Los Angeles - Bliss

		Original Soundtrack Partake of Le Petite Retreat Day Spa's 90-minute Jade Stone Massage, and take home a free copy of the CD “Sleep” by Liquid Mind, which plays during your treatment. The promotion runs exclusively Wednesdays through Fridays. This “ French-Asian Island” day spa consistently makes “Best Of” lists. Among what it does best: couples deals — six different treatments and six packages. 331 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-466-1028 www.lprdayspa.com

		Medieval Massage The rubdowns at Cariño Massage in Beverly Hills borrow from both the Mayan and Papil Indian traditions. Creator Johnny Ray Nelson offers only one specialty — and he makes it very special — in his candlelit, high-end parlor. “Cariño Massage is the most transforming massage,” reads the Web site's description, “and its value can be traced back to the beginning of history.” For us, tracing it to Beverly Hills is good enough. 9478 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 307 310-284-8422 www.carinomassage.com Confidential Deal: Mention AA.com and Conway Confidential and get 10% off any treatment.

		Vintage Comfort The Moroccan-inspired El Leon Spa, complete with Buddhist chants, offers an entire list of services under the heading "Aphrodite's Delights." And those are offered amid an interior forest of wooden ceilings and vintage chandeliers as you soak in an old-fashioned claw-foot tub — smack dab in the middle of West Hollywood. The Thai massages are rendered in curtained-off rooms — adding so much privacy to the solitude that some clients have been known to drift off, blissfully. Thanks, Aphrodite. 8217 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 323-782-9582 www.elleonspa.com

		The Real O.C. Orange Country may boast the region's best beaches and amusement parks, but one true escape is Spa Gregorie. Ease into your robe and slippers, meander into the steam room and enjoy any of 21 different spa packages. Hydrotherapy, facials, body wraps and wellness packages are also on the menu, and, while men are most welcome too, Gregorie specializes in treatments for pre- and post-natal moms. 200 Newport Center Dr. Suite 111, Newport Beach 949-644-6672 www.spagregories.com

		Singing Spa's Praises Simon Cowell, the Dixie Chicks, Avril Lavigne, Gladys Knight, Reba McEntire and — when she's not busy making headlines — Britney Spears have been known to frequent the unique spa inside Le Merigot Hotel in Santa Monica. A semi-private elevator from the lobby delivers you directly to the tranquil and serene enclave, where services and treatments include massage, body treatments, skin care, hand- and footcare, personal training and complete spa packages. Among the specialties: Epicuren’s Chai Soy Mud Wrap. In all, there are ten different body treatments, seven skin treatments, six massages and five facials, as well as a full gym (with cardio and weightlifting equipment — and a beautiful pool). No wonder the spa's motto is "Escape to Blissful Oblivion." 1740 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica 310-395-9700 online reservations: www.lemerigothotel.com

		Skin on Sale Skinworks LA has been around for more than a quarter of a century and prides itself on affordable beauty and skin care that brings pampering to people from all walks of life. The salon has pared down its offerings to a handful of reasonably priced facial treatments, including the signature — and profoundly relaxing — “Golden Hands” facial for $55, down from an already bargain $75. It can also be combined with a Nukimori Massage for $110 (regularly $168). 309 N. Ogden Drive 323-936-6444 www.skinworksla.com

		Make Yourself at Home Step inside the stone-floored Elegance Boutique Spa and you'll feel as though you're inside a vintage country cottage — very rare for Manhattan Beach. (Its slogan is, "A Spa with a Garden by the Sea.") Sit by the fireplace, gaze up at the chandeliers, take a walk in the backyard garden, soak in the ocean breeze. Then the real treatment begins: settle in for a facial, massage or wax. It’s a getaway for celebrities and a welcome home for visiting out-of-towners. 3516 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach 866-617-3656 www.elegancespa.com -JP Hoornstra

		Him, Too Spa Gaucin at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort is trying to make it easier for women to sell their men on having treatments, too. Whether you’re in the early stages of romance (the “Love is in the Air” treatment trio) or about to take the Plunge (“Beauty and the Bride”), you’ve got an excuse to be pampered as you take in the fresh Pacific air. The high-end Spa Gaucin literally overlooks the ocean — well, almost. The only thing standing in its way is an 18-hole golf course. Just trying to make it an easy sell. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point 949-234-3367 www.stregismb.com/index.cfm?action=spa.start&navGroupID=7

		The Yellow Envelope Willow Spa in Santa Monica has earned its wide fan base thanks to its tropical vacation atmosphere: exotic flowers, streams, waterfalls, even an indoor cabana. Such a backdrop for Willow's holistic/wellness packages is highlighted by the signature Japanese Enzyme Bath. 3127 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 310-453-9004 www.willowspa.com

		Arch Support Tibetan Herbal Feet Soak, on the second floor of an unassuming strip mall just east of L.A. in freeway-close San Gabriel, will leave your toesies feeling rosy. "Our soaking base contains more than 30 different herb extracts. Our herb extracts all come from hand-picked, highest quality wild Tibetan herb," explains the foot-massage spa's informative Web site. "A good foot massage session will help you exfoliate the dead skin layer and stimulate ancient reflexology points, relieves aching feet and stimulates the whole body." Sit down, dip your feet in the soothing, herbal water, then enjoy a rubdown and massage with oil. Watch a movie on the flat-screen TV, sip some tea — and don't forget to bring friends. Afterwards, you'll be kicking up your heels. 227 W. Valley Blvd., No. 218A, San Gabriel 626-968-9888 www.chinese-school.netfirms.com

		Skin Is In Those who decry Los Angeles as a collection of suburbs searching for a city need to re-think their outlook. The Aroma Spa & Sports, on the third floor of an über-modern megaplex in the heart of the Wilshire district, is a city unto itself. A total health and fitness facility, the urban oasis offers among its attributes specialized spa treatments, advanced equipment, top-notch trainers, an indoor Jr. Olympic-size swimming pool, racquetball and a 4-level, state-of-the-art indoor driving range. One tempting indulgence: the Korean Body Scrub, an exfoliation treatment that even attracts stars, given its $30-for-30-minute bargain price. Keep things Korean afterwards, too, with Koreatown’s best barbeque within easy walking distance outside. 3680 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 213-387-2111 www.aromaresort.com

		The Whole Nine Yards What Sam Walton is to "one-stop shopping," Dr. Howard Murad, known for his "Murad Method" of skin treatment, is to "one-stop spa-ing." The Murad Inclusive Health Center and Spa opened last year and customizes treatments specifically for the client's needs. Begin by filling out a 34-page lifestyle survey before embarking on a personalized journey toward total wellness, including those involving FDA-approved laser technology. Or, perhaps you want only a little wellness – a facial, a massage or, perhaps, a haircut. Murad’s spa has you covered there too, with a battery of quick and affordable treatments using their popular line of skin-care products. After you're revitalized, you'll find yourself not that far from the beach. Breathe in. 2141 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo 800-304-6442 www.murad.com/mihc/index.html
		The High Life In a teeming celebrity hotspot, a private massage beside a rooftop pool may be the most leisurely way to feel famous. Such is the allure when booking a massage at West Hollywood’s The Andaz hotel. Choose your fragrance — “energizing,” “detox,” or “nurturing” — and relax as Patricia gently irons out all the knots. One requisite: After emerging from behind your canopy’s hidden curtain, take a dip in the inviting pool — and don’t be surprised if you turn a couple of heads in the process. 8401 Sunset Blvd. (323) 656-1234 www.westhollywood.hyatt.com