Spa LaLé

Written by: Laurie Dakin	5:34 PM PST - 3/10/2009
Photography by:	|  Next Photo

Neither sore muscles, dry skin, nor the stress of the daily grind could have kept me from visiting Spa LaLe´. Located inside Sacramento's newest luxury boutique hotel, Le Rivage, Spa LaLé provides local residents with an unparalleled experience for this area: A day spa in a resort setting. Every detail is accounted for including robes, plush interiors, fountains and gourmet dining provided by Scott's Seafood restaurant.

It's a fantastic concept that area residents will surely appreciate. Before Spa LaLe´, Sacramento area residents would have had to travel to Napa or San Francisco to enjoy this type of getaway. Had I closed my eyes, I could've easily been at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.

I arrived at Spa LaLe´ on a Tuesday afternoon, ready to roll my sleeves up and take on the arduous job of spa reviewer. Entering the drive of Le Rivage, I was greeted by the friendly and helpful valet. It was an added bonus to have complimentary valet parking, a small detail with a big impact. It allowed me to start my visit already feeling pampered and relaxed. I took a quick stroll through the lovely lobby, and a smiling hotel staffer directed me to the LaLe´ entrance. On approach, the spa entrance sets itself apart with an inviting access that seamlessly blends with the hotel décor, yet sets itself apart with quiet elegance.

You immediately start to wind down as the spa doors open, a lovely fountain purrs in the background and the ever ready staff greets you with genuine hospitality. Bridget was on duty when I arrived, very personable and professional. She quickly and thoroughly helped me navigate the questionnaire and waiver, and got me into my robe promptly. The locker room was small, yet had five-star flair. Every toiletry and amenity you could want was available, from q-tips to curling irons, disposable dental kits to hair styling products.

Upon the advice of the staff, I arrived about 45 minutes early for my treatment, allowing me ample time to enjoy the private, outdoor Jacuzzi and patio area. I am glad I took that advice, it gave the day more of a “getaway” feel. Additionally, Danielle, another pleasant and attentive Spa LaLé team member came out to see if I needed anything. Those touches of kindness peppered my entire visit, and certainly gave me that, “I want to come back here” feel.

Then finally it was time for my treatment and Tracy, my therapist, came out to greet me in the private patio area. She escorted me to my room and we discussed my treatment, the Sugar Body Glow (30 minutes, $60) and the Lale´ Signature Blend (60 minute massage, $95).

I really appreciated that Tracy took the time to tell me about my services before we started. It helped keep conversation to a minimum during the treatment. She also engaged in conversation only when I initiated it, which I think is very telling of a highly considerate therapist who wants to create the best possible environment for relaxation.

She wanted to know what areas could use some special attention during my massage. I expressed that I carry a lot of tension between my shoulder blades and in the mid lumbar area. She was genuinely interested in my well-being and made sure I was comfortable.

So, we start with the Sugar Body Glow, in a word: FABULOUS. Tracy used the wonderfully intoxicating vanilla citrus mix; it had a granular texture, and provided excellent exfoliation of the skin. As the dull, dead skin was sloughed off, I felt like my renewal had begun. When the process was complete, I rinsed off and returned to my treatment room for the pièce de résistance, the LaLé Signature Blend massage.

I was ready and curious. I've had many a massage in my day and am quite accustomed to communicating to the therapist where I'd like him/her to place special attention. It's been my experience that therapists seem to follow a certain protocol or order when giving a massage and in the end, although it's always been nice, it sometimes lacked the extra attention to the areas I indicated.

Well, there is no other way to say this: TRACY ROCKS! She spent the bulk of the time (a solid 30-40 minutes) in between my shoulder blades, and in the mid lumbar area, with some nice work to my neck as well. I completely dropped out; I was in the deep relaxation zone. I can't remember the last time that happened. It was better than 10 hours of the best sleep you could imagine. When she did move to massage my limbs, hands and feet, she placed warm stones on my upper back to keep the area warm and the muscles supple. It was thoughtful, smart, efficient and relaxing; now that's a spa experience!

Spa LaLé is a warm and elegant sanctuary, with the staff to match. It's unique to Sacramento, as it offers area residents the possibility of a luxury getaway without the burden of travel or too much planning. It's reasonably close to some of the areas great local golf courses (think Bing Maloney, or Haggin Oaks), so it provides a wonderful opportunity for the non-golfing spouse to spend an afternoon being pampered, should his/her mate be out on the links. The couple can also end the day together with a wonderful fine dining experience at Scott's Seafood. Have fun, get pampered and treat yourself to a day of luxury and relief.

Note: Spa LaLé also offers spa parties, corporate events, wedding packages and couples services.

Laurie Dakin, founder of Dakin Fitness, a wellness-based company, specializing in personal fitness programming, Pilates, yoga and corporate wellness design. She is ACE certified and Stott Pilates- trained. She is located in downtown Sacramento and can be reached at LaurieDakin@sbcglobal.net, (916) 206 1206