I have been dying to try the EL LEON SPA for a Long time. Sandi, my lash guru's studio is in the courtyard behind it and every time I go there I take a peek in, as well a deep breath as it smells amazing from all the exotic oils, and I remind myself to book a massage. They had a great little set up at a Golden Globes gifting suite at the SLS Hotel where I sampled the phenomenal hands of one of their massage therapists and viola- I booked an appointment that day.
So happy I did! First of all the place is really unique – design wise. Not your typical antiseptic, cool modern day spa. It's an open loft-like space and the decor is Thai inspired and Moroccan flavored, all warm and dark woodsy and well…mystical. You feel like you're stepping into another universe altogether. It's so fully successful in being exotic at every turn, even the bathrooms are aligned with the aesthetic, I was immediately transported to another world, one that was filled with the wafting essential oils and a bunch of furniture I wish I had in my house. The massage 'rooms' are very much like in a Thai massage house, large futons on the floor with giant flowing curtains to section off the different treatment areas. My therapist Angela was phenomenal – just perfect. Even though I'm pregnant and she knew exactly how to work on me, I told her not to be afraid to dig into my legs and glutes and neck, etc. And she did so beautifully. And deeply! I highly recommend El Leon when you need a true escape and you're looking for something less predictable than the average spa escape. When you crave something more special – this is the place. Great for a pre-Valentines Day dinner. I'm thinking a gift certificate from here is a PERFECT gift. It's also a very romantic couples massage place. And the spa menu is exotic too. Yes, they have facials, even waxing and divine hot bath soak things going on (love, love the bathrooms) and the facial area is just as cool, warm, dark and relaxing. I'm definitely going to go back and try one. And next time I'm going to hang out for a while after my treatment and just chill with their offerings of tea, fruit and dried dates in my robe and pretend I'm somewhere far far away…
It's no wonder it's received rave reviews in ALLURE, IN STYLE, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE, YOGI TIMES AND DAILY CANDY.
Check out their services and pictures and press here:
8217 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4530
(323) 782-9582