THE ROSE REVIEW: Health and Beauty

Grand Opening Party Benefits “Friends and Helpers” Organization

by Don Rose

(Feb. 25: Studio City, CA) As studios in the city were in the middle of pre Oscar madness, something special was going on in the middle of Studio City: the lovely LushSpa celebrated its Grand Opening, which doubled as a benefit for Melissa Beyeler’s (wife of KROQ DJ Kevin, of Kevin & Bean) organization “Friends & Helpers” (a grass-roots charity that cares for the physical and emotional needs of people whose families have been torn apart by violence). Tonight's revelers got to experience this new day spa and medical spa under one roof. Whether you want to get waxed, manicured, massaged, botoxed, or lasered, LushSpa has it all.

Located in an elegant house on Laurel Canyon, LushSpa’s warm, homey environment is comfortable for anyone looking to kick back, relax and get beautiful, and that's just what was happening at this kickoff party. People were chatting, networking, touring the house, buying lotions and potions, and trying services as they mingled with Adam Carolla (The Man Show; Loveline on KROQ) and the beautiful brains behind LushSpa: partners Gina Kimmel, Lynette Carolla and Kim Sudhalter. (Gina and Lynette are the wives of comedianhosts Jimmy Kimmel and Carolla, while the multitalented Kim is the driving force behind Urban Legend PR). LushSpa is billed as Los Angeles’ first fun spa, and I could see why: not only were guests getting treatments such as massage and manicure (proceeds tonight going to “Friends & Helpers”), but there was free flowing wine, beer, mixed drinks... delectable treats such as quesadillas, hummus, and veggies... drinks... spirited conversation... and drinks.

I guess by now you can see one of the big selling points here: come here when you feel like a libation, not a library. Get a treatment AND some treats. Get down after your rubdown! The idea, I am told, came after the three gal-getters, all spa devotees, grew tired of complaining to each other, “wouldn’t it be nice if we could hang out and have a glass of wine after a massage... why do I have to go to five different places to get everything done… why do I have to listen to that flute music all the time… what’s wrong with Beastie Boys in a beauty bar?” This new spa is the answer.

But LushSpa is not JUST about fun, of course; they feature a full team of licensed and certified estheticians, masseuses and manicurists. Valley vets and Hollywood hotties alike can partake of facials, massages, hand, nail and waxing treatments… all named after delicious cocktails (which, did I mention, were flowing freely, and free, this opening night? Oh yeah, I did.) Dr. Bruce Heischober (Dr. Bruce from KROQ’s Loveline) provides the latest in IPL (intense pulsed light) and laser treatments including mesotherapy (the mini-facelift), thermage (for cellulite), Foto Facials, tattoo removal, spider vein and acne treatments. LushSpa also carries top skin care products from Skin Medica, Sothys, Epicuren, mineral-based makeup from Jane Airedale, fashionable accessories and exclusive wardrobe items purchased in London and Paris by a TV wardrobe consultant. Each massage and facial room is equipped with its own CD player so guests can bring their own music, if they so choose -- another nice touch.

Speaking of touch, LushSpa offers something for everyone including such treatments as:

Men- The “Scotch and Soda” facial for men, or back waxing;
Women – The “Cosmopolitan” -- a deep steam cleansing facial followed by makeup application for a night out, or the “Alabama Slammer” deep tissue massage ;
Teens – The “Shirley Temple” papaya and pineapple extract facial for clear skin ;
Couples – The ”Cosmo Couples” where you can choose from any of our massage therapies and share the experience, side by side, in our couple’s private suite;
Those Who Drink Too Much – The Hangover Remedy (Sat/ Sun mornings only), cooling face mask and a soothing head and neck massage.

LushSpa was easy to find; as I ventured north of Ventura I saw the multilevel white mansion on my left and thought, "This must be It!". Enter, and the atmosphere is comfortable, cozy and inviting... almost like visiting a family's home -- a departure from some spas that can at times make one feel, well, a bit like a number. Like all the best LA hotspots, LushSpa has no sign out front, so now that you're in the know with new knowledge, let's review: big WHITE house on the WEST of the street a WEE bit north of Ventura. And if some other spa still has you feeling like a number, ok, here's one: 4251... Laurel Canyon... Studio City, CA... and here's another: 91604.

So remember: LushSpa is now open for your pampering pleasure, and stays open late by request, for those looking to make a night out of relaxing with their friends. The entire facility is also available for special events -- Bachelorette Parties, Wrap Parties, Wedding Day events, and more -- a brilliant idea, I believe, because other than Jerry's Deli and the bowling place on Ventura there really aren't that many great spaces to do such shindigs in Studio City... and certainly none that can turn a special event into a House Party. LushSpa really does look and feel like a home away from home.

If you ever wished there was one comfortable, affordable, fun place you could go to tend to ALL your beauty and skin needs, and have fun doing it, you now have your answer. I'll drink to that.

Hours are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m, closed on Mondays. LushSpa is by appointment only and late appointments will be taken on request. The entire facility is available for special events, i.e. bridal showers, wrap parties, bachelorette parties, etc. For general information call LushSpa at 818.506.7848 (web site still under construction); for press inquiries, please call Kim Sudhalter, 323.466.1268.