A spa day in LA can mean many things. It could be sneaking away for a few hours of pampering sans kids, but it could also be treating the little ones to their own rock star worthy beauty bash or even taking the whole gang along for a family day of lounging in gold, ice or Himalayan salt rooms. Kick the year off with some plush pampering at one of our favorite whole family or just-for-kid spas in town.
photo: Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel)
Super Heroes and Princesses Get Glam at The Beverly Wilshire
Rock stars, princesses and super heroes get the star treatment at the spa of this very chic hotel via massages, manis, pedis, super hero spray and candy-flavored lip gloss. Other treatments were inspired by the book Larry Gets Lost in Los Angeles, such as the “Larry Gets Pampered in the Spa” package, which translates to a vitamin C hand and foot exfoliation plus hand and foot massage. Most kid services include a toy to take home!
9500 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills
310-275-5200
Online: fourseasons.com
photo: Snip-Its
Throw a Beauty Bash at Snip-Its
The whimsically decorated Snip-Its is one of the local go-to places for kids’ haircuts, but they also offer spa services. Book a Mommy & Me Package for side-by-side pampering or a Signature Spa Party for just the tiny folks. For some reason, many youngsters think all spa visits involve cucumber slices on people’s eyes and here you get them, along with a mani and pedi with polish and nail decals and a facial featuring that special beautifying veggie.
Plaza El Segundo
730 S Allied Way
El Segundo
photo: GreenBliss EcoSpa
Little Ones Bliss out via GreenBliss EcoSpa
Let the magic, mobile and all-organic fairy of spa parties come to you and turn your little miss and her minions into a “Blissy Missy” courtesy of a mini-facial, mani, aromatherapy massage, sparkly hair bling and other age-appropriate pampering (5 & up). This could be a special treat for a sleepover night or for a beautylicious birthday fete. You can add on extras like Mendhi art henna tattoos, glitter tattoos or taro card readings. The spa party also includes robes, gift bags, a serene ambiance with candles and rose petals, all at the location of your choice, from backyard to club house to hotel suite.
310-859-2272
Online: greenblissecospa.com
photo: Terrin M via yelp
It’s a Family Affair at Wi Spa
Escape to the spa and bring the kids? Not having to pay for a sitter? Brilliant and possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week at this lovely Korean Spa, which features a Jimjilbang. This term refers to the heart of Korean spas, where the whole family can lounge together and enjoy mineral saunas. A favorite is the soothing and beautiful Salt Sauna with its orange-y-pink glow. Another bonus: Admission for kids ages 3-12 is just $10. Get all the details on a family day here at our insiders guide to Wi Spa-ing with kids.
2700 Wilshire Blvd.
Koreatown
Online: wispausa.com
photo: Shana L via yelp
Co-Ed with the Kids at Spa Palace
The Elvan Room sounds like fairies and elves congregate here, but in this case it refers to one of the many cool rooms at this family-friendly day spa. Like many Korean spas, this one is totally democratic and co-ed, which means you can bring the whole brood to enjoy saunas and the ice room. Open 24 hours, every day of the week, their jimjilbang or family-style common area boasts an immunity-boosting Gold Room, a Himalayan Salt Room, the healing Elvan Stone Room and other themed or sauna spaces. There’s also a kids’ play room!
620 S. Union Ave.
Downtown
213-637-0000
Online: spapalacela.com
photo: Le Chic Spa
Pretty in Pink at Le Chic Spa
Unless you have oodles of time, massages and facials are a rare treat—for Mom and her little beauties, too. At this pink palace, dainty divas can celebrate a special occasion with their besties involving glitter polish, a chocolate soufflé facial, luxe robes and karaoke, depending on the type of party you book. Options include “Rock Star Chic,” “Day Spa Diva” and “Pinkalicious.” Little dudes’s options are a bit more limited: tattoos, face paint and fauxhawks; but that seems to suffice.
19461 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana
818-654-9570
Online: lechicspaonline.com
photo: Desert Hot Springs
Road Trip: Mineral Springs for the Fam at Desert Hot Springs
Many spa hotels have a 16-and-up age policy, but this low-key getaway for Angelenos looking to soak in some hot mineral waters works for the whole family, from babies and toddlers to tweens. Some of the shallow Champagne pools are just lukewarm, perfect for little critters, while others are steaming hot and ideal for achy adult muscles. There’s a full bar and cocktails are allowed at the pool. Keep in mind: This place is super casual and far from a luxury spa retreat, but we love being able to bring the brood. Worth the drive!
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
10805 Palm Dr.
Desert Hot Springs
760-329-6000
Online: dhsspa.com
How do you spa with your petite pampered progeny? Recommend your favorites in the comments.
—Sylvie Greil
