Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Desuar Spa is the ultimate urban oasis. The 4,000 square-foot spa is tucked away in the basement of the historic Jewelry Trades Building, making it a hidden gem for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis. Featured on countless media outlets, including Forbes, the spa is owned by industry veteran and esthetician Deisy Suarez-Giles, who offers top services and treatments in a luxurious space that features a stunning combination of Moroccan decor with industrial vibes.

SPA PROFILE: Desuar Spa

After parking in a lot a couple of blocks away, I made my way to the building where Desuar Spa is located. The front desk attendant buzzed me in, then I took the stairs down to the basement level. As soon as I set foot through the front door of the spa, I was immediately taken aback by how large the place is. In addition to multiple relaxation lounges and a retail area, the spa has eight treatment rooms, a locker area with a sauna and showers, and so much more.

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

• It’s located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, within walking distance to world-class restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

• The state-of-the-art facility includes a Himalayan salt crystal bed, copper soaking tub, sauna, and other luxurious amenities.

• The spa offers affordable high-end therapeutic skin and body treatments.

• The decor is “speakeasy-meets-industrial with a Moroccan twist.”

• Owner Deisy Suarez-Giles is a certified and licensed esthetician with extensive industry experience and accolades.

• The spa’s surround sound system features a relaxing nature soundtrack of waves crashing that plays throughout the entire place.

I was greeted by the owner herself, who proceeded to give me a tour of the entire facility. She then escorted me to my locker, where a comfortable robe and slippers awaited. One aspect I love about the spa is that there are speakers located throughout, playing the relaxing sound of ocean waves so you feel as if you’ve been transported to the beach. It was the perfect backdrop accompanied by the dim mood lighting in the relaxation lounges, where I unwinded as I read a magazine while sipping on water.

Today I was receiving two treatments: a massage on the Himalayan salt bed with chromotherapy followed by an Express Radiance Facial. My therapist led me to the Himalayan salt bed room, which change colors every few seconds. I enjoyed the ambiance that gradually transitioned from warm red to relaxing green and then a cool blue. Chromotherapy is the science of using colors to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony, and each color possesses frequencies of a specific vibration, with each vibration related to different physical symptoms.

I enjoyed the sensation of the warm salt against my skin, and along with the ocean wave soundtrack, I was instantly transported to Bora Bora, my destination of choice. My therapist explained to me that because of the salt bed I was lying on, he wouldn’t be able to massage the muscles as deeply as he would on a regular bed—but in all honesty, the pressure he used was perfect and he was still able to reach and loosen my knots.

He also explained the numerous benefits of Himalayan salt, which is natural, free from additives and pollutants, and rich in natural substances and high bio-energetic values, containing all the necessary minerals and trace elements the body needs. The crystalline salt neutralizes the electromagnetic frequencies that are present in the environment and the air acquires a positive charge that helps to treat a range of issues, including tension, insomnia, and free radicals.

The salt temperature also releases ions which create an aerosol affect, relaxing muscle and nervous tension. In addition to aiding with digestion and skin conditions, salt has a draining and decongestant effect, which helps respiratory ailments and reinforces the immune system.

READ: The Benefits of Halotherapy

As my therapist performed gentle kneading strokes against my muscles, the small salt grains also provided a micro-massage on my skin. The salt molded itself to my body, providing a great cushion with balanced weight distribution. For those that want the benefits of salt therapy without the massage, they have the option of lying on the Himalayan salt bed for a shorter period of time in order to receive the various health benefits, then they can spend the remainder of their time receiving a massage on a regular treatment table.

Cost: 50 minutes ($150); 80 minutes ($220); 100 minutes ($300)

Next it was time for my facial. The Express Radiance Facial is a 25-minute treatment that is ideal when your skin needs a refreshing boost without extractions. It includes a customized cleanse, exfoliation, and moisture mask, which helps to minimize pores and wrinkles. Skin is left feeling fresh and renewed—making it the perfect treatment to receive prior to a special event when you need that radiant glow, pronto!

Cost: 25 minutes ($65)

After my facial, I spent 15 minutes in the dry sauna, where I worked up a quick sweat before taking a shower. For those that want the ultimate relaxation session before or after their services, Desuar Spa also offers an array of soak sessions in its unique copper bathtub. From a wine soak to a CBD bath, there is something for everyone.

Copper tubs are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Soaking in a copper tub also helps to neutralize toxins in the body and ensures proper function of different organs and metabolic processes. I’m definitely signing up for a bath next time I visit!

Cost: 20-30 minutes ($65-$90)

As I left the spa and returned to the busy, fast-paced streets of Downtown Los Angeles, I couldn’t believe that I had just spent an amazing past few hours in a hidden sanctuary only steps away. If you’re looking for the ultimate urban escape, look no further than Desuar Spa—it’s the perfect getaway when you need some self-care time but can’t travel far. Afterwards, you’ll feel as if you’ve returned from a relaxing vacation, which is something we all need every now and then.

Insider Tips: Arrive 20 minutes early to secure a parking spot on the surface streets or in a nearby parking lot. Sign up for the Desuar Birthday Club to receive 15% off a 50-minute massage.

Hours:

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mon. - Thur.)

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Fri. - Sat.)

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sunday)

Address: 220 W. 5th St, Basement, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Phone: 213-265-7908

Email: info@desuarspa.com

For more information and to book your next spa visit, head to Desuar Spa’s website and follow them on Instagram: @desuarspa

[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