In a world that evolves faster than Madonna between albums,
it’s nice to be able to rely on something constant to find solace in—like
a
hard drink at the end of an even harder workweek. There are times, however,
when the empty calories in
a dirty martini—and
the hangover that comes with them—don't seem worth the price of consumption. For the waist-watching cocktail
aficionado,
the Lounge Spa offers libation-inspired beauty treatments for the
same price as a round of drinks—allowing you to invest your money in your face
instead of your thighs.
Hidden away on one of
Culver City’s industrial-supply-store-lined streets, it’s a haven for both celebrities who want to keep their
beauty routines low-profile and regular folks (there are a few left in L.A., right?) looking for a place where being on the
A-list isn’t a requirement to get rubbed, scrubbed, tweezed and buffed. From
its groovy retro signage to its menu of intoxicant-inspired services—including
the On the Rocks massage and the Spa-tini facial—the Lounge Spa exudes an
attitude of playfulness that is at the heart of the fun and unique atmosphere
owner Alice Koskas has cultivated since opening in 2005. As an expert in the
skin-care industry, she knows that treatments don’t need to cost a lot to be effective. Case in point: 50-minute
facials are $55, so you can afford to make it a double.
Due in large part to the instant familiarity the staff
cultivates with its clients—upon entrance, every customer is given a
complimentary beverage from the Elixir Tonics and Teas bar—the Lounge Spa
accomplishes the difficult task of making a large space feel as intimate as a
local drinkery where everybody knows your name. “We’re not a Zen spa,” Koskas
says. “You’re not going to see anything New Age or holistic like bamboo,
Buddhas or incense here.” For those not into the spa atmosphere, Koskas will take her crew to you,
as she often does for the cast of "Desperate Housewives."
The most popular treatments? The Grand Marnier Meltdown massage (a basic Swedish massage that lasts up to 80 minutes) and the Fruit Cocktail facial (an exfoliation treatment using revitalizing acids).
With specials created to celebrate nearly every Hallmark holiday—including a
Valentine’s Day Choco-tini facial (a soothing and delicious application of
chocolate) and March’s Mojito massage (a body exfoliation, a Swedish rubdown
and a mint scalp massage)—the treatment they're planning to offer in May for
Mother’s Day will no doubt provide the serenity you need to drown out the sound
of your native womb inquiring as to who you are dating, when you'll settle down and why you never
call.
