A Juicy Treat

Walking into the Ole Henriksen from the parking lot of Sunset Plaza, one might not expect to find an Asian-inspired retreat. But the quiet, minimalist meditation room and trickling fountain immediately whisked us to an exotic land in the heart of West Hollywood.

After donning a fabulously soft oversized robe, we were lead to the wet room where we began with a light back, foot and hand massage, followed by a scalp treatment with a choice of lavender or rosemary cream. We chose the lavender and proceeded to sink into the skilled hands of our therapist, Briony, for some choice cranial reflexology.

Next came the organic brown sugar body scrub. This was an aggressive exfoliation, and while never uncomfortable, the soothing tropical rain rinse that followed was quite welcome. When the platter of freshly cut oranges came out, we must admit we felt a tinge of apprehension, fearing our newly exfoliated skin would sting from the citrus juice application, but we were pleased to find it thoroughly refreshing, cool and fragrant.

Now we were ready for the main ingredient. A combination of yogurt and African red tea leaves was generously applied over our entire body. We were then cocooned in a warm Mylar body wrap and allowed to detoxify for ten minutes, while we enjoyed yet another scalp massage.

When the treatment was over, and we were once again nestled into our plush robe, we were offered – what else? A treat of fresh oranges and African Red Tea.

Review originally published 10/19/2006.