Find Your Footing in Manhattan Beach

Escape is a cozy spa facility nestled on a quaint walk street in Manhattan Beach about three blocks from the ocean. We were greeted warmly and shown past a Zen fountain and artfully strewn rose petals to the locker room, where we changed into a plush robe and slippers.

The spa's popular Egyptian Foot Awakening is designed to rejuvenate the entire body through the feet, and is normally performed out on the patio in front of the spa, perfect if you enjoy people-watching and taking in the picturesque ocean view. (A note to the shy: If you mind people walking by while you lounge in a robe and have your feet rubbed, they will gladly perform the treatment indoors.) While we experienced the Foot Awakening solo, Escape can also perform the treatment for up to four people at a time out on the patio, making it perfect for groups. There's even a wine store across the street where clients can purchase a bottle to enjoy as they're being pampered.

Our therapist Leah led us to a comfortable lounge chair and poured hot water into a metal tub containing hot stones, essential oils, dried lavender, chamomile and rose petals, a fragrant brew that detoxifies and prepares the feet for exfoliation. She offered a warm neck pillow, tea, magazines and headphones to drown out the street sounds. We soaked for about ten minutes, and then were treated to a citrus sugar scrub to invigorate the feet and slough off dead skin. After the scrub came a delicious thirty-minute reflexology massage. Last, she spritzed our feet with sweet-smelling rose water. Our only complaint was having to walk to the car on our newly revived, soft-as-silk tootsies.

Review originally published 10/20/2005.