Retreat from the City

Intelligent...discerning...sophisticated...beautiful. These words went though our head during our visit to Skin Haven, one of the loveliest spas in Los Angeles. Owner Sharon Ronen, a sought-after aesthetician, has created a true respite, thanks to her superb taste and ability to assemble the best therapists in town.

We were impressed with the serene hush that surrounded us upon entering this oasis, located on the busy corner of Crescent Heights and Beverly. Asian antiques lend an exotic air to the intimate reception area; an airy waiting room – which felt more like a well appointed Balinese living room than your typical spa - was stocked with healthy snacks, teas and fruit-infused water.

Our therapist, Bianca, led us into a cozy treatment room, where we prepared to de-stress and de-tox with the Siddha body treatment, a three-part treatment which uses Indian herbs and various techniques to stimulate the lymph, increase circulation, and release toxins. We were first lightly dry-brushed from head to toe, an exfoliating and relaxing process that set the tone for the entire 75-minute experience. Bianca then took muslin pouches filled with a combination of Ayurvedic herbs and soaked in oil. She used the bundles to gently stroke the skin, stimulating the lymphatic system. We were then wrapped in a thermal blanket, to allow the herbs to be absorbed into the skin and the toxins to be sweated out.

While we "cooked" in the wrap, Bianca, an acupressure and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, performed the most remarkable, perceptive head and scalp massage we have ever received. The mind quieted, the muscles released. Bliss.

Our treatment ended with a gentle full body massage that continued to move the lymph through the body and toxins out of the pores. Bianca sent us home with a caveat: no alcohol, drink lots of water, be gentle. We nodded and floated away.

Review originally published 10/16/2008.