While I was unpacking my stuff from our vacation, I came across a very odd shaped rock.  It was a rock given to us by Chris, the owner of rA Organic Spa in Burbank, California.  He told us it was was for good energy – and all I can say is that the whole spa radiates with positive vibes.

When traveling to a new city, the first thing I do is book spa treatments (I promise you I’m not as high maintenance as I sound…its research!).  I was especially looking forward to doing this in L.A because, as a Canadian, I view L.A in the far off way most tourists do: through the lens of Fresh Prince of Bel lair reruns (maybe its only me).  But to my dismay most of the spas I called gave booking service that I would consider sous par.  So much for my idea of high society pampering?  rA Organic spa was a pleasant exception.  Not only did they receive my multiple calls and answer all of my nick-picky treatment questions, but also gave me time estimates and directions from Santa Barbara in which we were driving to L.A from (this included time estimates during rush hour and not).

What struck me when we settled into the spa is how it reminded me of Pure + Simple.  Not in interior, but in its overall feeling.  Modest, natural and well..Pure and Simple.  The spa does not have extravagant fountains or luxurious change rooms, but they make up for it with attentive customer service (a staff member greeted us with ice cube drenched cold towels when we left the dry sauna!) and comfort.  I’m serious on the point about comfort.  The relaxation room had lazy boy arm chairs – and while it seems odd, you get pretty cozy to the idea when you’re sitting pretty with your feet up and a cup of tea.

Now, we booked a massage and milk bath for two – and while I am not really one for soaking in baths laden with fresh flower petals (makes me feel like an intruder in someone else’s life of luxury), I must say the massages were fantastic.  And I am picky.  Super picky.  No, uber picky.  But my practitioner had me taking mental notes on moves I want to use on my own clients.

It was funny because when she introduced herself to me she shook my hand gently.  When both of our prospective massage therapists left the room for us to undress – I whispered to Ben “That little girl isn’t gonna be able to give me the pressure I need”.  I was wrong.  She did  a bit of Thai massage getting right up on the bed with me to put pressure on my back, she stretched me using a wet towel she used to cleanse my face as a rope, and she threw in a few hot stones (my fav).  What I also appreciated from the point of view of a spa owner (and therefore service analyst) – is that she did these little extras for me.  I know they were extras because Ben did not get these things (though still raved about his treatment) – what this indicates to me is that she cares.  And this is a quality that I look for when hiring estheticians at Pure + Simple – someone who wants to go the extra mile to make you look and feel great, that takes pride in getting you to relax and rejuvenate.  Its not something you can teach – and is the most important attribute (being maternal?).   Because this doesn’t just make you receive a better treatment but also effects you through a transfer of energy.  If you ever don’t feel like this is how your esthetician services you – feel free to contact me personally.

The whole experience ended off with Chris offering to recommend us some great restos in the area – but we were to comatose to listen.  It may seem odd that I am recommending a spa that isn’t my own, but being as scrutinizing as I am about spa experiences as we are at Pure + Simple (I take the managers to other spas bi-annually and make them reflect on the pros and cons of their service), I say credit given where credit is due.  If you are going to be in the L.A Area (Burbank was about 20mins from West Hollywood where we stayed- not during rush hour), I say stop in at rA Organic Spa.  Its was the perfect way to loosen up after spending so many days on the road.

Tags: Organic Spa, rA Organic Spa