What It Is:The “Japanese Experience” massage at the ultra-luxuriousTomoko Spain Beverly Hills
Level of Difficulty:1 (because I drove there and L.A. traffic is no joke)
Over the years, I’ve noticed plenty of Hollywood stars (Gwyneth Paltrow,Lea Michele,Armie Hammer,Mindy Kalingand the list goes on…) share the cutest photos with their loved ones at Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills. And as I personally found out, it really is completely different from any other spa in L.A. “What sets us apart the most besides the incredible attention to detail is our level of Japanese hospitality services referred to as ‘omotenashi,'” owner Tomoko Kurono — who opened the spa in 2014 — tells me. “Each aspect of the spa has been well thought-out to provide the ultimate level of relaxation and rejuvenation.”
Lea Michele/Instagram
Rani Sikorsky
We were then brought to our massage room, which was super spacious and almost felt like a chic studio apartment with the waterfall shower and wooden bathtub (more on that later). Our massage therapists were beyond professional and really made sure we had a 5-star experience from start to finish. After we changed into our “Yukata” robes, our therapists kicked off the session with a 15-minute detoxing foot soak and massage (this may have been the best 15 minutes of my life) and then settled us into our heated massage beds for 60 more minutes of heaven.
Afterwards, we were given plenty of time to relax, shower and take turns soaking in the “Japanese Ofuro Bath.” Our therapists explained the tub is made out of natural cedar wood and is supposed to help rid toxins from the body. I don’t often take baths because I get easily restless, but I honestly could’ve soaked forever in the special bath had Kari not been (so patiently) waiting for me to hop out. Tomoko also has plenty of high-end beauty products — face-wash, toner, lotions, hair sprays, etc. — available in the room, and it’s little details like that that I think make the whole experience feel extra special.
As if all that weren’t enough, our “Japanese Experience” ended with a dinner of sushi, yummy Japanese sweets and organic green tea.
Courtesy Melody Chiu
The Verdict:Though Gwyneth Paltrow probably could afford to visit Tomoko Spa every day if she wanted to, the “Japanese Experience” is definitely more of a special occasion-type spa for us non-celebs. It’s pricey, but the spa goes above and beyond to make the heavy price-tag feel totally worth it, and Kari and I left feeling beyond pampered. If you’re looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a less splurge-filled spa day, the “Tomoko Massage” is also available at a more affordable price. Tomoko also offers a facial treatment now called the “Harisienne Facial Massage Treatment,” which is only offered in select locations in the United States. I’d highly recommend either the massage or the facial treatment the next time you (or a loved one!) wants to feel like a Hollywood A-lister.
source: people.com
