exhale spa

Environment

When in need of a serious dose of serenity, sometimes a honed spa, ironed of all the kinks and inconsistencies, is the most efficient mode to attain tranquility. One of the most perfected day spas has finally descended upon this frenetic "city of angels." Los Angeles has been holding its breath awaiting the opening of one of New York's hottest spas; Exhale (there are also locations in Boston, Chicago, and soon opening in Dallas). The 15,000-square-foot center for mind and body wellness features core fusion and yoga classes in addition to a full-service spa. The spa itself boasts 20 Zen-inspired therapy rooms, practically pool-sized soaking and plunging tubs with varying temperatures, soothing eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, dry saunas, and some of the most talented therapists in Los Angeles. Yes, Exhale feels more like a destination than a mere day spa. It is the perfect fix for those in need of escaping the insanity of the city, but don't have the time to travel to a spa resort.

Experiences

The traditional treatments (massage, facials, mani/pedis) are a plenty, but the experience at Exhale goes far beyond the spa. The mind/body center balances two essential bliss-inducing elements; yoga and spa; in one two-story building housing the Asian-themed spa downstairs (along with an exceptional shop that carries an extensive array of spa/yoga products), and the movement rooms upstairs with Marabou wood floors and exposed ceilings. Before submitting my body to my therapist's healing hands I headed upstairs to the movement area to open my body, warm my muscles, and work out a little stress with Core Fusion; the spa's signature movement class that melds Pilates, yoga, and dance into one muscle trembling, limb elongating session. The class began with the resonant sound of a giant grounding gong to balance the energy in the room. After sweating through my clothes for an hour, I stepped outside to the open-air lounge overlooking Santa Monica's Pacific ocean below. A few deep cleansing breaths and it was time for my treatment. I walked past the array of pre-spa options (soaking, steaming, and sweating) and was escorted into a treatment room with a window frame from an Indonesian Temple situated on the wall that oozed tranquility. How can you not be at peace when you are lying beneath a piece of an Indonesian Temple? My acu-energetic therapy session began with acupuncture to pinpoint the areas that needed balancing, then my energy flow was increased with the use of tuning forks before I was lead on a mental and physical journey through a visual meditation that helped to clear emotional and energetic stagnation. After 60 minutes, my life force had been re-invigorated; my energy was calm and softly humming.

In a state of bliss better than valium, I decided to have my bikini line tamed; after all, this is a beach town and a well-coiffed bikini line is essential. Of course, I could always slip into one of the many mani/pedi places that offer waxing as an adjunct service for half the price of Exhale, but, seriously, when you are dealing with sensitive skin in an incredibly intimate area and the last thing you want is dirty fingers or tools aggravating it! Exhale's expert wax technicians extracted my hair using a tourmaline-infused wax that helps calm sensitive skin in order to avoid unnecessary aggravation. To further elude the excruciation that can be part and partial to pulling hair from your bikini area, my therapist placed my hands on my stomach and thigh and showed me how to stretch out my skin, making it taut so that she could then pull the wax strip without pulling my skin. The result? An almost painless wax job! I know! Almost painless! Who knew that waxing could be so nearly pleasurable?

Bliss factor

For the ultimate afternoon escape (without leaving the city) opt for a core fusion class that engages the muscles, forcing your mind to unwind as it focuses on your body; then soak in the sun on the outdoor lounge as you sip tea and savor decadent chocolates. Head down to the spa and surrender yourself to the healing hands, knees, feet, and body of your Body Enlightening therapist who will balance, align, awaken, soothe, and refresh your body and mind with a Thai yoga type of massage. Don't forget to steep yourself in the various plunge pools while enjoying a sampling of fresh and dried fruit and nuts situated throughout the spa. Finally, re-emerge back to reality, but not before making your next appointment or signing up for the yoga and chocolate class. Does life get any better than that?

Exhale Spa (310) 899-6222 www.exhalespa.com