Due to the pandemic, I hadn’t had a spa service in over a year, so when places started to reopen and I was ready to venture out into the world again, the first thing on my to-do list was to visit a spa for some much-needed self-care and relaxation. And what better place to go to than Spa Relais at Westlake Village Inn?

The boutique spa is located on the lush grounds of the 17-acre resort in Westlake Village, California, which includes a hotel with overnight accommodations, event space for a variety of special occasions, a vineyard, restaurants, a lake, and more—all surrounded by stunning gardens, winding paths, arbors, and gazebos. As soon as I arrived, I instantly felt as if I had been transported to a magical destination far, far away—and I was less than an hour from downtown Los Angeles!

Safety Updates and Protocols:

I visited Spa Relais in late April 2021, and since reopening, the spa and Westlake Village Inn have adhered to the highest health and safety standards. The health and well-being of their guests and associates is imperative, and their team is dedicated to upholding and ensuring a safe and healthy environment. The spa and inn have developed a comprehensive health safety program based on the most effective health safety practices available. View their complete health and safety guidelines here.

• All guests are asked to wear face coverings in public spaces and comply with 6-foot physical distancing policies.

• Guests’ temperatures are checked prior to their entry to the spa and hand sanitizer is available throughout the spa.

• Due to capacity orders, there is a 3-hour limit when booking a treatment.

• A new cleanliness plan introducing electrostatic spraying broad spectrum disinfectant (a method used in hospitals and airlines) is now used in all guest rooms, public areas, the spa, gyms, pools, and across the entire property.

• Spa amenities like the steam room and sauna are currently closed.

Here’s what you’ll love about Spa Relais: 

• It’s located at Westlake Village Inn, a 17-acre resort in Westlake Village that has deluxe accommodations, Stonehaus winery/vineyard, multiple restaurants, lake, golf course, and more.

• The 25,000-square-foot spa includes high-end amenities, a fully equipped gym, an adult-only pool, jacuzzi, spacious lounge areas, and SnoBliss Showers (therapeutic snowfall that refreshes and revitalizes).

• Inspired by the grand spas of Europe, Spa Relais embraces “joie de vivre” (French for “joy of living”) and provides guests with a fully immersive experience and personal attention.

• The spa menu features custom treatments that harness the healing benefits of herbs, flowers, oils, and minerals from the vine, sea, and air that speak to guests’ individual needs.

• Starr Medspa (located within the spa) is a world-class medispa that was founded by registered nurse Tenley Starr Fabian, who is accompanied by medical director and world-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Sykes. Starr Medspa offers an array of anti-aging treatments and injectables such as Botox, IV therapy, hair restoration, and other rejuvenating services.

• For those visiting the spa with a significant other or friend and/or celebrating a special occasion, guests can enjoy customized side-by-side treatments in the luxurious couple’s suite with a fireplace and soaking tub; also includes a glass of Stonehaus wine or fresh juice of the day.

Although the Westlake Village Inn is a large property, the spa is easy to find and navigate. It has its own parking lot and entrance off Lakeview Canyon Road, and is within walking distance to other sites and attractions also located on the grounds. After parking my car, I walked up the path leading to the spa, which is located in a stunning Tuscan-inspired building.

Before entering the spa, my temperature was scanned via a touchless device, then when I checked in at the front desk, I was given a clean pen to fill out my paperwork with. Afterwards, I placed my pen in a separate container for used pens, which were sanitized prior to being given to other guests.

The doors remained open to keep the waiting area and spa boutique well ventilated, and throughout my visit I observed that the spa staff had many safety protocols in place including proper social distancing, wearing masks, and keeping the number of guests to a minimum at any given time, which made me feel very comfortable and safe.

A spa attendant led me to the women’s facilities, which were spacious and impressive. There was a large locker room and changing area, as well as a beautifully designed vanity room outfitted with high-end amenities. The sauna, steam room, and SnoBliss Showers were closed during my visit due to current guidelines at the time, but they looked amazing and I look forward to experiencing them in the future.

After I had changed into my robe and slippers, I headed to the co-ed relaxation lounge, which is a stunning well-lit space that has a large sitting area with plenty of comfortable couches and arm chairs, and numerous quiet corners/rooms if you want extra privacy. There is also an outdoor patio where guests can wait between services if they would rather not be indoors or want some fresh air and sunshine.

In addition to an assortment of hot teas and water, the snack table had individual packets of nuts and apples that were wrapped in clear Saran wrap, ensuring that everything was clean and protected.

Within a few minutes, my spa therapist came to greet me. I followed her down a beautiful hallway where the treatment rooms were located, and discovered that each room is named after a different type of wine, which perfectly matched the theme of the place. My room also featured a beautiful rustic design that included a decorative tiled wall.

One of Spa Relais’ signature services is the Winemaker Massage, which is available as both a 50 and 80-minute treatment. The therapeutic treatment combines a Swedish massage technique with vine-infused aromatherapy using Caudalie products. By alternating with bare-hand pressure on energy paths, the therapist recreates the ritual of the wine-making process on the guests’ body, leaving them feeling relaxed and balanced.

After going an entire year without a massage or any type of spa service, I was in heaven from head to toe. My sore back and tight muscles were instantly relieved by my therapist’s skilled hands, and she knew exactly which areas to focus on and the level of pressure needed. By the time she had finished, I felt completely relaxed and at ease. I could have gone to sleep right then and there if I didn’t have another spa service scheduled afterwards!

When I stepped out of the room, my therapist handed me a glass of Spa Relais’ Refuel Green Juice, which is made with kale, cucumber, pineapple, celery, and green apple juice. It's packed with nutrients and offers numerous benefits including improved focus and mental clarity, an energy and immunity boost, reduced inflammation, alleviates stress, and healthier hair, skin, and nails. It tasted delicious and was very refreshing, instantly giving me energy.

As we headed to the Vichy Room for the second half of my treatment, I got a sneak peek at the luxurious couple’s suite, which is available for those that are either celebrating a special occasion or want to enjoy side-by-side treatments with a friend/significant other. The spacious suite comes with a fireplace and soaking tub—perfect for when you want to take your spa experience to the next level.

We headed outside and down another hall to an open courtyard that had a soothing water fountain in the center. Off to one side was the entrance to Starr Medspa, which was founded by Tenley Fabian Starr, a registered nurse.

Spa Profile: Starr Medspa

Accompanied by Starr Medspa’s medical director and renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Sykes, Starr offers top aesthetic procedures and services that range from injectables and lasers to IV therapy and skincare procedures. Guests of Starr Medspa also receive access to the spa’s amenities like the Himalayan salt sauna and snow showers, which they are welcome to enjoy during their entire visit.

My spa therapist told me that she often refers to the Vichy treatment room as the “mermaid room,” and as soon as she opened the doors, I understood why. Sparkling tiles in an array of ocean-inspired blue tones lined the walls from the floor to the ceiling, which created a soothing underwater effect. I changed into a disposable bikini top and bottom (provided by the spa), then positioned myself so that I was lying face down on the Vichy bed, which was similar to a water bed.

Vichy beds and showers are great for relaxing muscles and experiencing a therapeutic water massage and shower at the same time. I could feel different water temperatures (hot and cold) and alternating water pressure as my therapist guided the six different shower heads up and down my back and legs. After 15 minutes on my abdomen, she instructed me to turn around and lie on my back, then she repeated the treatment for another 15 minutes.

The Vichy shower felt invigorating and refreshing, and benefits include combating jet-lag, boosting immunity, easing hangover symptoms, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and reducing stress. It’s also a great way to cool off during an especially warm day and is a nice way to end your spa service. (Note: the Vichy Shower must be booked in conjunction with a 50-minute treatment). If you prefer a bath, Spa Relais also offers 30-minute soaking bath sessions, which also must be booked with a 50-minute treatment.

Whenever I get a massage, I’m always hungry afterwards, and my favorite way to conclude any spa visit is by having lunch—preferably next to a pool. It just so happened that Spa Relais has a lovely outdoor pool that is located right by the spa, so I made my way across the outdoor patio and snagged a comfortable lounge chair under an umbrella. The pool menu includes cocktails and a variety of dishes from smaller bites to pizza. I ordered a Pina Colada with avocado toast, but there were lots of great options to choose from.

After I finished my lunch, I lounged by the pool for a bit before reluctantly gathering my belongings (as is always the case when I go to the the spa) to head home—but at least I felt relaxed and refreshed! From the friendly and personable service to the luxurious amenities and beautiful surroundings, I enjoyed every single aspect of my visit and am grateful to have discovered another great spa in Westlake Village.

Whether you’re looking for a few hours of relaxation or you want to make an entire weekend out of it, Spa Relais and Westlake Village Inn have plenty to offer for everyone be it a romantic getaway, girls’ weekend or other special occasion. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back and spending more time exploring the rest of this magical property!

Cost: Wine Makers Massage 50 minutes ($200); Vichy Shower Hydrotherapy ($75)

Insider Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early so you can enjoy the amenities before your treatments or set aside time to relax afterwards. Bring a swimsuit/trunks for the pool and hot tub.

Hours: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Wed-Sat) 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Sunday)

Address: 31943 Agoura Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361

Phone: 818-889-0230

For more information, visit the website and to book a service, click here. Follow on Instagram: @westlakevillageinn @sparelaiswestlakevillageinn @starrmedspa

[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