My skin always gets super dry when I travel, and during the recent holidays we traveled to Palm Springs (winter + desert = even drier skin), so I knew my complexion had a rough road ahead. That is, until I learned about The Traveler Facial, which recently launched at Spa Lé La in Studio City, California.

Spa Profile: Spa Lé La

One of the unique things that immediately sets Spa Lé La apart from other spas is that it offers complimentary on-site childcare, affording parents the opportunity to go to the spa without having to find and pay for a babysitter. This amazing concept was created by Spa Lé La’s founder and CEO, Trina Renea, who is a licensed esthetician. (Fun fact: prior to the spa industry, Renea was the singer in well-known punk rock band, Lo-Ball.)

The week before I hit the road for my desert getaway at Parker Palm Springs, I stopped by Spa Lé La to experience its newest facial, which Renea assured me would keep my skin glowing and hydrated for the duration of my trip. It’s great to get prior to a trip, between trips, or after returning from one. In other words, it’s always the right time to get a Traveler Facial!

After finding a parking spot directly in front of the spa (score!), I went inside and checked in at the front desk. There is a very warm and welcoming vibe at Spa Lé La, which has a common area in the front with several tables and chairs where guests can mingle and hang out before or after their services. There is also a large glass window in the front that offers a direct view into the children’s playroom and daycare area for parents that want to see what their kids are up to.

Here’s what you’ll love about Spa Lé La: 

• It offers high-quality spa services including massages, hair removal, prenatal, and postpartum care.

• Spa Lé La also has unique retreat services, such as a nap room, private baths, and infrared sauna.

• Within Spa Lé La, the Facial Bungalow offers signature facials and other skin services, in addition to carrying its own clinical line of skincare products.

• The spa provides complimentary on-site childcare for parents who need some rest and relaxation, but aren’t able to get a babysitter. (Note: One child is complimentary, each additional child is $6 per child for each service hour).

• While parents enjoy their spa services, children between the ages of six months and nine years are exposed to fun classes and exciting events under the care of certified nannies.

• Spa Lé La services include 30 minutes of peaceful lounge time in quiet areas before or after services, as well as a common room for relaxing and mingling.

• There is a monthly membership plan where guests receive a massage or facial, complimentary retreat service, 10% off services and products, and discounts for additional loyalty points earned.

• The spa also retails the Mama Lé Collection—a luxury, all-natural skincare line scientifically formulated for moms and moms-to-be.

• The staff is extremely professional and friendly, and includes highly trained estheticians.

• Spa Lé La is conveniently located on Tujunga Avenue, within walking distance to nearby restaurants and stores.

The spa’s retail areas carry a variety of merchandise including skin care, cute Spa Lé La hoodies in different colors ( I made sure to snag one for at-home lounging), as well as an assortment of kids’ toys and learning activities—perfect if you need last minute gifts for little ones!

I took a seat in one of the comfy lounge chairs behind the reception area, where I relaxed prior to my service. Guests are offered organic tea and coffee during their visit, in addition to Reverse Osmosis water, champagne, and red or white wine.

Because I was the last customer of the day, the kids’ playroom was empty, but I got to take a sneak peek inside. A wide variety of toys, books, and other fun activities are available for them to enjoy, and classes and events are offered throughout the day. Classes include Baby Beethoven, Yoga, and Picasso, and homework help is also provided.

Parents are given buzzers to take with them into their services just in case, and the playroom is on a video monitoring system that is recorded 24 hours a day. All  Spa Lé La nannies are Trustline certified and CPR trainer and certified, so guests know that their kids are in good hands and will have a good time in a fun, interactive, and safe environment.

While I’m not a parent yet, I’m happy to know that a place like Spa Lé La exists so that I can always have a place to go to when I need to indulge in some much needed self-care time and not have to feel guilty about it!

When it was time for my service, Renea led me down a long hallway that was dimly lit to create a calming vibe. The different doors lead to various treatment rooms, as well as other special amenities and add-on services, including:

• Infrared Sauna ($30 for 25 min)

• Shared Quiet Room ($20 for 25 min)

• Massage Throne ($30 for 25 min)

• Nap Room ($30 for 25 min)

• Private Bath ($30 for 25 min)

After I changed and slipped under the covers of the heated treatment bed, Renea returned into the room to begin my 45-minute service. The Traveler Facial began with an exfoliation using a brightening enzyme to get my skin glowing, followed by light extractions. Afterwards, she applied healing laminaria, which is 100% pure seaweed oil, along with spirulina oil to my face. Together, these provide antioxidant protection against various environmental elements.

The next step was my favorite part of the treatment, where Renea infused the oil further into my skin with a Korean heat wand, which felt nice and warming to my skin. Then, she sealed the hydration into my skin with the cold wand, which also helps reduce puffiness and inflammation—it felt super refreshing and relaxing!

As an added bonus, all facials including a relaxing arm, shoulder, neck, and hand massage, which took me further into a deep state of relaxed bliss. To conclude the treatment, Renea applied hydrating serums to my skin (all of the products she used are natural and safe, without harmful ingredients), and infused them with oxygen for a plump and dewy finish. My skin was instantly brighter and no longer dry or rough to the touch—I was officially ready for my vacation!

Add-on services are available with any facial, including microdermabrasion, a pumpkin peel, and other target machines such as light therapy, microcurrent, and an ultrasonic treatment. Spa Lé La also offers other specialized treatments such as a Gentleman’s Facial and a Mini Facial for those on-the-go with limited time.

During my treatment, I enjoyed chatting with Renea and learning all about her fascinating life, which included being a punk rock singer and touring the world in a band that was signed to Interscope Records! After leaving the crazy music industry, she decided to do a 180 and become an esthetician, trading the crowded concert venues for a quiet room where she could be one-on-one with clients. She started doing facials in her own salon, Facial Bungalow, then after becoming a mother, came up with the idea for Spa Lé La—and the rest is history.

I couldn’t leave without taking the Mama Lé Collection with me—it’s the recently launched line of 100% natural skin care products that Reneà created using her expert knowledge of quality skin care and first-hand experience as a mother. The line includes a Dreamsicle Cleanser, a Papaya Enzyme Scrub, and more—making it the ultimate collection of products for vibrant, healthy skin.

Spa Lé La Launches Mama Lé Collection

To discover and shop individual products from the Mama Lé Collection, click here. To purchase the complete collection, click here.

Cost: The Traveler Facial 45 minutes ($100)

Insider Tips: 

• There is parking on the street as well as in the nearby residential neighborhood.

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early to sign in and relax before your treatment.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Daily)

Address: 4338 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA 91604

Phone: 747-227-4338

Email: info@spalela.com

For more information and to book an appointment, click here. Follow the brand on Instagram: @spalelalosangeles

[Images 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