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Escape from LA!
(Without really leaving town)
In this era of uncertainty, with all the chaos we have experienced in the past month, now is the time to treat your self (or a loved one) to something nurturing, peaceful and serene. If you have been putting off taking care of yourself and find you are in a stressful place, it is imperative that you stop putting yourself on hold with regards to self-care.
It seems as if we are all in overwhelm and the thought of getting on an airplane may not be very appealing. However, if you live in an area where there is a spa or resort hotel, NOW IS THE TIME, to really take care of your "soul." You can plan that escape right now, especially if you are in Los Angeles.
I have discovered the ultimate "feel good therapy" at Spa Mystique, located at the newly refurbished Century Plaza Hotel and Spa in Century City. "Calm has arrived in Los Angeles, with the opening of Spa Mystique." This is a 35,000 square foot resort spa, an oasis of serenity surrounded by lush gardens, right in the heart of Century City.
Upon my first on-site visit, I realized this was the most authentic Asian design I have seen in an American spa facility. I had the pleasure of visiting many of the top world-class spas and this one is definitely in that league. You know you're in good company when the Spa consultant, Sylvia Sepielli , was also the creator of the Grand Wailea, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa as well as other sanctuaries across the world. You will feel the result of a positive feng shui design, with natural elements of water, fire, metal, wood and earth. The minute you step off the street and into this oasis, you know you are entering a sanctuary and can leave all your stresses behind!
This is not only a healing place; it is a luxurious hideaway, with tasteful elegance. The first thing you feel is a sense of serenity. You are treated with the utmost care, from the minute you step into the locker room and are handed a key to the most relaxing day of your life. The lush kimono style robe makes you feel like an Asian princess and the facilities are complete with all the basics, sauna, steam, Jacuzzi and lots of private areas to just curl up with a book or magazine and relax away the day. I am especially partial to a spa that provides lounging areas so that you can chill out before or after a treatment. It is the only way to get the most out of this experience, rather than just rushing in and out without any regard for the need to really assimilate the incredible pampering you are receiving.
The spa menu is impressive, with body and bath treatments, as well as amazing and unique offerings like "Twin Tigers Massage" which is performed rhythmically and in harmony by two therapists. This is supposed to "enhance the immune system, elicit a deep state of relaxation and allow your spirit to sink into a true state of bliss." All I know is that it sounds heavenly! In fact, whoever wrote this treatment menu has created a wish list that anyone would desire. "A sanctuary of remarkable restorative power, inspired by the East, invites you to experience the beauty, art and spirit of caring for yourself. Chaos will disappear. Noise will fade away. The pace will slow."
WOW! I couldn't have written that any better! In fact, one of my favorite pastimes is reading about exotic locales and spas, but the best thing is actually 'just doing it! I had the pleasure of experiencing a Thai massage (my favorite). Some people call it a "yoga massage" or perhaps it may remind you of a physical therapy workout. The therapist, Tommy, was an authentic Thai fellow who trained in Bangkok. It was quite unlike my other Thai massage experiences. I was extremely exhausted that day and in any other treatment, I would have fallen asleep and maybe missed out on all the fun!
This Thai massage was definitely for someone who is already in "shape" and has done a lot of yoga, like me. Luckily, I understood what he was doing and allow my body to flow with him instead of resisting. I was so exhausted, I felt like a wet noodle! He starting by using deep pressure on my lymph nodes and working his way up from the feet to the heart, helping to eliminate toxins and stimulate the organs. It was a bit more pressure than I was used to and I requested that he “go lightly” on me, since I am not a fan of really deep, intense massage. I think that the more you work out and have injuries, the less you can stand the deep tissue massage He told me he had a famous football player in the other day who was moaning! He also said that many women beg him to go deeper and it is a real workout for him! It showed me how much I hold tension in certain body parts and how, no matter how much I workout, my body is still stressed. This is a very important massage not only for the therapeutic qualities, but also because it gets you in touch with your blocks and areas where you store your feelings, and emotional stuff.
Needless to say, it was over too soon and I was off to the yummy spa again and drenched my body in the two Japanese furo (Jacuzzi-like) pools, as I sipped the cucumber infused spring water. I rested in the light-filled tranquil lounge and read a few trendy magazines before I fell asleep. When I awoke to the smell of an herbal elixir, Virtual Buddha that is given to everyone after his or her treatments, I was transcended into a state of total serenity. In fact, I actually spent the entire day away from CNN and almost forgot all about "it." I was hoping "9/11" was really a nightmare and we could all wake up tomorrow and things would be back to normal.
Unfortunately, reality struck and I must admit that I had escaped from the chaos for at least one afternoon. I believe we all need to have at least one moment to "escape" and find tranquility. If you're looking for a sanctuary, Spa Mystique is the Place!
For your healthy escape, call 310.556.CALM or toll free (877) 544.CALM.
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