Spa Montage, Beverly Hills

Sep 23, 2010

For me, spa treatments are like the proverbial pizza: even a bad slice is still pretty darn good. Having said that, there are times when the spa experiences I’ve had tend to blend together in my memory and become somewhat indistinguishable from one another.

This has never been the case at Spa Montage in Beverly Hills. I’ve been fortunate to have one “real” treatment here, during a recent overnight, as well as several mini-treatments in conjunction with various events I’ve attended at the hotel. Every time I come back, I love this spa more than before.

The Treatment
Elements of the Earth Wrap
The 90-minute Elements of the Earth Wrap included a customized body scrub, after which I was wrapped in a cocoon of warm blankets to allow the impurities to be “drawn out” of my body. While soaking up the warmth of my body wrap, I was also treated to an amazing scalp massage. After, a Vichy shower was used to clean away the remnants of the scrub, and then a layer of body creme was applied to hydrate my body.

While I tend to enjoy the rougher techniques of Thai-style massage, there was something amazingly nurturing about this treatment.

My green conscience was a little dismayed by just how many towels we went through, but my hedonistic side told the green personality to shut the heck up — especially afterward, when my skin was about as soft as it has ever been.

Where my therapist really excelled was in knowing just how much conversation was appropriate. I’m generally the silent type (when it comes to spa treatments, anyway), but something about being a wrapped up like a mummy made me welcome a little interaction. My therapist knew exactly how to guide a conversation that was appropriate to the various stages of my treatment.

The Environment
While the spa’s wide range of treatments is quite impressive, it’s the common areas that really set this spa apart. The co-ed relaxation room is gorgeous. Created in a Moroccan style, much of the area is decorated with hand-laid, black mosaic tiles. While all that black should be dark and depressing, the natural skylights give it a timeless, classic feel.

Although the relaxation room is fairly large, the position of the day beds gives it an intimate feel. The beds all have drapes for additional privacy and are set in such a way that neighbors never feel intrusive. Furthermore, there’s enough space so that guests never feel they have to rush through their relaxation to make room for the next guests. The staff is attentive, and it’s obvious that they really love what they do.

The beds all surround an elevated, co-ed mineral pool. Clothing is mandatory, as this is a public pool, which makes it great for couples or mixed-gender friends who don’t want to be separated. Men and women also have a separate, clothing optional bath located in their locker rooms, in case they are seeking a more au natural experience. Herbal steam rooms, saunas and rain showers complete the facility.

Spa Packages/Specials

Spa Escape: Priced from $775 per night, the Spa Escape includes a one-night stay at the Montage Beverly Hills, as well as continental breakfast for two, and two 60-minute spa treatments at Spa Montage. Guests will also enjoy unlimited use of the spa facilities during their stay, as well as the state-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers and the rooftop pool, which features panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and Downtown Los Angeles.

Spa Montage Soiree: Through Dec. 31, Spa Montage is offering the Spa Montage Soiree. Small groups from 8 to 15 people can enjoy the facilities in a private spa party. For $200 per person, the program includes a glass of champagne for each guest, a choice of one hour-long treatment, lunch or afternoon tea in the private relaxation lounge, a spa hostess gift for each guest and a monogrammed Spa Montage robe for the guest of honor.