I Survived Seasonal Holiday Stress With the Ultimate Reset at milk + honey in Brentwood, California
The entrance to milk + honey in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
I love the holidays, but they’re incredibly stressful — from long lines and chaotic parking to last-minute gifts, there’s always something that comes up during one of the busiest times of the year.
This year, it felt like Christmas came much sooner and I didn’t feel as prepared for it as I usually am, but I’ve discovered a remedy that will help to ease some of that seasonal holiday stress — a spa treatment.
Whether it’s a relaxing massage, a nourishing facial or a soothing body treatment, milk + honey offers a comprehensive selection of wellness services that offer everything you need all in one place.
Two weeks before Christmas, I headed to milk + honey’s Brentwood location for a deep tissue massage — and it was exactly what I needed to take the edge off during one of the most hectic times of the year.
The check-in desk at milk + honey in Brentwood. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]
Founded in 2006 by Alissa Bayer, milk + honey is a collection of spas, salons and medspas that started in Austin, Texas and have expanded to California and Chicago. Currently, they have two locations in Los Angeles — Brentwood and Culver City.
They offer a full range of beauty and wellness services including spa treatments, nail services, and medical aesthetics, in addition to having a curated line of bath, body and skincare products.
milk + honey is also known for focusing on quality and clean, safe ingredients in its products and services while providing an elevated self-care experience.
milk + honey offers guests a tranquil setting for relaxation and renewal. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]
The moment I stepped inside, I felt more relaxed and at ease. Each location is designed as a serene retreat where guests are immersed in a tranquil experience, and the various spaces across the spa are curated with attention to detail.
The 6,000-square-foot Brentwood location has 13 treatment rooms, three soak-less pedicure stations, and two manicure stations. From natural elements and comforting textures to calming artwork, the environment was very soothing and cozy.
I changed into a plush robe in the locker room, which features spacious steam showers and an earthy design woven throughout.
The spacious locker room offers guests a place for storing their belongings. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]
The stunning aesthetic design incorporates natural elements and calming tones throughout the spa. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]
The locker room also has private showers. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]
The relaxation lounge was welcoming and comfortable with stylish sofas and armchairs that were outfitted with soft pillows and blankets. A stack of magazines and books were available for guests to browse as well, but I enjoyed just lounging on a comfy seat while enjoying my surroundings.
A snack station in the corner had a variety of seasonal stacks on offer including glazed pecans, roasted hazelnuts, dried cranberries and sun-dried figs. Everything was so good I had to go back for seconds!
There was also iced infused water and an assortment of warm teas to choose from.
Guests can lounge in the spa’s relaxation lounge before and after treatments. [Photo courtesy of milk + honey]
Fresh, healthy snacks and beverages are also available. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]
When it was time for my treatment, my massage therapist came to greet me and led me into a private room that had music-themed artwork on the wall. She stepped out while I slipped under the covers of the heated massage table, which felt extra comforting.
Prior to starting the service, she offered me a choice between an aromatherapy oil or body butter and I opted for the oil. For the next 60 minutes, I enjoyed a deep tissue massage with focused, firm pressure that targeted areas of tightness and discomfort throughout my body. For me, this was my upper back and shoulders, which have a tendency to get tight from sitting long hours at a desk in the same position.
She also incorporated a warm neck roll and eye cover into the treatment, along with steamed hot towels. When my service had concluded, I felt ready to drift off into a nap.
My visit to milk + honey was exactly what I needed in the midst of the stressful holiday season — it gave me an opportunity to take a break and treat myself to some much-needed self-care. Even though the holidays are behind us now, the new year has a lot in store — some exciting, some stressful — and what better way to start a new year than with a spa treatment?
Truth be told, there is never one good time to book a spa treatment. Every four to six weeks is ideal, or whenever you start to feel stressed and overwhelmed by life and responsibilities. I know it won’t be long before I head back to milk + honey for a refresh in the new year!
I enjoyed a 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage in one of the private treatment rooms. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]
“The holidays can feel overwhelming, which is exactly when a spa treatment becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity,” adds Kennedy Malone, Clinical Esthetician, Department Head + Trainer at milk + honey. “It’s a moment to step away from the noise, slow down, and return to yourself. At milk + honey, every treatment is personalized — our providers listen deeply, tailoring each experience so your body and mind get exactly what they need. From warm, comforting environments to thoughtful aromatherapy and restorative touch, every detail is designed to help you unwind and truly exhale. It’s more than a treatment. It’s a chance to feel balanced, renewed, and reconnected — self-care for your whole being.”
milk + honey Brentwood is located at 11826 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90049. For more locations, click here.
[Photos by Kamala Kirk]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk