Spa Bel-Air
Hotel Bel-Air has long offered in-room services such as facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, and hair styling, but they will soon offer a day spa for guests who want to immerse themselves in a pampering environment.
Being promoted as “the most private sanctuary in Los Angeles,†the spa will offer residential-style spa suites complete with private gardens, fireplaces, saunas, outdoor showers and pools.
An organic juice bar will feature healthy fare with an adjacent outdoor spa offering a waterfall courtyard and private cabanas. A Zen Studio will feature yoga and mediation classes in a tranquil atmosphere. A 1,000 square-foot fitness center will be open 24 hours a day and will offer treadmills, life cycles and weights, as well as opportunities to workout with a personal trainer.
The 12,000 square-foot spa was originally set to debut in August, but has been pushed back to Winter 2008/2009. Ten private spa suites and three residential spa suite guestrooms will account for a total of 94 rooms. The two-story design will include Spanish Colonial-style architecture with hardwood floors and private terraces. Carlos Lopes, Hotel Bel-Air Managing Director, said that the spa would offer “exceptional service, distinct luxury and ultimate privacy†in “one of the most private and exclusive neighborhoods in the country.â€
Considering the hotel’s many awards and accolades, including 13 Mobil Five Star awards, the spa will likely live up to the luxurious expectations of its guests.
Bill Clinton Cancels Speech over Labor Dispute
Bill Clinton cancelled his scheduled speaking engagement at UCLA commencement last month to show his support of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, who are engaged in contract negotiations with the University of California.
A spokesman for Clinton said that he “cannot cross the picket line.â€
Actor Danny Glover cancelled his commencement speaking engagement at UC Berkeley over failed contract talks in 2007, and former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez has acted similarly in 2006 and again this year.
Aveda Institute to Open in Westwood
Aveda Institute Los Angeles will open in July, offering students a chance to learn cosmetology skills including hair cutting and styling techniques, nail technology and makeup as well as business and retail knowledge. The institute will be located at 10935 Weyburn Avenue.
Aveda owners frequently open cosmetology schools in college towns to give students further educational options as well as affordable styling services. Aveda Institute Los Angeles is scheduled to open in July.
Festival Draws Movie Buffs to Westwood
The annual Los Angeles Film Festival, held from June 19-29, drew over 100,000 attendees this year. The festival screened over 175 films, including documentaries, shorts, music videos and features, the most talked-about of which was Wanted, starring Angelina Jolie. Industry mixers, nightly dance parties, a comedy show and sneak peek clips of X Files: I Want to Believe (including a discussion with Star David Duchovny, director/writer Chris Carter and screenwriter Frank Spotnitz) were also highly-anticipated festival events.
