LOS ANGELES          LONDON

Travel & Entertainment

Calendar

Food & Drink

Spas

Beauty & Style

Medi-Spas     

16260 Ventura Blvd., Penthouse (Suite 830) Encino (818) 906-5333

In her world, owner Rashel Pouri rubs shoulders with the likes of Hillary Clinton, Felicity Huffman,
Vivica Fox and Anne Heche. Photos of the social whirl proudly line the walls of her penthouse spa in Encino where dark moody walls, sitar music and water fountains put you at immediate ease. To some, the iconic faces may feel incongruous to the ‘new age’ ambiance but here they work, as if letting you know that their secrets will be soon be yours.

After being given some green tea and changing into an incredibly plush robe and sandals, you are whisked away into one of the four treatment rooms, the sound of water and music following wherever you go.  While this is a medical spa of sorts (it shares the floor with a surgical centre where treatments like breast augmentation and liposuction are available), enough care has been taken not to make it feel too sterile or clinical. High tech equipment stands at ease and side-by-side meditating Buddhas and fruit platters.

The Gentleman’s Facial is combined with an organic enzyme peel (particularly beneficial to sensitive skin types) and their popular Oxygen therapy.  Mayra ministers the facial with excellent technique and starts the ritual with a multi-vitamin hand treatment with warm mittens.  After the initial facial cleansing and steaming, a delicious pineapple enzyme scrub starts the exfoliation process and is followed with virtually painless extractions.  A back and shoulder massage helps you float further away from your stress.  Finally, a wand emitting a cool serum and oxygen mist is run over the visage and the effects are immediate in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.  The oxygen acts a carrier for the precious vitamins and antioxidants that penetrate the cellular level so that healing is enhanced.  This is especially beneficial to smokers and those who have seen extensive sun exposure.

Needless to say, the oxygen therapy is particularly popular with the instant-gratification types who want a quick lift before a special night out.  Just don’t wait until the last moment to make a reservation!