxation lounges, as well as a men's-only gym for workouts. You'll find the clientele is expansive, from local businessmen on their lunch break to vacationing tourists and Koreatown locals. Most who visit the Wilshire Spa often spend the entire day.
Open 24 hours. 3440 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hot Springs
Beverly Hot Springs is truly one of the most unique spas in Los Angeles. Located a mere 10 minutes from Downtown L.A., it's the only 100 percent natural hot springs spa in the city. Celebrities a'plenty travel from all over SoCal to clandestinely unwind under the Springs' all-mineral manmade rock waterfall. Here, the facials come organic and the body scrubs are made with elements from around the world—our favorite being the "sugar polish massage" with exfoliate. The waxing menu is full-service, and "rapid" sunless spray tanning is also available with body scrub enhancements.
308 N. Oxford Ave.
dtox Day Spa
dtox has long been hailed as one of the most unique spas in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley (along with its sister location in Los Feliz). The specialities here for men include the trademarked "urban man facial" and "urban peel facial," which include a lemon verbena thermal mask with an accompanying neck and arm massage. When visiting with a partner, we recommend the couples' packages, our favorite being the urban retreat, which includes custom massages, Norwegian seaweed wraps and an organic herbal tub treatment for two. Whether in the Valley or Downtown, we love making a date with the friendly staff of dtox for either a simple body scrub or a full day of full-service treatments.
17401 Ventura Blvd. and 3206 Los Feliz Blvd.
Kinara
In Hindi, Kinara means "on the edge," which is ironic because things are anything but at the serene and tranquil Kinara of West Hollywood. Body waxing, rubs and wraps reign supreme here, all created and overseen by well-respected skin care guru Olga Lorencin-Northrup and enjoyed by A-list SoCal celebs like Christina Applegate and Halle Berry. Half-day (3+ hour) spa packages are available for both individuals or couples, and they allow one to sample a slew of treatments. The VIP nail services, frequented by both men and women, are also highly recommended for a quick in-and-out.
656 N Robertson Blvd.
Burke Williams
Burke Williams has become one of the best-known day spa getaways in Southern California, and there's a good reason for that. Gay men love everything about it, and the West Hollywood location is a particularly popular destination. Whether it's unwinding in the unisex relaxation room (complete with fireplace and a variety of teas) or taking a dip in the men's sauna space, we love all the pre- and post-amenity offerings, which come complimentary with any service. The massages are the star here—try the traditional or deep tissue, but also cutting edge therapies like the cranial sacral, lymphatic, reiki and reflexology specializations. We simply love pairing a massage with one of their signature wraps and salt scrubs. The Salt Glo and Sugar Glo are simply divine!
8000 Sunset Blvd. and 15301 Ventura Blvd.
Voda Spa
Voda's aim is to "blend old-world spa traditions with modern luxury," and it succeeds in droves. A true multicultural experience, the day spa employs traditions from around the globe, especially those of the traditional Russian sauna, such as the "Russian Bear" (a specialty massage designed for tight forearms, wrists, stiff necks and shoulders), and the dry "Russian banyas" (much like the Western dry saunas, only far drier for heightened detoxification purposes). And how can you not love their chic V-room with full-service bar, and the Voda cafe, with a flavorful full-service menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Their current special, the "$99 Spa Day for Men," includes a 25-minute gentleman's facial, a 20-minute aromatherapy massage, platza (an oak-leaf Russian healing technique) and use of their award-winning facilities.
7700 Santa Monica Blvd.
Raya European Day Spa
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in the West Hollywood / Beverly Hills area, Raya European Day Spa truly stands as one of the most well-known relaxation getaways in the industry. The four-story facility (with stunning rooftop garden) boasts the best in wet and relaxation rooms, and the skincare offered here is unparalleled—whether it's indulging in a 24-Karat Pure Gold Facial or having one of Raya's on-site expert estheticians teach you how to take the products home and use them yourself. Raya is extremely proud that none of their prices have changed since 2006 because all of their products are made locally in their L.A. area facilities, and each member of their 33-person staff diligently works to make all patrons feel like part of the Raya family.
533 North La Cienega Blvd.
The Humble Abode
More like something you'd find clandestinely tucked away in Napa rather than the heart of West Hollywood, The Humble Abode day spa and salon is set in a serene little cottage and offers a slew of soothing and professional treatments. Facials (with enhancements that include the ever-trendy "eyelash tinting"), all types of massages and even chiropractic services are offered, making this a world-class full-service boutique. Uniquely, the Abode offers daily (both private and group) pilates classes in its state-of-the-art fitness room, as well as award-winning meditation classes and hypnotherapy sessions. Currently the spa offers reduced-priced massages on weekdays and complimentary upgrades with certain facial packages. The Humble Abode is only humble in name; it's a true gem os Los Angeles.
519 N. La Cienega Blvd.