Best Massages in L.A. - Best L.A. Spas

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 23.]

Even though the beginning of spring breathes some very welcome new life to the social scene, it often piles on hefty heaps of work, too. And when your stress level reaches that straitjacket level of insanity, it's important to take a step back and remember that your health matters most.

Everybody deserves a little R&R, and what better (and faster) way than to work out those knots and shut off your mind than a massage? For your physical and mental kink relief, we've got the best rejuvenation stations in L.A. lined up right here. We encourage you to treat yourself with the gift of touch—no one will blame you for falling asleep to the sounds and smells of a great spa.

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Photo: Via Kinara

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Ona, El Leon, and Ona

Exhale Spa

We recently had a one hour Exhale Flow massage (heaven) at this nook of wellness inside the Fairmont Miramar, and were so relaxed that it was tempting to just check in to the hotel afterwards! They also have the eponymous yoga center and Fig restaurant within feet of the spa. The current trend for the regs is to take a class, get a massage, and grab a glass (or two) of wine at happy hour — the ritual's been dubbed Detox Retox. We love it!

Exhale Spa, 101 Wilshire Boulevard (At Ocean Avenue); 310-319-3193.

El Leon Spa
This Mid-City bliss factory's claim to fame is a Hawaiian Hot Stone massage, combining oh-so-well placed basalt rocks and long fluid strokes that are sure to induce a full body melt.

El Leon Spa, 8217 Beverly Boulevard (Near North La Jolla Avenue); 323-782-9582.

Ona Spa
The word Ona means “quick fix” of the back, neck, and shoulders , but this Moroccan-styled spa's tension relief can last for days. It's by and far one of the best massages in the city, and if you sign up for their emails, they always offer great last minute deals (so worth offering up your info!).

Ona Spa, 7272 Beverly Boulevard (Between Fairfax and La Brea Avenues); 323-931-4442.

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): LeSpa, Kinara, and Ciel Spa

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Kinara

When it comes to pretty much any treatment, Kinara is the cat's meow — although our favorite on their long menu of services is the Bamboo Fusion Massage, where your therapist rubs you down with smoothe bamboo tools.

Kinara Skin Care Clinic and Spa, 656 N Robertson Boulevard (Between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue); 310-657-9188.

LeSpa
Five thousand square feet of ahh-inducing oasis, this Beverly Hills palace boasts a coed sauna, chromacolor bathtubs for LED light therapy, and sensationally serene environs.
LeSpa by Sofitel, 8555 Beverly Boulevard (On the corner of La Cienega); 310-228-6777.

Ciel Spa We're beyond lucky in L.A. to have so many posh hotels with the world's most premiere relaxation techniques awaiting inside — and really, in L.A., we think it's all about the hotels. Case in point is state-of-the-art Ciel Spa, where every treatment begins with a signature foot bath ritual in the privacy of your own room, and they have an Acoustic Sound Resonance therapy table, which resonates tunes throughout your whole body (they're even okay if you want to bring your own iPod!). Ciel Spa at SLS, 465 South La Cienega Boulevard (Near South San Vicente Boulevard); 310-246-5560.

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Le Petite Retreat, Voda Spa, and The Beverly Wilshire

Le Petite Retreat
This Larchmont spa is known for their Jade Stone Massage, where Swedish strokes meet Shiatsu and Thai, and acupressure and reflexology are also thrown in for good measure.

Le Petite Retreat Day Spa, 331 North Larchmont Boulevard (Near Beverly Boulevard); 323-466-1028.

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Voda Spa
Of all the bliss factories on this list, Voda boasts the best environs. We've spent entire days in their pool area (with an amazing jacuzzi and cold pluge pool) holed up with our magazines! The treatments are top of the line, but entering the space is like checking in for a day-long staycation. Did we mention there's a cocktail lounge, too?
Voda Spa, 7770 Santa Monica Boulevard (On the corner of North Stanley Avenue); 323-654-4411.

Spa at the Beverly Wilshire
Don't judge, but our weekly Friday night ritual for a solid year was to grab an order of fries and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc at the base of the hotel, then travel up to the spa for a night of bliss all to ourselves! No matter what treatment you have done, the key to this respite is the steam room. With its constellation of LED stars at the top, something about laying there for 20 just coats a yummy icing on the whole experience.
Spa at Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons, 9500 Wilshire Boulevard (Near North Beverly Drive); 310-275-5200.

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Voda Spa, Carasoin, and Kinara

Carasoin
Right near some of our favorite shopping stops on Robertson, Carasoin is tucked away from the buzz of the paparazzi-laden street. Its been rumored that some of the town's top A-listers get their relaxation on here, and we wouldn't be shocked to find out its true as we've never had a therapist that didn't leave us absolutely euphoric.

Carosoin Day Spa & Skin Clinic 120 North Robertson Boulevard (Near Beverly Boulevard); 310-855-0105. 

Healing Hands
This bare bones and super cheap spot ($55 per hour) is where we head when there's no time, and our back is burning with knots. They just get straight down to business.

Healing Hands Wellness Center, 303 South Crescent Heights Boulevard (At West Third Street); 323-782-3900.

Pho Siam
Okay, we'll be the first ones to admit that this spot isn't for everyone, but Pho Siam offers an authentic Thai massage unlike any other in town. You're placed right next to other patrons in mini rooms separated only by curtains, so the privacy thing is a little off, but as your therapist moves you through the series of yoga-like poses, you'll leave feeling like a new woman!
Pho-Siam Thai Spa, 1525 Pizarro Street (At West Court Street); 213-484-8484. 

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