Spa Specialists

Bliss. Want that red-carpet glow? Bliss's super-hydrating triple-oxygen-treatment facial plumps and re-invigorates even the most blah skin in super-slick, all-white treatment rooms. 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, 90028. 877/862-5477.

Spa Montage. The Moroccan décor, ornate steam room, glass-walled sauna, co-ed mineral pool, and indoor Jacuzzi at this hidden Casbah of pampering will keep you relaxed for hours. 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 90210. 310/860-7840.

Huntington Spa. At the Huntington Spa, Chinese medicine-influenced therapies help restore balance and harmony to the body via meditative breathing rituals and acupressure. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA, 91106. 626/585-6414.

In a city where image is everything, spas are urban sanctuaries, but also places of pampering and rejuvenating for those 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). Along with massages, spas emphasize anti-aging treatments since everyone's after the fountain of youth here.

Spa at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills. The Spa at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills concentrates on traditional body treatments in small, seasonally scented private quarters. Choose your own soundtrack in the deluxe treatment rooms; try the fabulous Manipura experience body treatment that begins with a Himalayan salt scrub and ends with a body massage with argan oil. 300 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills, CA, 90048. 310/273-2222 or 310/786-2229.

Peninsula Spa at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. The Peninsula Spa at the Peninsula Beverly Hills is an exclusive rooftop retreat; rarefied treatments here include massages with oils laced with pulverized precious stones. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210. 310/551-2888.

Spa at the Beverly Wilshire. 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. 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. 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA, 90212. 310/385-7023.

Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie. Close to the hotel's famed pool, the Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie is discreetly tucked away. Treatments here are all about the bling: skin treatments involving caviar, gold, and diamonds. 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210. 310/887-2505.

One. Hollywood skin-care guru Ole Henriksen is behind the treatments at One, in Santa Monica. Body treatments here, such as sea-mineral scrubs, turn skin silky soft using Henriksen's all-natural tonics. Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA, 90405. 310/587-1712.

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.