Mother-Daughter Spa Experience in L.A. (cont)

The day spa has become a sanctuary for moms and their offspring; a place where the world can quickly vanish—if just momentarily-behind the sauna room door.

From Downtown to down by the beach, day spas are as common in Los Angeles as the corner market is in other communities. Mothers who were reared on weekly facials and monthly pedicures are now passing the torch to their young in hopes that they, too, will become bona fide spa aficionados.

DOWNTOWN
 
While no one can argue that poolside is a favorite locale for LA pampering, there is something to be said about being kneaded on the rooftop of an historic Downtown hotel. Hilton Checkers Hotel is home to the Be Well Spa where guests can opt to enjoy their treatment in the shadow of LA’s spectacular skyline. Request the “Spa for Two” package, which allows mother and daughter to enjoy a service of choice in the same location; whether it’s an oversized treatment room or atop the spa deck overlooking the city. If staying grounded is preferred, the freestanding Butterfly Total Beauty Center is another urban sanctuary where a menu of hedonistic treatments may be sampled, from facials and massage therapy to energizing Jacuzzi pedicures.
 
HOLLYWOOD
 
Hollywood glamour still reigns inside the Argyle Hotel, a Sunset Boulevard landmark hailing from the Art Deco era. Its namesake spa, a luxurious multi-level space that combines both the indoors and outdoors, offers treatments in private al fresco cabanas as well as within the confines of luxurious spa suites. Mothers and daughters can choose from several treatments, including a menu of spa rituals, such as the Organic Renew Ritual which blends Kauai coffee with vanilla oil to stimulate cellular circulation. Afterwards, there is plenty of time to compare treatments inside the Hammam, a traditional Turkish bath, where they can relax in private.
 
WESTSIDE
 
Co-eds attending UCLA can treat mom to a blissful experience at Bliss Los Angeles or the Luxe Spa at Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard. Located inside the hip and playful W Los Angeles - Westwood near campus, Bliss makes each guest feel like an A-lister by offering some rather amazing off-the-chart pampering. The 7,000-square-foot sanctuary boasts 10 treatment rooms, movie-while-you-manicure nail stations, deluxe all-girl lounges and a delicious brownie buffet. The nearby Luxe Spa puts an emphasis on elegance with fabulous surroundings coupled with an array of tantalizing treatments. Guests can slip on a spa robe, sip champagne and saunter to their treatment room for a total out-of-body experience.
Near Paramount Studios is the charming village of Larchmont, one of LA’s hidden hamlets filled with shops, eateries and sidewalk cafes. Le Petite Retreat, a favorite celebrity destination, brings a bit of solace to the neighborhood. Designed by Feng Shui Master Roy Shable, this holistic hideaway combines east and west therapies to provide a fabulous and functional experience. Mothers and daughters can request the 90-minute “Zen Stone Massage” package for two, which blends warm stone and deep tissue massage to remove and alleviate stress and tension from the body.
Unrivaled in its scope and services with 20 treatment rooms and a full range of therapies, The Spa at Equinox Century City at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza takes a holistic approach to wellness with a comprehensive menu of massages, skin care options and body polishes. Moms can opt for the “Body Melt,” which helps minimize cellulite, while their younger counterparts benefit from a European facial to help cleanse the skin and minimize pores.
Of course, girls from toddlers to teens just want to have fun. And fun they have at Spa Di Da. This kids-only spa (sorry mom) in West Hollywood starts ‘em young with “Cupcake Pedicures” and “Chocolate Kiss Facials.” And, when it comes to birthday parties, forget pizza and cake. Girls can instead host their own spa party where pint-sized party goers can get the red carpet treatment with a day of manicures, pedicures, facials and hair styling.
Located at the foot of Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills is the legendary The Beverly Wilshire, Four Seasons Hotel. Mothers and daughters emerge from this regal retreat camera-ready after nimble hands knead, caress and cradle administering sublime treatments behind private poolside cabanas or in luxe chambers inside the plush spa.
After shopping all day, mothers and daughters looking to be pampered may want to head to the blush-colored Beverly Hills Hotel for a little TLC. Beyond the hotel’s famed threshold is the Spa by La Prairie, which offers an exclusive 75-minute “After Shopping Paradise” treatment for tired and achy feet.
It’s the quintessential LA experience – poolside spa treatments--and no place has perfected it better than the new Aqua Star Spa located at the lavish mid-century Beverly Hilton Hotel. Mothers and daughters can don a pair of sunglasses, leave the tabloids on the table and share some gossip while having their feet massaged while lounging deck-side in a reclining chair.
 
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
 
It use to be that Valley girls ruled the mall, these days they’re more likely to hold court at Belle Visage in Studio City. Good skin starts young, and the “Teen Clean Facial” educates young women on the causes of acne and other skin problems while they’re treated to a thorough and relaxing cleansing of the visage. Girls can invite friends to tag along for a teen spa party, which includes a “Teen Clean Facial” with hand and neck massage coupled with a manicure and pedicure. Who knew learning could be this fun?
 
BEACH CITIES
 
One Spa featuring Ole Henriksen Face/Body at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica offers an ideal solution for indecisive mothers and daughters. The Fusion Massage uses a hybrid of techniques to rejuvenate and relax the body, from Swedish and Deep Tissue to Acupressure and Trigger Point therapy.
Down the street at The Spa Le Merigot inside the Le Merigot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa, the spa stays open until 10 p.m. for late-night spa-goers. Moms might enjoy the Green Coffee Contour Slimming Wrap, while daughters indulge in a Tri-Crystal Micro Dermabrasion Body Polish to smooth and buff the skin.
 
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
 
Just east of Downtown is the historic Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, which offers a “Sex and the City” type of experience for mothers and their adult daughters every Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer. Its poolside “Manicures and Martinis” are available as the sun sets over LA. Pick your polish and your poison—a dirty martini, bikinitini or the classic Carrie Bradshaw cosmopolitan—then sit back and let your nails and mood be transformed.
 
SPA ANYWHERE
 
And, when you simply can’t get to the spa, let the spa come to you. Mobile Spa Los Angeles creates the ultimate spa experience whenever and wherever you choose. This pamper parlor on wheels also offers truly unique spa parties designed to introduce little ones, ages 6 to 12, as well as teens, to the entire spa experience with such beneficial concoctions as cocoa mud masks and icing facials. There’s even some downtime for parent attendees who want a quick pick-me-up while their kids are busy exfoliating.
The need to be kneaded, rubbed, stroked and polished is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity - especially in Los Angeles where a visit to the day spa has been integrated into everyday living, including time spent with mom.
 For more information on spas in Los Angeles, visit the official visitor information Web site of Los Angeles at www.seemyLA.com.