Tranquility by the Sea: The Spa Le Merigot

Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica adds a great deal to Le Merigot Spa at the 175-room European-style hotel under the Marriott banner, nine miles north of Los Angeles International airport and an easy walk from the Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade. This 6,500 square-foot spa has eight treatment rooms including a couple's suite and a nail room for manicure and pedicure treatments.

I felt a wonderful energy as I walked into this full service hotel spa, wellness and health club, Santa Monica's largest. I was greeted by friendly staff and left alone to unwind until my treatments were delivered in a relaxed setting.

The most special aspect of this spa experience was the well- trained and knowledgeable staff of 20 therapists and technicians, led by a talented and caring new spa director, Noemi Garih. The staff offered excellent advice for both troubled muscles and spinning minds. At the end of my treatments I was much more relaxed than when I walked in; I did not feel hovered over, but I did feel cared for in a special kind of way.

Garih says the objective was to create an environment for guests that promotes health and wellness through exercise, relaxation and a myriad of facials and body treatments that will continue to carry on into the future. "Many spas look for the quick in and out trends where as we focus on our guests needs, " she added. "And I see us continuing down that road in the future."

The signature Guinote Hydradermie Facial ($190) was a time warp of 80 minutes that felt like five hours of hydrating and rejuvenating luxury treatment for my face and shoulders. My face felt invigorated and hydrated and looked fresh and smooth the next day, too. The technician was knowledgeable, patient and intuitive and had a great energy.

My Cranial Sacral massage ($130) rebalanced the pulse of my body's cerebrospinal fluid, which stimulates it to heal itself. I experienced releases in both emotional and muscular tension and emerged deeply relaxed.

The spa offers an assortment of treatments including Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Swedish and Sport/Deep Tissue and Hot Stone massages, which are customized for each client. Facial services include European, Caviar & Pearl Lifting Facial, Anti-Oxidant as well as a variety of Body treatments and packages are offered. Other signature treatments include their pedicure - a luxurious marine inspired "facial for the feet" - Tri-Crystal Micro Dermabrasion Body Polish.

Since this spa has a comprehensive wellness focus, there are energy options such as reiki and cranial sacral treatments, as well as reflexology, herbal baths, couples treatments, and Manscaping (full body waxing for men).

This spa is current with the latest technology treatments and products, and is well stocked with the likes of Guniote Paris, Pevonia and Epicuren, also available for sale.

I really enjoyed the enjoyed refreshing and purifying eucalyptus stream room and the naturally sweetened green tea, which was deliciously hydrating and refreshing between my treatments. Other teas, water and fruit were available as well.

Cybex cardio and strength training equipment filled the fitness center as well as a Pilates station, with fitness classes including yoga and Pilates sessions several times a week. Personal training sessions with certified and licensed trainers are available by appointment as well as group-led beach walks, bicycle rentals and private surfing lessons. The heated pool, which is adjacent to the spa, is a nice option, and the absence of crowds and presence of low key clients make this a desirable getaway, which hasn't escaped the notice of celebrity clients.

Nonresidents can opt for a gym membership that comes with discounts on spa treatments. Another perk is three hours of free parking, a substantial bonus at the heavily populated beach of Santa Monica.

Visit www.lemerigothotel.com.
by Nicole Alexander, M.D. -- Santa Monica, California

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com