Spa Specialists

Spa Specialists

L.A. hotel day spas are serene, urban sanctuaries that promise relaxation and revitalization, if you're willing to pay the price. A one-hour massage can set you back as much as $160 up to $435 (for the Four Seasons Westlake Village's tandem treatment by two massage therapists). Hotel spas tend to be on the small side in-town.

The Spa at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills (300 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills, 90048. 310/273-2222 or 310/786-2229) concentrates on traditional body treatments in small, seasonally scented private quarters. Choose your own music or sounds in the deluxe treatment rooms; try the vigorous Swe-Thai massage, which combines deep tissue and limbering Thai massage. The Peninsula Spa at the Peninsula Beverly Hills (9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90210. 310/975-2854 or 800/462-7899) is an exclusive rooftop retreat; rarefied treatments here include massages with oils laced with pulverized precious stones.

Chill out under a fabulous rain shower—cascades vary from a cool mist to a brisk Atlantic storm, at the Spa at the Beverly Wilshire (9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212. 310/385-7023 or 310/275-5200). A super-size, mosaic-tile steam room is just one of the elegant spa's calming touches. Celeb facialist Kate Somerville's products are featured; intensive 20-minute treatments help soothe techie-neck and, for PDA users, "crampberry" spasms.

Just off the hotel's main entrance, the sleek LeSpa at Sofitel (8955 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048. 310/228-6777) has a decidedly chic, urban vibe. Robes are cushy black; spa suites offer total privacy and soaking tubs. Close to the hotel's famed pool, the Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie (9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90210. 310/887-2505) is discreetly tucked away. Treatments here are all about the bling: skin treatments involving caviar, gold, and diamonds.

Off the hotel pool and spiffy gym, the boutique spa at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey (4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 90292. 310/574-4296) shimmers throughout. Mosaic tiles and original art (suitably soothing) make this one of L.A.'s prettiest hotel spas. Bridal parties go for the sparkly, nail-care room.

In Santa Monica, Hollywood skin-care guru Ole Henriksen is behind the treatments at One (Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 90405. 310/587-1712). Body treatments here, such as sea mineral scrubs, turn skin silky soft using Henriksen's all-natural tonics. L.A.'s largest hotel spa, Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village (Dole Dr., Westlake Village, 91362. 818/575-3010) at 40,000 square feet, is a resort-size beauty tricked out with many extras like private sunbathing, rain shower, steam, and indoor Jacuzzi. The 28 treatment rooms all open out to private, walled gardens. There's a special Thai massage room with a low-rise bed.

When booking a massage, specify your preference for a male or female therapist. Expect to pay a minimum of $160 for a one-hour massage or facial. You should tip at least 15% to 20%. Most reservations must be guaranteed by a credit card. Blackberry-addicts take note: cell phones and PDAs are now banned in most spas.