A Harbor Heaven
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
by Jeff Hoyt
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A view of the ocean from the pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey |
Like an ultra-private club, there’s no sign that marks the Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, located by the luxury hotel’s outdoor pool nestled against the harbor. Built in 2007, the $4 million waterfront Spa provides a tony spot to work out, relax and beautify in a prime location.
With the former The Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena transformed into the Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, and a new downtown Los Angeles location not slated to open until 2009, this fourteen-story, recently renovated landmark is the only The Ritz-Carlton in the county. Hotel spas have an advantage over others in that visitors can enjoy amenities usually reserved for guests, so it is worth setting aside a good chunk of time before and/or after the spa appointment to enjoy the prime outdoor as well as indoor facilities.
Poolside, the view of birds circling over boats moored in the glistening water is peaceful, tempered somewhat by traffic noise from busy Admiralty Way. We enjoy soaking in the large hot tub, which, like the pool, utilizes an environmentally-friendly saline purification system using only pure, natural salt from the ocean. Unlike pools on cruise ships that are filled with ocean water, bathers can’t feel the difference.
Four days a week, staff members lead walks around the popular tourist area free of charge. The marina view can also be enjoyed while working out on the treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bikes, free weights, universal, and other equipment in the fitness center. If they prefer The Outdoor Channel to the outdoors, guests can watch television, both on individual equipment or on flat-screens. Pilates mat, yoga and other classes are also offered for a $15 fee.
With a safe inside each electronically-secured locker, and wooden doors with locks on each of the large shower suites, the plush changing rooms emphasize security. There’s a private drying room adjacent to each of the men’s showers, which are equipped with three panels of horizontal heads, a large round head on the ceiling and a handheld water source. Shaving cream is provided, but no mirrors or razors, although both are available at the common sinks.
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One of the spa's salons |
A treatment room massage table |
After a relaxing visit to the steam room, (the ladies have one as well), it’s time for our warm stone massage. The first question our therapist asked upon arrival in the treatment room was one we never heard before: “How are the music and lighting?” In each of the eight treatment rooms, three different choices of music are offered, while the lighting and the height of the electric table can be adjusted to suit the customer’s wants and the therapist’s needs. Treatments are also available in a poolside private cabana, but the sound and vision are less controllable.
This warm stone massage technique, reportedly taught to The Ritz staff by descendants of Hawaiian priests, involves a lot of hand to body contact, including the therapist touching our left wrist and right ankle at the same time. We can’t say whether our chakras were realigned, but we know involuntary moans of pleasure escaped us as stones were placed on various body parts, and even between our toes.
The well-stocked co-ed waiting room offers magazines, lemon-infused water, a variety of hot tea, healthy snacks, and a flat-screen television displaying relaxing scenes of nature. The two salons for manicures and pedicures are co-ed as well, and everyone can take advantage of the signature product lines from Prada Beauty, Murad and Payot. Also of note are the Mama Mio skin and body treatments available for pregnant women and new moms who deserve a spa day at The Ritz more than anyone.
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
4375 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-574-4296
www.ritzcarlton.com
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