City Spa & Health Ctr

Randi Schmelzer

Citysearch

The Scene
Modeled after NYC's legendary Lower Eastside shvitzes (bath houses), the main spa plaza is a cross between an Eastern European men's club and a 1970's YMCA. Heavy with chlorine, eucalyptus- and sweat-scented steam, men wrapped in thin towels lounge around chatting, mostly about the heat. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, women are invited to join in--but this is no Burke Williams: Guys will ogle, and a sign on the spa door deftly sums up the atmosphere: "No spitting."

The Services
The multi-tiered Russian rock sauna (said to be a SoCal rarity) is a big draw: Patrons easily sweat out toxins, thanks to its 200-degree temperature. Six clean but no-frills private rooms are available for a variety of body treatments; hulking massage therapists specialize in their own combinations of deep tissue, Swedish, reflexology and whatever other styles come to mind. The result? An almost feral experience, complemented not by scented candles and mood music, but spine-cracking and more sweat. Soothe muscles and release toxins with an invigorating Plaitza massage. A therapist rubs you down with eucalyptus and oak branches soaked in hot water, a traditional Russian spa treatment.

The Details
Swimming pool (indoor), whirlpool, cold plunge, steam room, saunas, quiet rooms, exercise equipment, tanning bed, sun deck, cafe. Massage, body treatments, wet treatments, facials, manicures, barber services.