How to Get the Benefits of a Luxury Spa Outdoors at Ole Henriksen

In this new pandemic era, self-care could not be more important for our well-being than right now, which is why we decided it was high time for a massage. And, while a lot of spas are still closed across the country, we found an oasis tucked away in the corner of a parking lot off of Sunset Boulevard. Allow me to introduce you to the outdoor spa experience at Ole Henriksen in West Hollywood.

In creating a new normal for his clients (such as Angela Bassett, Madonna, Katy Perry, and more), president and owner Vance Soto was all about being resourceful in figuring out how he could still serve his clients in giving them the Ole Henriksen star treatment. “I had the vision [of Tulum], and it’s always been one of my inspirational places and thought ‘how do I bring this bohemian-chic vibe back?’” He then collaborated with an events company to create an outdoor spa experience conveniently located behind the spa in a parking lot.

When you walk into the spa, you’re greeted and then escorted outside back to the corner of the parking lot where there are a handful of tents separated out for each treatment. Each treatment area is separated by a zip-away wall, which offers privacy for changing but is unzipped on two sides during your treatment for open-air purposes. While you do still have to wear a mask during your treatment, you kind of forget about it when you’re face down and entering nirvana as you enjoy a much-needed deep tissue massage. For those opting for a facial, yes, it’s available and, yes, that means removing your face mask. Not to worry as the service provider or facialist will wear a mask, face shield, and vinyl gloves while performing the treatment.

The spa is next-level with its cleanliness and following COVID procedures. “We learned all the CDC guidelines and local guidelines. We’re super strict on the sanitation and we do our best to convey that message to any potential guest and our current guests,” says Soto. “But spas were already that way before. We’re already trained in infectious diseases and so we have that added layer of comfort already.”

Once the spa is open completely to the public again, you can experience a newly renovated experience such as new floors, featured walls, couple suites, and jacuzzi rooms. “Basically, our goal of re-opening is to take the luxury five-star experience at a hotel, and then incorporate that into a local day spa,” says Soto.