Nancy Wendler

A group of 25 is working for over a week on an intense (physically and emotionally) project about 50 miles north of Los Angeles. I am in charge of the "celebration party" afterwards. Pretty unlimited budget. I'm thinking a day spa for massages with a fabulous, classy, understated dinner afterwards. Any suggestions on what to do and where to go? (URGENT!)

Rich

Nancy:

I'd recommend either the Bel Air Hotel or the Beverly Hills Hotel. Also, I haven't been there, but I think that the Peninsula has a spa(?).

You won't go wrong with any of these!

Have fun!

Gary

Nancy:

The Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena (Ritz-Carlton, Huntington) has three-hour ladies spa package that includes champagne (they also have a mens' package). $$$, of course. They also have "Relaxation Baths." Look under some of the links on their home page:

http://ritzcarlton.com/html_prop/cit..._ID=7&PageNo=9

Restaurants: The Ritz's main dining room is "The Grill" which is fantastic. Chops, steak, etc. If not the Grill (if you choose to try the Ritz for your spa), there are a lot of great restaurants in Pasadena; you might want to do your own research on that. The Times has a searchable restaurant-review web site:

http://www.calendarlive.com/top/1,14...!Front,00.html

Rachel

Burke Williams has some very nice spas with a wide variety of packages and treatments available. They have a very nice atmosphere, with saunas and jacuzzis -- the whole deal. I prefer the one in Santa Monica but they are all over and have a website. Do a search and you can find it.

For the celebration dinner, there are some great places. Depending on which spa you go to, they can give you suggestions on dinner places that are nearby. Zagats will also list a bunch. For big groups, I like Pane e Vino (ask to sit on the patio).

Christina

I'd suggest the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa as tres cool and tres LA (lots of stars go there). It's in a small town, Ojai, right up around where you will be. Go to www.ojairesort.com

kam

Another very strong vote for Ojai--it's very LA relaxed. Stay at the Ojai Country Club and Golf Resort. Lots of spas in town, bike paths, golf, new age stuff etc. You should be able to relax there even if you're the most uptight group.