Burke Williams beyond the spa

1358 4^th Street Santa Monica (310) 587-3366 www.burkewilliamsspa.com

 

Already an institution amongst the spa aficionados of the city, this legendary spa has developed a loyal following over the years.  At one of their newer locations in Santa Monica, one can easily see from the moment they check in, that the facility is operating at full capacity, a situation under which providing a calming atmosphere can becoming challenging at times.  But at Burke Williams they accomplish this nicely and with grace, having found amiable balance.

 

The Hunter's Retreat is perhaps one of the lesser-known therapies at this spa offering an impressive array of treatments, and one of the more nurturing ones.  It's a return to baby-soft and takes place in their wet room where you lie over a warm toweled bed and under a team of showerheads emulating rain.  The room, bathed in a rosy glow, is a warm and comforting womb with touches of foliage to impart the feel of a tropical rain forest.  First the massage therapist scrubs your body down with a fragrance-free sugar scrub.  Then comes a luxurious lavender-vanilla body wash and a bushel of wheat stock is used to massage and further exfoliate.  Finally the treatment is sealed with a light moisturizing oil kneaded into your skin.  Say goodbye to old skin and stress.

 

If you are lucky enough to get Rain to be your facialist, you will experience one of the best facials to date.  The Spa Style facial incorporates a neck, shoulder and foot message, paraffin hand dip and extractions.  While the procedure in such facials vary little from spa to spa, it's the technique that makes all the difference and imparts that elusive glow. 

 

At Burke Williams they have this down pat.

 

-GD