Business reviews by user

You know, as a psychological researcher, nothing speaks to me like test-retest reliability. When something happens one time, it's meaningless. Twice, it's coincidence. Three times, it's a confluence.

So when I tried out the seventh different therapist at the Gendarmerie, and I can now say that my top seven experiences were at the same place, it's the type of data you simply can't ignore. It's pretty much a scientific law at that point.

Everardo; incredible. Jon; wonderful. Stuart; amazing. Juan; exceptional. Gabriel; outstanding. Javier; unbelievable. So when proprietor Topper Schroeder insisted that I try their newest acquisition, Joseph, I practically lunged onto the table. Done and done.

I must be getting jaded, cynical, and hardened. Because it took this one about 15 seconds to win me over. I'd twisted a muscle in my back a few days prior moving heavy banquet tables and, you know, not being 25 anymore. I woke up the next morning with about 75 symptom reduction. Somehow it was so therapeutic that it knocked out three fourths of my pain, yet so relaxing I almost dozed off on the table.

They can't keep hiring such talented people; I'm running out of complimentary adjectives fast.

I find myself compelled to write a fresh review of my favorite business in the entire Los Angeles area; not because my opinion has at all changed, but rather because my opinion, now more well-informed after multiple visits, is nothing if not reinforced by every successive trip. It's funny that something supposedly trivial like a good day spa could do so much to define my LA experience thus far, and yet I find myself drawn to this place for so many reasons.

My initial experiences with Gabe and Everardo were phenomenal. Between the two I've had massages, facials, and body scrubs, and without a doubt the best (and not the most expensive) I've had. More recently I've availed myself of the services of Jon Delaney, and again had such a good experience; it's starting to make me think that the owner, the ever-charming Topper Schroeder, must grab massage and aesthetician school valedictorians somewhere between their gown fittings and the stage.

Bottom line: There's no weak link in the chain. The front desk is staffed by Noel and Nancy, each of whom have great personalities and welcoming energy. Michael and Topper, two of the owners who are most often present, know everyone by name by their second visit, and treat all like guests in their

I was greeted warmly, as always. Sank into a soft brown leather lounge chair until my appointment, was offered (and accepted) a glass of wine. Everardo came to retrieve me in a bit and I did the salt scrub first. Best one I've had. Perfect balance of aggressive enough to be useful and gentle enough that I was comfortable. Rinsed off and my skin LITERALLY felt the best it ever has, in life.

Then the massage. Ditto everything positive about the scrub. Strong enough, gentle enough. Somehow in the past my massages were always Goldilocks. Too strong or too weak. He just nailed it, and while I appreciated his checking in with me several times to ensure I was comfortable, it was unnecessary because finally I've met a massage therapist who just instinctively gets it right the first time.

The facial... three-for-three. Best one I've had. Did it hurt? Hell yes, it hurt. Have you ever had one? They hurt. Man (or woman) up... you'll live. That being said, he minimized the discomfort as much as possible, and he got the job done. Afterwards, looking in the mirror, I was literally shocked at how much better my skin looked.

So... best scrub, best massage, best facial I've had. Complimentary cocktails. Charismatic, charming owner and employees.