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Finding your own ‘Kinara’

656 N. Robertson, West Hollywood (800) 370-8268 www.kinaraspa.com

“Kinara” in Hindi means “on the edge” and star facialist Olga Lorencin and restaurateur Christine Splichal have aptly christened their swank sanctuary. 

Inspired by Eastern Indian, Balinese and French aesthetics, Kinara boasts state-of-the-art equipment, spacious treatment rooms blessed by natural sunlight, and sumptuous and nutrition-conscious meals.  Needless to say, you can effortlessly spend a whole day here just getting pampered, savoring “Zone” qualified meals by the Splichals (Patina Group) and shopping for sensual silk kurtas and an array of skin products at the Kinara Cadeaux.

Taking advantage of their culinary expertise and reputation, the Splichals have created an impressive seasonal menu for the Kinara Café, using mostly certified organic ingredients and prepared upon ordering.  Whether it’s a serving of wild salmon with a glass of freshly squeezed juice, free-range turkey burger on whole wheat bun with greens and baked fries, or grilled chicken breast, the menu has taken into consideration important nutritional information and tries to include ingredients that are beneficial to the skin.  Cooked in an open kitchen, the meals can be savored either indoors or next to a bubbling fountain out on the patio outside.

Lorencin, who has amassed a loyal following over the past 15 years, developed the Kinara skincare with every imaginable type of skin in mind.  “I feel the products available today do not completely address the problems I see with my client’s skin.  With my own day spa to operate from, I knew it was the ideal opportunity to develop and introduce my own line of products.”  Having worked with doctors and specialists like Dr. Uzzi Reiss, who is certified by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Lorencin was able to incorporate her invaluable findings in the creation of the small line.   Included is a little bottle worth its weight in gold.  The Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum is not only helpful in unclogging and refining pores but also in reducing fine lines and rejuvenating aging skin.

The Kinara facial experience is remarkable – at least if you are lucky enough to get Olga.  It is always customized to your skin and many of the masks and products are mixed on-the-spot after the initial skin analysis.  In this case, the custom herbal steam pack used lavender and was followed by a much required deep cleansing and manual extraction.   The anti-aging exfoliation used a blend of lactic acid, mallic acid, cinnamon and clove.  This was followed by a relaxing neck and shoulder massage using apricot and rosemary oils, kneading out all the tension and stress.  For muscle firming, Olga employed the help of a Novasonic muscle stimulator, a completely addictive vibrating wand exemplifying just how balanced and technologically advanced the treatments are.  The custom blended mask of slippery elm bark, honey and green apple extract was as nurturing to the skin as it was a blessing of aromatherapy. 

At the end of many facials, one is left with a film of oil but not here.  At Kinara, there are no telltale marks, no greasiness.  Just a rosy glow.  No wonder Halle Berry loves it here.

-GD