Have you found the mythical realm of Xanadu or are you steps away from the hubbub of West Hollywood? Well, a little bit of both, if you’re at the Kara spa, located in the Park Hyatt Los Angeles. This Asian-influenced oasis promises the ultimate in privacy and pampering, and it has a full roster of treatments to back up its claim. Once you’ve set foot inside its doors, you’ll be glad you saved your frequent flyer miles and ditched the Dramamine. Your getaway is here.
With only four private treatment rooms, the Kara spa will never make you feel like a number. Instead, you’ll be treated to meticulous customization. It all starts with the spa concierge, who, over Kara’s signature tea, helpfully suggests spa services based on your needs, whether you’re looking to achieve Balance, Energy, Purity, or Tranquility. Guests are encouraged to book by the time it takes to complete their goal, rather than by service, but for those who prefer a la carte options, Kara offers an all-encompassing range of facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, and other body and beauty treatments. You can also take your pick of the spa’s Escapes and Journeys packages, which cover teens, mothers-to-be, brides, grooms, and everyone in between.
Each Kara session starts with a relaxing Polynesian foot massage and cleansing, and from there, you move to your own private villa, where the luxury really kicks in. Every cabana features a tranquility garden and a patio, and you’ll find top-of-the-line appointments, such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a flat-screen television, and a Kohler infinity tub complete with cutting-edge chromatherapy features. While you’re soaking your worries away, Kara can bring a bento box meal of your choosing to your cozy corner. You won’t want to leave!
The infinity tub isn’t the only overflowing element at Kara–so is your choice of massages. Kara offers no less than ten different prescriptions for your aching body, including traditional Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone treatments, while couples or friends can enjoy a joint session in a specially appointed villa. But for the ultimate in physical and spiritual renewal, Kara provides four versions of its signature Aromasoul massages. Whether you choose the Arabian, Indian, Mediterranean, or Oriental variants, you’ll be too calm and balanced by the end of this journey to be shocked by the massages’ restorative powers.
There’s more than one way to relax in this town. If there’s anything better than imbibing a sparkling cocktail, it’s showing off your newly polished hand while you’re at it. You can do both at Kara’s Manicures & Martinis, Pinots & Pedicures, offered on Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm. Luxury and libations in one place–a heavenly combination. At the other end of the spectrum, spa patrons can request a group or one-on-one yoga session. Like all of Kara’s treatments, the session is dictated by your needs and goals.
For all of Kara’s exotic attractions, it steadfastly maintains its LA roots and caters to the demands of this star-driven town. Kara has treated celebrity guests such as Usher and Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia), but anyone can feel like a VIP with the spa’s Red Carpet Radiance Treatment, which combines liquid Botox and crushed pearl powder. The result? Only your delicious complexion and seductive glow, all without a face-lift.
Kara hasn’t forgotten today’s movers and shakers and the scourge known as BlackBerry thumb growing within their ranks. Kara counters this malady with the BlackBerry Balm Hand Massage, applying the principles of acupressure to alleviate the stress and tension that come from obsessive use of the ubiquitous cell phone/text messaging/email device.
Men are just as welcome at Kara, whether as a groom-to-be, part of a couple, or on their own. Kara’s Man Space product line was created especially for men to protect against dryness and stress.
For the ultimate Zen-influenced sanctuary this side of Kyoto, leave the passport at home. The Kara spa at the Park Hyatt Los Angeles will transport and transform you, without you leaving your area code.
Kara Spa at the Park Hyatt Los Angeles
2151 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, California 90067
(310) 277-1234
www.parklosangeles.hyatt.com
