This trip to LA has been the most time I’ve ever spent in the city, and not going to lie, it’s been a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Add the God-awful weather before I left, I felt like I could use some sun and beaches. And, yeah, a massage definitely couldn’t hurt either. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, because the Ritz-Carlton just rolled out their seasonal offerings at their spa and had previously invited me to check it out. I had to (painfully) decline at first because, well, I was in New York at the time. But once I bought my ticket, I took them up on the offer and made an appointment.
Their seasonal services are pretty enticing: a Pumpkin Spice Hydrating Facial that uses pumpkin and orange to revitalize the skin and frankincense to moisturize, a Cranberry Promegranate Body Treatment where they use the aforementioned fruits to polish the skin with the added benefit of blueberry shimmering lotion to leave a glow, and a Peppermint Pedicure where they use essential oils and a peppermint mask on your feet before applying the nail polish of your choice. But I really couldn’t resist trying their Hot Chocolate Stone Massage , and what’s more de-stressing than combining chocolate and a massage? (Nothing.)
More on that in a second though. In what I could have only expected from the Ritz, you are first led to the locker room to put your stuff away and get cozy in a plush white robe. Then, you’re led into this gorgeous sanctuary room.
I know. Heavenly.
After stretching out and helping myself to their complimentary bites, I was given to the care of Jovanni for my massage. I think there was a moment where I realized I had no clue what a “hot chocolate massage” would entail – would they use chocolate in this at all? Luckily they actually use chocolate oils with the heated basalt stones for a total body massage (did I mention you’re laying on a heated bed too?). I’ve had only one hot stone massage before, and the click-clacking of constantly switching the heated stones was distracting – not here. Jovanni was a pro at seamlessly switching stones covered in the velvety oils. She smoothly stroked out every last knot and when she got to my feet I felt the most relaxed I think I had all month…I know, because I easily fell into a cat nap in which I dreamed of (and I’m 100% serious about this) chocolate chip cookies.
I know some of you might be curious – does smelling chocolate throughout your massage make you hungry? Honestly, for me the scent is associated so much with happiness, I just felt so relaxed and lifted. Jovanni, on the other hand, said all she wanted to do now was bake a chocolate cake. But if you really do crave it, the good news is they give you the most decadent chocolate truffles as a parting gift. A true combination of “beauty” and “food” ;).
Afterwards, I could barely keep my eyes open. I felt so rejuvenated and peaceful, I went back to the sanctuary room for another half hour just to relax and take everything in. It was easily one of the best, if not the best, massage I’ve ever had.
The spa services run from $70-$160 (the massage is $160) and are available only until Dec. 31st. If you’re looking for the perfect way to unwind and have every last stress wringed out of you, I’d come here first (and ask for Jovanni! She’s amazing!). Plus with the holidays around the corner, I’d find it hard to top it for one luxurious gift.
Spa info:
The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles Spa
900 W Olympic Blvd,
Los Angeles, California 90015
(213) 743-8800
x
Shy
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This is insane…ly awesome.