Ayurvedic Peace Within Full Body and Face Treatment: Spa Montage at Spa Beverly Hills, 90 or 120 Minutes, $400/$525

Located in the Golden Triangle, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Beverly Hills, we expected this spa service to be posh. (This spa is home to a beautiful indoor mineral pool, bathed in natural light and with gilded details, after all.) However, we didn’t expect it evoke such a deep relaxation and mental reset. 

It’s more of a ritual than a massage, really. The service begins with a quick lesson in Ayurveda, a century’s-old holistic healing system. A massage oil specific to your dosha (your mind-body type) is applied to the body’s energy centers along the spine to create openness and flow. Next, an Ayurvedic Kansa wand, made of wood and metal, massages the spine to awaken the Chakras. A traditional massage follows, and true relaxation settles in.

The service concludes with the face, neck, and scalp. The Ayurvedic Kansa wand soothes and tones the facial muscles while simultaneously releasing stress from the neck and shoulders. A traditional Shirodhara is next — a practice that was totally new to us. It’s the act of pouring warm oil on your third eye for 5-7 minutes. This is said to bring deep relaxation to the nervous system, as well as awaken your intuition. As an added bonus: the oil serves as a great hair treatment! 

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and you eventually return to consciousness with a scalp massage and the meditative sound of chimes. Pure bliss!

Facial: Heyday, 50 Minutes, $95

This no-fuss facial is totally customized to your skin’s specific needs by one of Heyday’s skincare experts. It’s less “spa” and more “treatment” — you don’t need to change into a robe or sit in a quiet, dim room fifteen minutes before your service begins. You’re in and out in under an hour, and your skin will be glowing. Add-ons include microdermabrasion, professional peels, and light therapy. Snag a monthly membership to save money on services and products while securing your skin some long term support.

Signature Massage with Muscle Recovery Balm: The NOW, 50 Minutes, $75

Stepping into The NOW Silver Lake (our preferred location), you feel like you’ve ducked into a cute beachside boutique in Tulum. The interiors are inspired by nature, with natural woods,  fluffy sheep skins, cactus galleries, and crystal grids. You can get a foot massage in the communal area up front, but we prefer their full-body massages. The sounds of the ocean soothe the senses, while a cozy fur blanket and heated table lull you to sleep before the treatment has even started.

The massage on its own is fantastic, but guests can choose from a variety of add-ons like scalp renewal, deep tissue, or a soothing eye mask. We prefer the muscle recovery balm, which has a powerful combination of cooling menthol and warming capsicum. It improves mobility and totally enhances the massage, getting out all those kinks for a great night’s sleep. 

Embodying Wellbeing Spa Ritual: Rancho La Puerta, 90 Minutes, $195

Another treatment that’s rooted in history, the Embodying Wellbeing Spa Ritual at Rancho La Puerta is inspired by ancient Mexican ceremonies and Ranch tradition, a fitting addition to the spa menu for the property’s 80th year. 

After changing at the spa, you stroll under the dappled light of the oak trees to a private tent. You’re welcomed with a sage smudge and ceremonial conch blessing. The bodywork is based on your solar plexus pulse, there’s a detoxifying clay abdominal mask, a healing abdominal massage, and plenty of gentle stretching with a rebozo (scarf). 

You can read more about the details here. It’s clearly a journey that offers healing for both body and mind.