These LA Spas Are Setting a New Standard for Relaxation
From Japanese sake treatments to chakra balancing, there are many ways to practice self care.
From a hot stone massage to a hydrating facial, a luxe spa day is the ultimate form of self-care in Los Angeles. While certainly a splurge, treating yourself is well-deserved every once in a while (or as much as you want), and unsurprisingly, LA has plenty of options. Whether you’re looking to embark on a traditional Japanese spa experience or prefer a more modern hotel setup, there are five-star options scattered all across the city.
Though you can’t go wrong with a classic deep tissue or body treatment, the local wellness scene also has some more metaphysical methods such as reiki and energy healing. While some spas will add crystals to your facial, others integrate sound healing or light therapies into your standard Swedish massage. From the mountains of Malibu to the hills of Bel-Air, these are the best spas in LA for the ultimate self-care splurge.
Beverly Hills
Considering it’s one of the most iconic hotels in LA, nothing makes you feel quite as lavish as a spa day at The Beverly Hills Hotel. In true Dorchester fashion, the top-notch facilities are incredibly stylish, featuring a design inspired by California’s abundant flora and fauna. Enjoy hot tea and healthy snacks in the chic relaxation room before being taken back to one of the four private treatment rooms for the main event. If you want to leave the spa glowing, book the Pink Palace Facial by Valmont. In addition to hydrating the skin, the signature facial refines your pores and leaves your skin looking more youthful and firm.
Palos Verdes
Between the sweeping ocean views and exclusive spa swimming pool, a day at The Spa at Terranea is well worth the trek to Palos Verdes. Though you can easily spend hours in the co-ed space sipping on Bloody Mary’s and catching some sun while admiring the panoramic Pacific Ocean, don’t forget to spend some time in the private facilities in the locker rooms. Sweat it out in the steam room and sauna before embarking on contrast therapy in the outdoor cold plunge and hot tub. For an unforgettable treatment, indulge in the two-hour-long Crimson Revival, which is an immersive journey that includes a full-body mud mask, warm tea in the sauna, and a warm bamboo and oil massage.
Beverly Hills
Tomoko is a traditional Japanese spa that offers high-end treatments inspired by healing methods found in Osaka, Japan. The massages offered at Tomoko go beyond the physical and are designed to aid in the overall spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness. Before each treatment, patrons are treated to a warm welcome tea, a light bite, and a traditional Japanese footbath. If you’re not sure of which treatment to choose, the Tomoko Massage is a balanced treatment that combines Swedish techniques with hot stones. However, the highlight of the Tomoko is the Japanese Sake treatment which works on the energy centers of the face. This spa also offers some of the best couples treatments in the city, but expect to pay a minimum of $350 no matter what you book.
Malibu
Situated on a 250-acre private estate in the heart of the Santa Monica mountains, Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club resides up the winding Canyon Road in Malibu Wine Country. The spacious resort is encapsulated by a sea of native oak trees, with luxurious yet laidback cottages, bungalows, and estate rooms lining winding walkways. Staying at the resort is a restorative experience in itself, but the spa is the real highlight. Connect with nature during the In the Wild Massage, or take advantage of a Chakra Massage or 50-minute reiki session. The Malibu Glow Facial is a signature favorite that combines two therapeutic masques and LED light therapy to slough away dead skin and boost cellular renewal. If you’re staying onsite, relax by the dreamy spa pool and treat yourself even further by ordering the Asian Chicken Salad alongside a zesty margarita or glass of Chardonnay.
West Hollywood
The Pendry West Hollywood is a luxe hotel that combines the glamor of Old Hollywood with modern design and art throughout. When you’re not sunbathing at the rooftop pool or sidled up at the moody Bar Pendry with a specialty cocktail in hand, head to Spa Pendry for a world-class spa experience. Before your treatment, kick back in the stunning steam rooms located in each of the two locker rooms. The Relaxing Stone Ritual is a massage that uses hot stones to alleviate tense and tired muscles. The spa also has vibration therapy, body wraps and scrubs, red light therapy, and so much more. While at the property, don’t miss out on an incredible dining experience at Wolfgang Puck’s cozy Asian-fusion Merois to follow up a day at the spa.
Downtown LA
High above the city life, the Conrad Los Angeles is a 305-room hotel designed by iconic architect Frank Gehry that fuses modern luxury with whimsical, nature-themed touches. Residing across the street from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, guests can enjoy a myriad of Downtown skyline views along with five-star dining, a sweeping 16,000-square-foot pool deck and rooftop terrace, and a high-tech spa experience unlike any other. As you make your way past reception to the locker rooms, you’ll notice a series of “Recovery Cabins'' where you can enjoy NuCalm meditation, an infrared PEMF mat treatment, and compression therapy. There’s even an infrared sauna you can book. The magic continues as you step inside the locker room where a large dry sauna sets the scene for a pre- or post-treatment sweat. The relaxation room is on another level, with individual love seats, weighted blankets, and curtains for added privacy. Services include a host of exciting treatments, from an intuitive massage to body planing, body toning, and a range of facials. Don’t leave Conrad without dining at award-winning chef José Andrés’ San Laurel, a haven for Cal-Spanish cuisine, with an expansive patio overlooking the concert hall.
Larchmont Village
Constructed on the site of a century-old home in historic Larchmont Village, and blessed by nine Tibetan monks from the Garden Shartse Monastery, this indoor-outdoor spa offers a tranquil respite from everyday life. Blending Eastern and Western philosophies, Larchmont Sanctuary Spa prides itself on using natural and organic ingredients in its treatments that are free of chemical preservatives and artificial fragrances. Couples treatments are especially popular at the boutique spa. Sip champagne in the private copper jacuzzi for two, then enjoy luxurious couples’ treatments, including massages, facials, salt scrubs, and more.
Beverly Hills
This 20,000-square-foot spa features a stunning, co-ed magnesium-infused mineral pool that travelers flock to for its Instagram-worthy grandeur. There’s also a sauna, steam room, and hot tub in each of the two locker rooms. Every massage on the menu can be enhanced with CBD cream, aromatherapy, a scalp massage, and more. A variety of innovative body and facial therapies are also available to book, including lymphatic drainage techniques, effective nerve point therapy, and chakra balancing. Be sure to stop by The Terrace restaurant on the weekend to indulge in Afternoon Tea with loose-leaf teas from around the globe, Laurent-Perrier Champagne, and traditional sandwiches.
Silverlake and Santa Monica
Both the Silverlake and Santa Monica locations of The Raven Spa are outfitted with Bohemian flair that creates a serene atmosphere. Amid a jungle of live plants, Moroccan lanterns, and cozy rattan egg chairs, you’ll feel transported to a healing haven where a bounty of nourishing treatments await. A range of Thai massages and facials entice patrons, including a Lomi Lomi massage, which is a bodywork technique derived from ancient master healers of Hawaii. Another treatment highlight is The Facelift, which combines a face, head, and neck massage with a homemade organic yogurt and oat mask. Raven Spa also offers reiki, acupuncture, and an infrared salt sauna treatment. The Santa Monica location is equipped with a hammam, allowing guests to relish in a Turkish soak within a clawfoot tub.
Pacific Palisades
Located at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Surya Spa specializes in Ayurvedic practices across a serene and grounding 3,000 square feet of space. Created by Ayurvedic doctor, chef, and herbalist, Martha Soffer, Surya Spa offers hyper-personalized treatments following an in-depth consultation. Therapeutic massages, chakra light balancing, Craniosacral therapy-focused treatments, and even yoni steams take place across six private rooms, but you can also enjoy the peaceful lounges and outdoor patios before or after your Ayurvedic experience.