Spa directors and practitioners from L.A.’s top hotels dole out advice on how to stay refreshed, revitalized and relaxed while stuck at home.
Carrie Sotebeer, Director of Spa at THE WEST HOLLYWOOD EDITION
Sotebeer starts every day with a glass of water, adding a teaspoon of Himalayan sea salt to a full glass of water. She does this to “balance pH levels, intake essential minerals and increase the body’s alkalinity.” Next, she takes at least ten minutes for herself “to sit in quiet meditation, focus on [her] breath, turn inward and start each day in gratitude.” After which, she will typically practice yoga. Last but not least, “before getting into the shower,” Sotebeer says, “I dry brush my body—not only is this exfoliating, but it also increases circulation and stimulates our lymphatic system.”
Amanda Raich, Spa Director at La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
“While staying home, getting Vitamin D is still really important,” says Raich. “You can add a supplement, which I have done, or add fatty fish to your diet. I’ve also added Coated Silver from Cymbiotika to help keep my immune system in top condition.” For skin, Raich recommends cleansing and moisturizing daily, as well as exfoliating twice a week. “Being indoors, our skin needs to be cared for, feel fresh and not become dull and congested,” she says. As well, staying active is a must. “I follow online workouts live on Instagram; I really like Lacey Stone (@laceystonefitness). She is now doing 30-minute live-stream workouts at 8am to get the day started off positively.”
Jeannette von Johnsbach, energy healer at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Johnsback suggests nourishing your body with plant-based whole foods full of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. “An anti-inflammatory diet calms the nervous system and supports mental clarity. An avocado, for example, has a frequency of 70 hertz – the same as our nervous system. Make sure you get enough B-vitamins, essential fatty acids (DHA), and minerals, and ensure you are not low on Vitamin D. Getting some sunshine is vital for our wellbeing. If you find yourself mostly indoors, make sure you consume greens – the chlorophyll acts like stored sunlight in the body and lifts your spirit.” She also encourages foot soaks, especially with epsom salt and lavender., which are great at clearing away stress. The energy healer suggests moving your body rhythmically through merely rocking back and forth or free —“yes, you can do this at home to your favorite music,” she adds—which allows your body to release stored stress at the cellular level. "Music like Mozart and Bach has been shown to balance the brain and increase feel-good hormones,” she explains. “Sound and music tuned to 432Hz has a profound positive influence on the mind and body.”
Patrick Huey, Corporate Director of Spa Montage Beverly Hills
For an at-home spa experience, Huey recommends these scrubs, soaks, masks and more made from household staples.
Body Scrub
This scrub should be made to the consistency that you prefer. If you want something thicker use less oil and more sugar. On average, think ½ cup equal parts sugar, coconut oil and essential oil.
Granulated sugar (can also use brown sugar)
Coconut oil
Essential oil
Foot Soak
Combine 1 cup Listerine with 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup warm water.
Soak for 30 minutes.
At-Home Foot Mask
Apple cider vinegar 3 tablespoons
Face Clay mask 3 tablespoons
Lavender essential oils
Let sit on feet for 20-30 minutes then rinse off.
Three Deep-Conditioning Hair and Scalp Treatments
Option 1:
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vinegar
1.5 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Leave on for 15 minutes then wash.
Option 2:
1 tablespoon coconut oil mixed with 1 tablespoon castor oil
Let sit for 20 minutes then wash.
Option 3:
1 egg
6 tablespoons of yogurt
Let sit 30 minutes then wash.
Photography by: iStock
