perfect trio: massage, manicure, and martini

Today was sunny with a breeze in the courtyard at the Spa Intercontinental

Thank goodness for small luxuries! It's been a hectic and stressful week and I was more than ready to experience a 90 minute Aramasoul Scrub Ritual for my next beauty column.


Greeted with tea and a moment to relax...

Entering the second floor spa at the Intercontinental hotel in Century City I was greeted with a little cup of green tea and a quiet moment before entering the steam and sauna room. Minutes later I was guided to a private courtyard attached to one of three private villas for a consultation with Antoinette, my massage therapist.




Antoinette created a custom treatment that allowed me to chose from an olive, rice, mother of pearl or coconut scrub. Since my skin is sensitive she suggested the rice scrub. I was feeling tired and stressed, so Antoinette felt the Mediterranean blend of oregano, basil, orange, bergamot, and lemon would be stimulating and give me energy while relaxing the body. She assured me it would feel like the ocean, which sounded great to me.


A room with a view...and amazing bath tub!

The scrub was followed by a shower, then an incredible and relaxing massage, and finally a 15-20 minute soak in the most wonderful bath ever--yes that's water falling straight from the ceiling and you can control the temperature too! This photo barely conveys how truly luxurious this tub is. All I can say, is if you have the chance, definitely try it!


That's me, feeling very relaxed and snapping a pic before my manicure.

As soon as I was able to gather myself and go back into the tranquil salon, I was greeted with a cool green apple martini to go with my martini manicure.


Heavenly: the Martini manicure at Spa Intercontiental

Should you feel the need to indulge in a little or a lot of this pampering, you can schedule an appointment with the Spa Intercontinental by calling (310) 284-6500.