My wife and I visited Voda Spa this past weekend while visiting from Portland, OR for her birthday. It had been recommended to us by a friend who lives in LA. I have not spent much time in spas, and wasn't really sure what to expect. Fortunately, I was put at ease immediately. After checking in, staff showed us to our lockers and gave us the low-down. We spent some time in the common pool/hot tub area soaking and making forays into the various steam and dry sauna rooms. There was even a separate TV room for keeping an eye on the football score - a much-appreciated touch. The atmosphere was very casual and relaxed. My wife and I enjoyed the co-ed nature so that we could be together and talk while we soaked. HOWEVER, the most amazing part of the experience was the ""Venik and Platza."" This is the ""massage"" performed in a super-hot sauna where you are vigorously massaged (I had imagined getting whipped, that's really not what it is) by branches of various types. You then plunge into a cold pool to finish it off. Relaxing in the warm pool after, the feeling is amazing. The staff came out after and explained the science behind the process - fascinating. Despite the fact that my wife and I were both pretty exhausted going in, we emerged completely re-vitalized. A nice shot of vodka in the bar afterwards (including more TVs with the game on) was just the perfect thing to finish it all off. The entire staff - from the masseuse to the bar tender - were all impeccably professional and friendly. An amazing experience and the highlight of our trip to LA. Highly recommended.
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