Eric Buterbaugh Floral-Inspired Treatments Bloom at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Because I’m spa obsessed, it’s no wonder I’ve taken to gifting wellness products and treatments to my family and friends. Case in point: My sister just celebrated a birthday and what did I buy her? A relaxing massage at SpaQ at QT Hotel Sydney.
Doesn’t the current climate, filled with anxiety and uncertainty and fear of the future, call for some pampering? It feels right to treat mom to something spa-worthy and fabulous. In that spirit, this list of ideas should inspire those yet to buy mom a gift!
ALL ABOUT “ME” AT THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA
Of all the spas in Los Angeles, the Ritz-Carlton Spa at L.A. Live is a favorite. Even though the bustling hotel is located in the middle of the hubbub, its level-two sanctuary feels a world away. A white-and-gold cocoon, ethereal, and lavish, the space makes you feel at once loved, pampered, and comfortable.
For mom, I’d recommend a limited service—ends May 30— created by florist Eric Buterbaugh. Called Smoke & Roses Body Polish (50 minutes, $155 / 80 minutes, $220), it starts with an invigorating scrub of natural salts, black pepper, plus organic agarwood and vanilla oils that leaves skin feeling soft and smelling beautiful. After a shower (the bathrooms are super large and tiled in gold mosaics), the treatment finishes with a luxurious Egyptian rose oil that tones and revitalizes the skin. It’s bliss. And after a champagne in the lovely lounge, mom will walk out as if floating on cloud nine.
The lounge at Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles
BOND OVER BURKE WILLIAMS STEAM PEDIS
I had been loathe to recommend a pedi salon because I never found one that I liked... until I visited Burke Williams Hollywood. Their steam pedicure ($40 minutes / $50) is excellent. Not only are the staff lovely, but the steam pedi services (like facials for the feet) are environmentally conscious. Each uses just a quarter of a gallon of water, while traditional pedicures use up to 25 gallons per service, and the pipeless steam basin system is more hygienic than traditional pedicures too.
What’s more: toes are polished with pretty colors from the vegan FarmHouse Fresh line.
Book a service for yourself and your mum!
Steam pedicure at Burke Williams —the steamy pedi feels so soothing, it’s easy to fall asleep!
PACK A PAMPER BASKET...
Not everyone is a fan of spas—I get that. But that doesn’t mean mom wouldn’t appreciate a spa-inspired hamper. Bring the pamper session to mom: Pack a basket with some candles, bubble bath, and most fun of all, bath bombs. Fizz & Bubble, handmade in Portland, are literally the bomb: Their Rainbow Sherbet collection includes Fizzy Milkshakes ($15), Cupcake Bath Fizzies ($10), Artisan Bath Fizzies ($6), Bubble Bath & Body Wash ($16), and Blended Bath Salts ($16) that look and smell like sherbet. Skin feels softer after soaking in a bath infused with this kind of ”sweet.” Seriously!!
A Fizz & Bubble Coconut Milkshake —for the bath!
To the hamper, I’d also add a bag of T-Spheres (from $30). Basically, two massage balls that help to relieve tight muscles, especially those in the feet and along the shoulders and back. Mum can watch TV and massage these up and down the soles of her feet. The effect? Instant relief.
T-spheres are amazing for the feet.
OTHERWISE, BUY A CURATED BOX OF WOW-WORTHY BEAUTY PRODUCTS
If you don’t know your beauty products, and simply don’t have time to collect a bunch of products that mom will love, click over to LOVE GOODLY, a subscription-based company that curates bi-monthly boxes featuring a wow selection of vegan beauty and wellness essentials—100% toxin- and cruelty-free. Costing only $29.95 (with a value over $125), each purchase also benefits Farm Sanctuary, a leading farm animal protection organization.
The Mother’s Day April/May box includes a bottle of One Love Organics Love Springs Eternal Youth Preservation Serum, a 100% Pure Bright Eyes Mask, a 100% Pure Black Maracuja Mascara in Black Tea, and a few more goodies.
Everything in the box can be used straight away (and that makes the best kind of gift)!
LOVE GOODLY April/May Box