With a focus on skincare, the San Francisco Bay Area-based LaBelle Day Spas offers custom facials, makeup application and a signature collection that includes face products.
Checking In
With traditional resort-type spas, guests can arrive before my scheduled appointments and enjoy a soak in a sauna beforehand. However, "day spas" are more suited to the person looking for a quick spa treatment.
The Waiting Room
Leaving the bustling reception area, the LaBelle spa waiting room is dimly lit and sweet smelling. The waiting room is fairly small with only a few leather chairs for clients awaiting their various treatments. A fireplace creates a relaxing ambiance. There is a small kitchen area with a selection of snacks to choose from, such as cheese, crackers, nuts and fruit.
The "locker room" is a bit of a disappointment. It's a tiny room with only a few lockers and no changing rooms-there are just two curtained areas to change behind. Such a cramped space can get a bit crowded. There is a separate bathroom and a room with a small shower.
While waiting for spa treatments, guests can indulge in some snacks while relaxing by the warm glow of the fireplace. Guests are offered a warm neck wrap in the waiting area.
Soft music and lighting allow guests to slip into a state of calmness. Although, the through traffic of women and men coming and going for spa treatments can be a bit distracting. LaBelle Day Spa is coed, which might make some women uncomfortable having nothing on under their robe while men are walking around.
An unexpected twist with LaBelle is the wait service. Guests are offered a cool drink to quench their thirst or a hot tea to warm them up while relaxing. The downside of having someone wait on guests is that the wait staff tends to hover over guests, which can be counterproductive when seeking peace and quite. There is a small kitchen located behind the waiting area. The wait staff interrupts the silence while clanking dirty dishes.
Treatments
LaBelle offers a wide range of services, from facials, massages, and body therapies to hair care, makeup, pilates, and hair removal.
Retail Store
There is a spacious retail area that has a surprisingly large selection of beauty products, including LaBelle's signature line.
In the end, if you're looking for a quick treatment, a day spa might just be there answer. But for a longer, relaxing day, a resort spa is probably a better option.
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