Category Archives: SPA + TRAVEL

KIRKWOOD COLLECTION USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF BOUTIQUE HOSPITALITY WITH HIDEAWAY SANTA BARBARA

October 7, 2019

Kirkwood Collection, a new luxury hotel brand, underwent the grand opening of Hideaway Santa Barbara in June.  Blending “old world” charm with “new world” accoutrements, Hideaway is the newest addition to the family-owned and operated collection of uniquely boutique, design-driven properties. Kirkwood Collection focuses solely on boutique properties in iconic California destinations, currently including Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and San Luis Obispo.

        Introducing a new standard of understated luxury, Hideaway Santa Barbara is meticulously curated with a casual elegance.  Housed in a 1908 California Craftsman and a secluded Carriage House, the intimate nine-room hotel is comprised of deluxe guest rooms and spacious suites, offering views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the historic Fernald Mansion. The enviable pedestrian-friendly location is just blocks from the beach, harbor, and walking distance to some of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants, the Urban Wine Trail, and the Funk Zone.

“We are delighted to present Hideaway Santa Barbara, our flagship boutique hotel located in one of the most iconic destinations in California,” said Alex Kirkwood, founder & president of Kirkwood Collection. “Hideaway is a highly personal milestone and achievement in the expansion of our collection and we hope the community of boutique travelers will share in our excitement for the hotel.”

The property is designed by Kirkwood Collection’s design director Michelle McClory, who has worked alongside acclaimed designers Jeffrey Alan Marks and Michael Smith.  Delivering a high-end residential, California Coastal aesthetic to a hospitality setting, Hideaway Santa Barbara evokes understated elegance with a modern edge. The governing design principle is use of natural light, which is reflected in the choice of skylights, finishes and artisan materials throughout the property.

A canopy of trees flank the west drive of the hotel, which ushers visitors through a light, bright, and airy entry hall featuring an oversized print of a captivating blue rowboat beached ashore.  To the left, guests enter the sun-drenched solarium and then relax with complimentary champagne in the well-appointed Lounge featuring a welcoming fireplace. The light-filled breakfast room doubles as a co-working space by day, with its triple-height windows and French bistro-style seatingBeautifully-appointed guest rooms are bright and breezy with contemporary organic furnishings and high-end residential elements that incorporate an overall feel of California coastal whimsy; a nod to the iconic setting where land meets the sea – the American Riviera.

A boutique hotel offering complimentary breakfast, Hideaway Santa Barbara caters to the international traveler and promises its guests a true “home away from home” experience. With thoughtfully incorporated features including Apple TVs and fireplaces, Hideaway guests that book rooms direct will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne upon check-in. Guests can also purchase champagne, wine, or beer at reception to enjoy in the comfort of their rooms. Nightly rates start at $350 and guestroom amenities include French amenity products, luxury linens, and a dual-zone wine cooler minifridge. 

The Kirkwood Collection portfolio is currently comprised of five properties.  Just a mile away from Hideaway on East Beach, Blue Sands Inn features an outdoor pool along with stunning ocean and Stearns Wharf views.  In vibrant Downtown San Luis Obispo, Garden Street Inn is the idyllic vision of historic charm, nestled in central-coast wine country. Plans are in development for an extensive renovation in 2020 to elevate Garden Street Inn to Kirkwood Collection elegance while remaining loyal to its historic roots.  97 Lake Shore offers a glimpse into California’s lakefront living in Rancho Mirage. The Palm Springs Hotel, a joint-venture property, is midcentury modern with new-century passion nodding to the Rat Pack era of Palm Springs. Kirkwood Collection is currently seeking to expand into additional locations such as Napa Valley, Laguna Beach, Santa Monica and Seattle.

To book reservations or learn more about Hideaway Santa Barbara, visit www.hideawaysantabarbara.com or call (805) 965-2333.

We tried the Biologique Recherche Facial x Shutters on the Beach One Spa and It Gave Us Life

August 14, 2019

Biologique Recherche is nothing short of revelatory skincare. And the Biologique Recherche facial at ONE Spa at Shutters on the Beach is the facial for true obsessive skin care groupies. 

You may know the cult fave line already. I’m sure you do. Look what Refinery 29 has to say:

“Biologique Recherche’s P50 is now about as recognizable a name as it gets in the world of prestige beauty. It has been called “Jesus in a bottle,” “life-changing,” and “The Best Beauty Product in the World.” It smells like vinegar and the quart of milk you pushed to the back of the fridge and forgot about for three months. Its fans will still tell you it is the single best thing they have ever put on their face.”

I have met with and heard talks given by Dr. Allouche – Co-Owner and Head of Creation (his parents founded the brand) and when I tell you this skincare the top, top, top tier of brands, you’ll add a few more ‘tops’ to that after you’ve been on their very specific routine for a month.

Dijana Marjanovic is the lead esthetician at ONE Spa at Shutters on the Beach and her knowledge of skin blew me away, during my luxurious facial at this adorable luxury spa in Santa Monica’s classic Shutters. I was ga-ga over the whole nautical vibe. 

But this facial – oh my lord – and Dijana. There is nothing like being in the hands of an expert. Biologique Recherche has reigned as one of the most prominent international skincare lines, delivering the highest level of efficacy. Their formulas and treatments work together to rebuild skin and treat specific skin conditions.

I left with glowing skin and a serious regime, check it out:

1.Cleansing CareLait VIP O2 (every morning and evening) To clean your skin and prevent devitalized skins, apply a small amount of Lait VIP O2 to your face, neck and décolleté. Lightly massage for emulsification and then remove with damp cotton or rinse off with cold water. Repeat as required for complete removal of any impurities and makeup, then dry with tissue.

2.ExfoliatorLotion P50 PIGM 400 (every morning and evening) To gently exfoliate, purify, clean and regenerate the epidermis, apply a few drops of Lotion P50 PIGM 400 on a cotton pad (damp for the first two weeks only), and gently pat over your face, neck and décolleté. This multifunction lotion is the cornerstone of the Biologique Recherche methodology, it rebalances the pH of the skin for epidermal reconditioning and improves the efficacy of all Biologique Recherche products applied after it. Light redness and tingling sensation is expected if the skin pH is imbalanced – do not stop the use of the lotion, use it on damp cotton and the sensation will decrease after a few days. This product should not be combined with any other exfoliating product.

3.MasksMasque VIP O2 (once to twice a week) To revitalize the skin and brighten the complexion, apply Masque VIP O2 to your face, neck and décolleté. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse off with cold water. Masque Visolastine + (once to twice a week) To durably moisturize the skin and strengthen the skin’s barrier to protect against dehydration, apply a thin layer of Masque Visolastine + all over your face, neck and décolleté. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. This mask provides a sensation of comfort and softness.

4.SerumsSérum VG Tensil (every morning) To tone and firm the skin, as well as smoothe fine lines and wrinkles, apply a few drops of Sérum VG-Tensil all over your face, neck and décolleté in a light ascending massage until the product has been completely absorbed. Sérum Collagène Natif (every morning, after the Sérum VG Tensil) To hydrate and restore the epidermis, as well as tighten the pores, apply a few drops of Sérum Collagène Natif on clean skin over the whole face, neck, and décolleté in a light ascending massage until the product has been completely absorbed. Sérum Colostrum (every evening) For intense hydration, apply a few drops of Sérum Colostrum all over your face, neck and décolleté, lightly massaging it upwards until it has been entirely absorbed. This intensely moisturizing serum contains milk proteins which enhance the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and improve its elasticity.

5.CreamsCrème Biofixine (every morning) To smooth and reduce wrinkles and fine lines, apply a hazelnut-sized amount of Crème Biofixine all over your face, neck and décolleté. This tensing first wrinkle cream will leave your skin soften and radiant. Crème MSR-H (every evening) To moisturize, firm and fight against signs of aging, apply a hazelnut amount of Crème MSR-H all over your face, neck and décolleté. Slowly massage from bottom to top, from the inside of the face moving outward until the cream is completely absorbed by your skin.

6.Finishing SerumSerum Grand Millésime (every morning and/or evening) To instantly brighten and rejuvenate the complexion, apply a few drops of Sérum Grand Millésime to your face, neck and décolleté, after using your morning cream. This serum is rich in revitalizing, antioxidant agents and Hyaluronic Acid. We would like you to follow the above instructions and your daily regimen as best as you can to ensure the success of this customized skincare program, created according to your skin needs. Yours in great skin, The Biologique Recherche Team.

Now that is a routine! I cannot WAIT.

When I posted my facial experience on my Insta-stories – immediately, all my true top tier skin care groupies wrote me – “But of course! “, “I only use Biologique Recherche!!” , “Duh!!”

I urge you to see Dijana Marjanovic to experience this for yourself. 

 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Travel Tips From Guest Editor Travel Expert Jared James

August 12, 2019

  For most of us, we go on holiday to relax. It is an opportunity to forget about everything that makes life stressful. Wondering about how to make this possible? Read on and we’ll share some tips on how you can have the most relaxing vacation ever!

Bring a Car to the Airport

Getting to the airport can be stressful. Going home after your vacation can also be a headache. To spare yourself from the hassle of booking a ride and to save money, it is best to bring your car. No need to worry about airport parking. There are now services that allow people to book their spot in advance.

If you are flying anytime soon and you want to bring your car as you head to the airport, ParkON can help you have a guaranteed parking space!

Go on a DND Mode

DND stands for Do Not Disturb. This is one of the best things to do for a relaxing holiday. Forget about work for a while. You don’t need to ditch your smartphone. That would be a hassle. Instead, what you need to do is to temporarily block emails and send automatic replies to let people know you are on a vacation and you cannot respond immediately. Avoid doing or thinking of anything work-related. You can also block calls from certain people, especially those that are related to work.

Take it Slow

Do not be in a rush when you are on vacation. Do not pressure yourself to see and experience everything in a short span of time. Be smart when planning your itinerary. List all the places you want to see and pick only those that you can realistically fit in your day. You are on a vacation to relax and not to see all the attractions possible.

Save and Spend

One thing that can make vacations stressful would be not having enough money for everything you want to do. Plan ahead to save. Do not hesitate to spend when you are on holiday. You deserve a bit of luxury while you are on a break.

Plan Relaxing Activities

You also need to be smart when it comes to the things to do while on a holiday. If the ultimate goal is relaxation, a yoga retreat is a good idea. You can also take a cooking lesson, go on a sunset cruise, or get a massage as you explore your destination. Try to avoid activities that require too much physical activity if you don’t want to be exhausted.

Choose the Right Time and Destination

Visit places that are known for being peaceful and relaxing. Stay away from the main tourist areas. Do not book in a large hotel. Pick the right time to travel. Make sure that you avoid peak season. The shoulder season is a good choice because you can enjoy your vacation sans the crowd while also saving money.

The next time you travel, consider our suggestions above! These tips will help you to have a calm and relaxing holiday, which is the perfect way to forget the hustle of the daily grind even for a while.

Happy Travels!
Jared James

 

Photos via Unsplash

Veda Spa – Your WeHo Home For Holistic Ayurveda Everything

April 9, 2019

How is it possible such a precious healing center is so close to me and it’s taken me months to get here? NO IDEA!
Anyway – let’s get right into this beauty. The ONLY true integrative wellness and treatment center in town.  

VEDA is the perfect combination of holistic ancient modalities with a totally savvy modern flair.

The perfect balance of our physical and spiritual selves. 

The treatments are a combo of Ayurveda, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Astro Psychology, Physical Therapy, Cupping, Hypnotherapy, Energy Healing, Physical Release Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Diet Management for preventative measures and in healing the mind, body, soul.

Seriously, what else IS THERE?

Panchakarma - 5 Day

“We are not your standard wellness center, our approach encourages the maintenance of health, strengthening the immune system, removing toxins and renewing energy by paying close attention to balance. Starting with a Consultation, our Therapists work with you to determine what internal imbalances may be causing discomfort, food sensitivities or intolerances, a sluggish metabolism, digestive issues, infertility or skin problems (just to name a few). Our Therapists use your test results to customize a dietary, physical and supplement protocol that fits your lifestyle to repair and balance your biochemistry to promote optimal health and happiness.”

Panchakarma - 7 Day

I walked into this gem of a retreat nestled right across from Urth Cafe. It is so pretty, you’ll want to sit and chill and well, never leave. Especially after being greeted by the loveliest of women, warm and open-armed – clearly in the mode to give and share their expertise.

The Ayurvedic principles seek to balance the natural elements: Water, Air, Earth and Fire. I need this is spades. 

Panchakarma is something I have been dying to do. It’s a daily commitment ( 5 to 7 days) and this is the only place in town that offers it.

“This traditional healing system promotes deep relaxation in the mind while balancing the entire nervous system. All treatments integrate herbal oils from traditional recipes and are prescribed according to your specific body and mind type. Panchakarma also includes a unique diet program and counseling, basic yoga therapy, herbal teas and recommendations on herbal supplements. Panchakarma can be effective for addressing acute ailments and is highly recommended on a yearly basis as a comprehensive part of health maintenance to promote longevity, beauty along with overall mental health and wellness. Private consultations with our professional certified practitioners, will determine your mind / body type to create a unique Panchakarma health program for you. Pancha Karma programs are designed to various health care needs from preventative health, for weight reduction, sleep issues, stress and even toxicity.”

Shirodhara Balancing Oil Treatment

Two Hand Abhyanga & Swedan

Abhyanga and Swedana therapy begins with Abhyanga, a rhythmic gentle body massage that uses warm medicated herbal oils to stimulate the circulation of blood, lymph, and prana (energy). After this relieving massage, you will enjoy Swedana, a herbal steam tent that removes toxins from the cells, stimulate lymph movement, improves circulation, detoxifies, relieves stiffness, loosens muscles and helps skin tone. This treatment combination improves blood circulation and reduces stress while nourishing the skin and opens up blockages.

Duration – 70 Minute

Ayurvedic Face Lift Massage

This Natural Face Lift Massage & Facial Rejuvenation is an anti-aging technique based in Ayurveda and is a gentle face massage that relaxes the facial muscles and stimulates the marma points (Energy Points) which helps remove physical and emotional energy blockages. It increases facial micro-circulation, lymph flow and, the natural metabolism of the skin tissue, thereby promoting regeneration of healthy, younger looking skin, as well as; improving the skin’s natural capacity to retain moisture. Through the use of warm fragrant oils and strokes, this treatment not only leaves the skin feeling smooth, glowing and revitalized, but also, relaxes the mind. Combining outer beauty and inner balance.

Duration – 60 Minutes

Visceral Manipulation / Craniosacral Therapy with Accupressure

Visceral Manipulation / Craniosacral Therapy with Accupressure

The first part of the treatment will include a visceral massage that focuses on your abdominal organs such as liver, kidneys and intestines. This gentle manual therapy aids your body’s ability to release restrictions that cause pain and dysfunction. The second half of the treatment will include a gentle touch craniosacral therapy. During this part of the treatment you’ll experience a wave-like rhythmic pulse that goes through the entire body which helps to heal musculoskeletal diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Autism, Neck & Back pain, colic, migraine headaches and central nervous system disorders.
Duration – 90 Minutes

Shirodhara Balancing Oil Treatment

A deeply relaxing Third-eye Therapy where a stream of Ayurvedic herbal medicated warm oil is poured continuously over the forehead to promote physical and emotional balance. It calms the central nervous system as it opens up blocked energy channels. Benefits of this treatment include imbalances, stress, anxiety, depression, and  insomnia. Promotes circulation and detoxification giving you a peaceful state of mind.

VEDA

606 Westmount Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hours
Monday – Saturday
9am – 6pm

Phone
424.284.3800

WeHo Debuts A Gem: Bijou Boutique

April 3, 2019

I love discovering unexpected gems in my hood. West Hollywood, to be exact. BIJOU BEAUTY
is one such gem. Clean, bright and feminine, they have a tidy menu of facials, face waxing, microblading (have not tried any) but it seems as though their lash extensions and lash lifts are all the rave. I have also heard good things about their microblading services too. Perhaps they could use sites like Microblading Marketing (https://microbladingmarketing.co/blog/startup-microblading-business/) to help them let more people know about that service. I have always looked at my brows and thought they were a little sparse but I didn’t know this salon offered the service until I came in. I would be a little skeptical due to the small needles but I’ve heard that it barely hurts. It might be something I try if this treatment goes well.

That being said, lash extensions are the one thing that make my face all come together somehow. Like little frames around my eyes – without the mascara smudge that was my life all year. After a two year hiatus, I wanted to get back in the lash game. I was tired of looking…tired. Or just – lifeless.

I walked over – YES WALKED – and was greeted by a lovely staff and especially lovely Patricia.

Thank the lash gods for Patrica. She totally knows her lash game and gave me the most perfect set of natural, light, not too long, just right length extensions. A week into them and I have not lost one. They FEEL amazing. And her goal was to repsect the health of my very VERY short and fine natural, mostly non-existent lashes. Welp, now I’m hooked. I look and feel like a different person.

At Bijou, they don’t mess with junk, cheap synthetic lashes. They use silk lashes as the preferred lash material and also offer Siberian Mink (cruelty-free of course).

Of course you can pick your style:

CLASSIC EYE – CAT EYE – WHISPY-EYE – DOLL-EYEWHISPY -EYE

FULL SET

LASH FILLS

ADD-ON’S/CUSTOMIZE

A Lash Lift is a perming method to open and define your natural lashes. Lift your straight/downward/slightly curled lashes to open the eye and create a more lengthy and youthful appearance. Lasting around 8 weeks, this is an easy low maintenance solution to define your natural lashes! No extensions are used in this service, add a lash color to enhance your lash lift.


LASH LIFT

Lash Lift is a safe, natural looking alternative to eyelash extensions. Lashes are lifted up and curved. Hello to a younger sexy wide eye.

 

SAFE FOR THE LASHES

All Lash Artists are licensed estheticians/cosmetologist and have advanced lash training. Using only the highest quality products, this safe service is your ultimate answer for lifted, natural lashes. No one has ever had an allergic reaction, and the process is gentle on the lashes.


We loose our lashes naturally 3-5 lashes per eye, per day. Regular fills are highly recommended every 2-3 weeks to maintain the fullness of your fabulous lashes.

All Lash Extension Artists are licensed estheticians/cosmetologist and have advanced lash training. Using only the highest quality products, this safe service is your ultimate answer for longer, thicker, beautiful eyelashes.

…pretty little things

 

7974 Santa Monica Boulevard,
West Hollywood, CA, 90046,
3233662983

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