Santa Monica, CA Spa and Massage

Helmed by Southern California Super Doctor Stephen McNeese, Ultimate Body Aesthetics helps guests achieve their beauty goals with body-sculpting and skin-smoothing services. Registered nurses deftly administer facial fillers to smooth out wrinkles and laser treatments to boost collagen and zap off unwanted hair. They also use noninvasive weight-loss treatments, such as body wraps, infrared-sauna sessions, and supervised weight-loss programs, to make bodies slim enough to fit through doggy doors.

Aestheticians at The M Day Spa forsake the one-size-fits-all approach, and prefer instead to consult with each client before giving any kind of skincare service. Once they know about a client’s skin type and habits, the aestheticians can administer individualized facials, peels, and body wraps that can help to reduce acne or hyperpigmentation. The spa’s gold collagen mask combines the youth-boosting power of collagen with gold leaf, a combination that helps to accelerate cell growth and allows properly gilded individuals to hide in rappers’ teeth. The aestheticians also place special emphasis on hygienic waxing services for men and women. During each of their services, the aestheticians wield a full range of high-end products from brands such as Christina, Image Skincare, and Amarin.

After receiving her education in England and training in the salons of industry giants such as Georgette Klinger and Frederic Fekkai, Aban Patel decided it was time to create her own beauty legacy. So the Bombay native opened Abanara Skin Esthetics, where she calls upon more than two decades of experience in skincare, massage, and energy work to transform bodies inside and out. During facial treatments, she employs modern anti-aging technology—including ultrasonic waves and micro-currents that diminish fine lines—yet remains true to her holistic philosophy by handcrafting all-natural, plant-based cleansers and lotions, which she uses alongside professional products by brands such as Osmosis and Susan Ciminelli.

Patel also offers reflexology sessions designed to remedy physical ills and chakra clearing to restore energy flow to systems blocked by negative thoughts or swallowed construction horses. The tranquil spa is tucked inside a quaint cobblestone courtyard filled with natural light and potted plants, making it the perfect place for those looking to escape everyday tension or photosynthesize in private.

Just inside the entrance to Happy Hands & Hair hangs a sign that reads, "Relax–Reflect–Renew". And for nearly 50 years, the stylists have upheld this message by maintaining a spa-like studio, a place in which visitors can relax with a complimentary cup of coffee while lounging in plush, chocolate-covered chairs abutted against cool, surf-green walls. Once Happy Hands & Hair's team members feel that guests are adequately at ease, they get to work with nail and hairstyling services, from mani-pedis bolstered with Gelish soak-off gel polishes to housemade exfoliating scrubs that blend brown sugar, olive oil, microscopic loofahs, and lemon.

The stylists and aestheticians at Goddess Salon & Spa beautify their clients with glamorous services such as hair extensions, facials, and aromatherapy pedicures. Wine and champagne flow within the studio, encouraging a convivial atmosphere and keeping Bacchus from chugging the spa's Dermalogica lotions. In private treatment rooms, massage therapists soothe muscle tension and repair injured tissues.

The team at Savvy Salon The Studio aims to furnish clients with both everyday and runway-ready looks, earning the opportunity to style Elite model photo shoots as well as a visit from KCAL 9's California Adventure TV. As stylists pamper tresses with Schwarzkopf, Kérastase, and Bumble and bumble products, the salon's décor pampers the senses with richly hued wall hangings and striking black-and-white photographs. Besides hair services, specialty facials infuse mugs with a youthful glow previously attained only by participating in all-day kick-the-can competitions. Next door, Savvy's beauty studio brims with a dizzying assortment of handpicked products from renowned brands such as Bumble and bumble, L'Oréal Professionnel, Éminence Organic skincare, and bareMinerals cosmetics.