Oct 3, 2013 | Uncategorized
Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, Culver City, and El Segundo all Bicycle Ride Close to Ritz Carlton’s Spa Del Rey.
Leave the hectic Los Angeles life behind and escape to the Marina Del Rey. Noted for being the largest man made, small boat harbor in the world, and the second largest period in the US, the Marina has its own pace a culture.
Part of that culture is one of the most casual Ritz Carltons you’ll ever visit. No stuffiness here, but still expect the great service and attention to detail. That description applies to the Del Rey Spa, 8000 square feet of pampering you won’t soon forget.
From the Spa’s website:
A unique resort spa with exclusive and revitalizing body treatments, Spa del Rey offers customizable experiences with powerful results. Located in Los Angeles’ only AAA Five-Diamond waterfront
hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, Spa del Rey is a metropolitan oasis with picture perfect harbor views that create the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation. Environmentally conscious, Spa del Rey also utilizes quality Organic and Vegan products and treatments to renew your state of well-being while promoting balance and harmony with nature. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure or a local resident needing a half-day stay-cation, immerse yourself in the latest spa therapies designed to stimulate your senses and cleanse your mind, body and soul.
Hear what other have said about Del Rey Spa:
Angela R on Yelp says: “Jackie was an amazing massage therapist. Great hands, fabulous technique. The pool here is amazing and you can use it with a spa service. The eucalyptus steam room was also grea. Really full of eucalyptus and hot! The spa itself is kinda small, but if you factor in the pool and jacuzzi outside and the view of the marina, it’s a great mini-day vacation.”
From Yahoo: “My first experience at Spa Nail Del Rey was very pleasant. First of all, the neighborhood is so quaint, despite the nail spa being on a semi-busy street. All of the customers were friendly and the spa nail employees were very nice. I had a pedicure and a manicure. I am usually nervous about getting pedicures, but the pedicurist was very gentle and my toes looked so much better when she was done. The manicure came with a nice message and a cute little flower design. I will go back soon.”
Overall, reviews on four different sites came in at over 4 stars out of five. Given the personal nature of spa treatments, this is quite good.
We all love that great aroma and the way we feel when there is eucalyptus in the air. The best spas in the US use Eurospa Aromatic eucalyptus oil, because of its purity and dependable top shelf quality.
Now you can use the very same eucalyptus oil in your home. Buy a spray mist bottle for use with your home shower or steam room. You can even use it with your steam generated from your sink. You merely spray some of our Shower Mist 100% pure eucalyptus oil into the steam generated by your shower prior to turning the temperature down. Your shower stall, the entire room, even other nearby rooms will bill immediately filled with the healthy and delightful aroma of eucalyptus.
To get Shower Mist for yourself, or give some as a gift, just click over to Amazon.com and we’ll have it shipped to you immediately.
- Turn your shower into a Eucalyptus steam room
- Spa experience in the privacy of your own shower
- 100% Eucalyptus oil, no fillers added
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Sep 2, 2013 | Uncategorized
In reading over the reviews of Brooks Message Therapy, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the wild and crazy New York spa that we reviewed earlier, Spa 88 aka Wall Street Bath and Spa – A Russian Bath House. The decor is variously described as “like something you would see in communist Russia,” to “‘Hippy-Dippy’ in the decor department and is a bit funky here and there [fake ivy with faux butterflies].”
Like any message therapy business, you have various therapists with different approaches. However, there appears to be a couple of Russian fellows that . . . well, let the reviewer tell it:
All I can equate my therapist to is a Soviet era nuclear armed sub with a crew chanting the mantra “Search and destroy!”
“You feel knot here?” is the last thing I remember. With each knot targeted, the sub-aquatic warheads were launched. My warped and gnarled back gave out it’s last bit of form and became a puddle of post-meat-grinder refuse. If you are into the philosophy of anthropomorphism and are curious how it might feel to be a speed-bag under barrage of Mohammad Ali then I recommend Brooke’s with 5-stars. I suffer from no such curiosities, so I’ll resign to the rating I gave. I managed to hobble into the shower after what I now look back on as a near death experience. I washed off the lotion and managed to stumble back to the locker room and hang my clothes off my limp body.
In all fairness, that was one of two massages I got at Brooke’s. The other was with a nice young white fellow named Tim. Perhaps because he’s a more toothpickish guy and doesn’t have muscles forged in the crimson fires of the KGB gauntlet camps, the massage was amazing, and left me feeling great.
If you ever go to Brooke’s, ask for Tim!
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This review in Yelp was not the only one to speak of the hand strength of a couple of the therapists. But all the others seemed to be very happy to have had their knots thoroughly expunged.
The ratings across the internet seemed to show that Brooks Message Therapy has served the community well for many decades. If you’re looking for a no frills spa with excellent messages, and sauna and steam rooms (the steam room is deliciously scented by eucalyptus for both aromatic and healing propoerties), then this is the place for you.
Aug 22, 2013 | Uncategorized
Pure Blue Spa in Newport Beach CA Located in the Newport Beach Marriot
Here is how the folks at Pure Blue Spa describe themselves:
Step Into The Blu
There is just something about the O.C. pure blu captures that mystique, that indefinable quality that combines the quiet mystery of the sea and the vibrant energy of the sun. Through tranquil massages and indulgent spa treatments, pure blu helps you capture the mystery for yourself.
pure blu at the
Newport Beach Marriott is a full-service spa in every sense of the word. We indulge every body part, from head to toe, and we also revive your spirit and awaken your senses. From our Eucalyptus steam room or dry sauna, to our saltwater whirlpool Jacuzzi and refreshing cold foot plunge. Take a swim in our saltwater lap pool, reserved for spa guests only, surrounded by plush lounge chairs and cabanas. From our massages and body wraps to our facials and full salon services, we cater to your every need in our Southern California spa. Let us pamper you.
Step into the blu.
Spa week had this to say about Pure Blue Spa in Newport Beach, CA:
About Pure Blu Spa at the Newport Beach Marriott
Pure Blu Spa boasts 14,000 square feet of spa luxury! Pure Blu is separated into a Ladies and a Men’s side and each side of the spa has a eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, salt water whirlpool jacuzzi, refreshing cold water foot plunge, private and co-ed relaxation rooms, private (spa only) outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs, cabanas and poolside food and beverage service! *robes, slippers and lockers are provided for your convenience. Spa services include complementary valet or self parking and require a 4 hour change or cancellation notice (or appointments are charged in full).
The Yelp reviews were very interesting. The Spa got generally high marks (averaging 3.5 out of 5), with most of the negative reviews coming from guests who were there on a Groupon or other coupon. Of special interest to this blog, the eucalyptus steam room was mentioned favorably in almost half of the reviews. It is very unusual to see so many comments on the steam room. But the eucalyptus seems to be the difference. Here were some representative examples.
Review from Kady B.
So, it’s safe to say that I’m a spa junkie. I especially love full service day spas with relaxation rooms and eucalyptus steam rooms. I’ve come here a few times and taken advantage of some of their specials. My first visit, I had a deep tissue massage and boy was that different from any massage I’ve had before. To begin, it was with a male masseuse who worked my muscles harder than a triathlon. Amazingly enough, I felt better and more limber afterwards. I’ve also had a facial and a body scrub here on different occasions. Each time I had a great experience. I LOVE their steam room. It is spacious, clean and smells great.
Review from Roni H.
Me and my sister came in here on a weekday morning for a facial and massage. my massage was good, my sister RAVED about the facial. Was happy with the spa and its amenities overall. Everything was very clean, stocked well with towels and cucumber water. We were the only ones there for the whole time we were there and we stayed a couple hours after our appointments. THe jacuzzi was nice and indoors, the eucalyptus steam room, and cool foot bath was great.
Elise W.
Irvine, CA
4/17/2011
I like the wet sauna (steam room) at Pure Blu more than the one at Burke Williams because PB infuses the steam with eucalyptus scent. As a girl with allergies, I found this delightful. If I would come back, it’s for this steam room.
Jun 21, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spa Grand at the Grand Wailea Just South of Kihei on Maui Is Noted for It’s Water Treatments, Including the Eucalyptus Steam Room
Having just oohed and aahed about the amazing online reviews for the Waihua Spa, Ritz Carlton, Kapalua near Lahaina, Maui, we turn our attention to another Maui spa just an hours drive south in Wailea. In this case, there are hundreds of reviews, and having read most of them, the only negatives seemed to be the occasional bad massage, or the chance situation where something wasn’t working right.
There were some who wished for less nudity or more nudity in the ladies section, and those who wished the eucalyptus steam room, saunas, and other relaxtion areas were co-ed (they’re not). But the overall score was again over 4.5 out of 5 stars, and the difference seemed to be the number of therapies available, including the five specialty baths and the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit.
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Voted “Top 10 Spas in the United States” by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea is the best spa on Maui and one of the most luxurious resort spas in Hawaii. Spa Grande offers a wide array of treatments that reflect a balance between the traditions of the east, west and ancient Hawaii. Experience a harmonious infusion with one common goal – to unite one’s inner wellness and outer beauty. There is no Maui resort spa like it.
These reviews give a flavor of the 300 or more that you can go peruse if you so choose.
From Yelp
7/13/2011
I did quite a bit of spa browsing and deliberating before I settled on Spa Grande and I was so glad I did. “Settled” is the wrong word because it was wonderful. What definitely sold me was the fact that their hydrotherapy circuit was included with any treatment. I’m a sucker for any and all hydrotherapy and I was not disappointed. You are given an hour to spend between multiple pools, including “five aromatic baths, a Japanese Furo Bath, a Cascading Waterfall Massage, the Roman Hot Tub, a Cold Plunge Pool, a Swiss Jet Shower, or Eucalyptus Steam and a Redwood Sauna.” I ran out of time and didn’t even make it into the Roman tub, steam or sauna rooms or the cold plunge pool because I was enjoying the five baths and waterfall way too much. My favorite salt bath was definitely the Maui bath (coconut and blue sea salt), but they were all amazing. I couldn’t believe it when my hour was up; I’d definitely go back another time and pay the fee that allows you use of all the pools. I had the Island Flowers body wrap/scrub treatment and loooooved it. Mariah was amazing and so friendly, I’d definitely recommend requesting her.
Malu Y.
Makawao, HI
Some friends and I wanted to relax in luxury without breaking the bank so we decided to purchase the 2-hour terme hydrotherapy package at Spa Grande. Although, we weren’t able to partake in massages and facials, the terme baths did not disappoint. There are 5 different essential oil/mineral soaking baths, 2 jacuzzi/cold plunges (one Western style and one Japanese style), a sauna, a Eucalyptus-scented steam room, 3 waterfall showers, and 2 needle showers. The spa is spacious and very relaxing. The staff is very helpful and friendly – they didn’t seem to notice that my friends and I stayed in the spa an extra 40 minutes after our 2 hours we up. Also, be sure to take advantage of the upstairs lanai – you’ll get an incredible ocean view. If you’re local, be sure to claim your kamaaina discount. The 2-hour terme packages comes to $50 once the kamaaina discount is applied, and it comes with a complimentary mini body scrub.
From TripAdvisor
Reviewed February 24, 2013 We received this spa treatment as a wedding gift from my daughters, and it is definitely a gift that we will never forget! We arrived just in time for our Hot Stone Massage, so we didn’t have time to enjoy the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit before our massage. The massage was very relaxing, and very enjoyable! After our massage, the young man at the Front Desk spoke with his manager, and was able to get a 2-hour visit for us to the Hydrotherapy area, and we used it the next day….wow!!…what a treat, and what great service! This young man went above and beyond! This is certainly something you will want to do….from the salt baths, to the eucalyptus steam room, to the whirlpool and sauna, and the Swiss jet and waterfall showers….and take your time to enjoy it! This Spa is well worth it!
Jun 19, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Best Spas Seem to Have One Thing in Common – A Eucalyptus Steam Room
In our reviews of various spa’s around the world, the Waihua Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is the best so far if you base your ratings on: number of online reviews by customers, ratings by online reviewers, descriptions of the experience by these same reviewers, or reviews by professionals. With almost 100 reviews to read through the overall ranking is close to a full 5 stars out of 5.
We would like to believe that the eucalyptus steam room is what pushed them to these great heights, but are humble enough to concede that this was just one frequently mentioned aspect of the attention to detail that is apparent throughout the spa. Here are a few of the reviews that we selected as a sample of the impressions.
Please note that if you would enjoy having all the benefits of eucaplytus oil in your home steam room or even in your shower, we now offer a home sized shower mist spray. See it here.
Fodor’s said this
At this gorgeous 17,500-square-foot spa, you enter a blissful maze where floor-to-ceiling riverbed stones lead to serene treatment rooms, couples’ hales (cabanas), and a rain forest-like grotto with a Jacuzzi, dry cedar sauna, and eucalyptus steam rooms. Hang out in the co-ed waiting area, where sliding-glass doors open to a whirlpool overlooking a taro patch garden. Exfoliate any rough spots with a pineapple-papaya or coffee scrub; then wash off in a private outdoor shower garden before indulging in a lomilomi massage (traditional Hawaiian massage involving powerful strokes down the length of the body). High-end beauty treatments include advanced oxygen technology to tighten and nourish mature skin. The on-site shop has a great selection of local beauty products and jewelry.
From TripAdvisor
Reviewed May 12, 2013
We did a spa service during our stay at the Ritz and so glad we did. The couple massage was Perfect and there were many amenities to use afterwards-highly recommend the eucalyptus steam room. Once you have a service there you have access to these amenities for the entire day. Able to come back after a lunch or nap! Very relaxing.
Reviewed March 6, 2012
The co-ed section has a sitting room and outdoor hot tub. The female only (and male I presume) are so relaxing. The whirpool was in this stone, rock type room which made it so soothing. Eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, relaxation room with couches, showers, and all the tea and cucumber water you can drink.
Reviewed November 12, 2011
I am so picky about massages, and this masseuse named Luis gave me the best massage I have had in years, so good, that I booked another massage the next day. if you want DEEP tissue massage someone who will really get down into your back and shoulders then ask for Luis. also, their steam room and sauna area is amazing, and very exotic feeling with an entire rock wall and rock jacuzzi. ( men separated from women)
Reviewed October 26, 2011
Spa was amazing, pricy as you would expect from the Ritz but worth the extra penny! My massage was excellent, great staff everywhere. Also, there a lovely grotto area where you can use the whirlpool tub, sauna, relaxation room with hot tea (option to order food as well), and eucalyptus steam room. This is free, included with every spa treatment and you can use it anytime on the day of your appt. You can even leave and come back again later! Nice bonus 🙂
From Yelp
4/1/2013 4 photos 3 check-ins here The number one perk for staying at the Kapalua Villas is the use of the spa facility. I don’t think I can write something that hasn’t already been mentioned. It is wonderful! Great staff, quiet setting, showers, lockers, razors, shampoo, etc. Nice touches like pineapple water to keep you in that state of bliss. Another review I’m fearful of writing since this place was quiet with no one around but staff.
The pool and hot tub are fantastic! The steam room is scented with eucalyptus, and felt all my stress fade away. I’m kicking myself that we didn’t just show up here after we checked in, we didn’t look into it until a few days into our holiday.
The next time I visit, I will get a villa close enough so I can stumble out of bed and spend every day there.
5/31/2013
Truly as good as it gets: Bo’s therapeutic massage wasn’t just amazing, but he helped spot a muscle problem in my shoulder that Tom in the fitness center worked on (and has apparently cured), and then gave me resources to help…from home! The eucalyptus steam room was the best I’ve EVER experienced (3 times!), plus the amazing variety of water amenities made this one of the most relaxing – and restorative – days of my life.
No, seriously. This place has just about everything I could want. I can sleep on the comfy lounge-beds by the pool, use the gorgeous shower areas, they have a yummy menu, and I can work out in the state of the art gym. I was blown away by this gorgeous sanctuary (in the middle of the already gorgeous Kapalua, of course). We spent many hours here and I totally blissed out.
I also took advantage of the amazing gym facilities on my own. Wow- the weight machines were whisper-quiet and they had the newest cardio equipment, each unit with its own TV monitor and USB hookup for your iPod/iPhone. Forgot your own earphones? Don’t worry, they’ve got you; grab a pair at the front, then just drop them in the “Used Headphones” basket after your workout. They had one machine called “the Wave” which had a funky, cross country skiing motion (i think?). I had never seen one before, but it was neat. They also offer complimentary personal training lessons on using their new Kinesis equipment. AND you work out while looking at views of the ocean or one of their own waterfall pools. Gym- Excellent, A+.
Following my workouts, I would use the shower facilities. Along with fancy digital combination locks, each locker has a plush robe and a pair of those Hawaiian brown sandals. The restrooms/showers are fully equipped for just about anything you need. They have disposable razors; yummy smelling shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; combs, brushes, and hair dryers in the vanity area; and extras like mouthwash, toothbrush/toothpaste sets, unisex deodorant, and body lotion to finish you off. I loved it!
Now for the really indulgent treats. All over the spa, there were glass containers dispensing pineapple-infused water, ice cold. Ahhh. Step out into the pool area, and you will find pumps of sunscreen, menus for poolside dining, and magazines to entertain you. I worked on my tan on the lounges, then cooled off in the beautiful infinity pool.
Just inside the separated women’s and men’s facilities, you will also find the Serenity areas. Here, you have to try the eucalyptus sea salt infused steam room. Breathe deep and relax on the cool tiles. Or go next door and use the traditional sauna. Be sure to grab a cold washcloth from the pedestal outside to cool your face; I loved that the washcloths sit on an ice block shaped like the Kapalua butterfly logo (see photo). I liked to follow all of that with a quick dash through the rainfall area, then jump into the waterfall hot tub. Heaven.
Out of courtesy to other spa patrons, I didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked, but trust me- the place is spectacular. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, and tip them for their great service. Most importantly, enjoy, relax, and live “Aloha”.
