Kara  

privacy, pampering, peace...

Park Hyatt Los Angeles 2151 Ave of the Stars, Los Angeles (310)552-0425

 

From the moment you walk through its red-tiled entrance and check into this secluded haven in the newly-renovated Park Hyatt in glitzy Century City, you realize that you are truly in store for something special.  In the minimalist-designed waiting area of this unique spa named after the Greek word for purity, you are immediately greeted with a signature Kara tea as the Bang & Olufsen sleekly perched on its sage wall floats hand-picked music.

 

Though the avenue is already crowded with spas just a few doors down, the Kara experience sets it well apart from its predecessors. At this concept spa, one isn't relegated to a treatment room.  You check into one of three spacious, individually appointed state-of-the-art villas, replete with their own meditative gardens, private bathroom, relaxation lounge and vanity station for complete privacy and peace.  Understandably this has become the perfect retreat for celebs like Usher, Chris Rock and Mr. Bond himself - Sean Connery. 

 

In the comfort of your private garden, you are welcomed with a sensual foot cleansing ritual.  Red glass gourds of tepid water are poured over your feet as they rest in a pebbled basin and then massaged with floral-infused soaks and balms.  The gesture is just right.  At Kara they realize that no matter what treatment you have come here for, pampering must start with that most overlooked of body parts which bears the brunt of all your exhaustive activity - your feet.

 

One of their signature treatments, the Action Sublime Facial is a 1 ½ hour indulgence that combines a facial with an upper body massage.  After cleansing, the skin is exfoliated and aesthetician Ann Walsh performs extractions with such superior technique that nary a tear rolls out of your eye.  Be assured that there won't even be any telltale marks so you can go that dinner date right after your treatment and look your best.  A Ceramides mask imparts the skin with firming and plumping properties. While it works its rejuvenating magic, an upper body massage and gentle stretching help to release tension and enable greater relaxation.  Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Walsh blesses your visage with a lightly fragrant, heavenly facial serum and complements this with a neck and scalp massage. The treatments use Comfort Zone skincare products imported from Palermo, Italy and are available exclusively at Kara.

 

You are then left alone to drift, luxuriate, watch TV (but why would you want to?) in the personal alcove or - and we strongly recommend this - slip into the infinity sink, equipped with chromatherapy so that pure hues of color are emitted into the water for a healing effect.  Just think of yourself soaking in the tub, the water emanating from the ceiling in a single solid stream and pouring into the very center so that it feels like its coming from some celestial source.

 

Only problem is that by the time you're done and it's time to go, you're not entirely sure you want to.  One can't help but wonder how to extend their stay and if, somehow, the brief accommodation at the treatment villa can't be converted into an overnight stay.

 

-GD