If it isn?t a gridlocked freeway, or an ungodly line at the drug store, it?s a surly Hollywood bouncer or a battle for a cab in South Bay. Whether at work or play, the people of Los Angeles are faced with fast-paced challenges every day. It is no wonder that so many seek refuge in brief moments of self-pampering. ?I?ll go without food before I go without a pedicure,? a friend of mine said when I first moved here. And after four years of living here, I see why.???? ?
But when the toils of the metropolis build, it might call for a trip to the Valle del Sierra Oriental where the intimate Verana Hotel offers a holistic spa, with a perfect balance of tropical sanctity, and proximity to urban luxuries. Only a three-hour plane ride from L.A., Verana is the perfect weekend getaway for busy Los Angeles natives. Owners Heinz Legler and Veronique Lievre have created an oasis of earthy simplicity with a commitment to detail and service. The spa spills throughout a jungle-like indoor/outdoor setting, characterized by lush landscaping and a number of private nooks and crannies. ?
Not only does Verana?s commitment to privacy conflate with natural elements, but their product line does as well. All product ingredients at Verana are comprised of indigenous ingredients, either grown on the property, or collected from neighboring jungles. Volcanic stone, coffee, coconut, banana, avocado and lemongrass are all implemented into Verana?s treatments, from facials to body washes and scrubs. Such a reverence to nature is unprecedented in conventional spas, especially those that uphold the luxurious standards of modern urban establishments.
Each Verana treatment begins with a soothing footbath ritual during which guests are invited to sip a custom blend of herbal tea to further enhance their relaxation. From there, spa-goers can choose from facials, scrubs, body washes, massages, yoga and a number of innovative treatment packages. Guests can also opt to take advantage of a Spa at Verana exclusive: the Watsu massage, an experience similar to receiving a Zen Shiatsu in a ?warm water womb?.
Read about more of their luxurious treatments below:
Facials and Scrubs: All treatment facials include a deep cleanse, exfoliation, masque, emolliating hand and foot massage. All scrubs are followed by an effleurage massage to maximize relaxation.
Honey & Citrus Facial: combines pure honey with citrus juice and a cucumber recovery to tighten and replenish.
Body Washes, Massages and Baths: Body washes and massages begin with a soothing scalp and foot massage.
Yoga: Protruding from the hillside near the pool, the private yoga deck seems to float mid-air while accomplished instructors guide guests through a series of morning, afternoon and private poses for those seeking clarity and emotional harmony.
The Romance package: facilitates unencumbered languishing in the complete privacy of a striking candlelit, aromatherapy bath while stargazing amid the aromas of plumeria and lemongrass. Unlimited dips in the Watsu pool offer the finishing touches to restoring romance in this epic setting.
And for those with a penchant for celebrating, the Verana Spa will soon offer its one-of-a-kind Tequila De-tox Package – the ultimate anecdote for the quintessentially Mexican tequila hangover.
For those who wish to take a bit of the jungle back to L.A., Verana is in the process of creating a line of take-home beauty products, which will be available for purchase online.? This way, our fast-paced lifestyles can be offset with Verana?s best, from Ginger Salt Glow Scrub, Cranberry Lip Kiss, Moisturizing Face Gel, French Green Clay Mask and Peppermint Body Balm.? So even if you can?t skip town, you can always summon a little bit of Mexico to come calm your busy day.
Visit www.verana.com
Photos by Jae Feinberg
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