Tomoko Spa
Tomoko Spa
Perfectly spherical ice cubes
Dotted with lemon zest
Clinking
In a palm sized glass.
This was my first impression of Tomoko Spa.
Detail, precision, luxury.
I slid my feet into modernized Japanese Geta (sandals) and as my shoes were whisked away, I realized I had entered a retreat beyond the borders of geography.
Tomoko Kurono’s hideaway spa in Beverly Hills is the most exquisite spa experience I’ve ever had.
I’ve been to luxury spas throughout California, Las Vegas and Europe but what makes Tomoko singularly unusual is its intimacy.
With only 4 treatment rooms (2 singles, 2 couples), the focus on the customer is front and center.
I got the 75 min Tomoko Massage which begins with a foot bath and foot massage.
Your private sanctuary has a massage table, rain shower and lounge chair.
May, my Thai therapist, was full of positive energy and had very precise fingers.
She served me ginger tea while finding all the tight points in my yogi feet.
***
Removing my kimono, I slid onto the heated massage table, and pressed a button to indicate I was ready.
I don’t remember what happened next because May’s healing energy was gentle, vigorous, and transportive – exactly what I’d asked for.
She used a combination of Swedish, Thai and Deep Tissue body work that incorporated hot stones, hot towels and organic massage oil.
One thing I really loved, which I’ve never experienced before, is that with the hot towels she re-drapes the body, then slides the hot towel out from under the drape, then lightly presses the drape over the body part.
This sequence sounds subtle but makes a huge difference. The skin doesn’t experience temporary coolness from evaporation and is therefore infinitely more relaxing.
***
When the massage was over I entered the private shower. I love that there is a detailed diagram (laminated too!) for how to operate the rain shower!
My OCD mind can only imagine how many clueless customers have broken those and the monthly cost to maintain stripped plumbing fixtures.
Once returning to the main room, I was served a second assortment of refreshments – coconut jelly on a stainless steel skewer, mint water, warm green tea, green tea mochi, and a chocolate graham cracker.
Because you’re so blissed out, the variety of textures and temperatures of these tiny things becomes a sensory experience.
Tomoko has spared no detail in her namesake spa. It’s the ultimate in luxury, attention to detail, and hospitality.
I can’t wait to return and try out the Couples Room.
Tomoko Spa
141 S. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 205-7300
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