In the heart of Koreatown, a tranquil oasis awaits, begging to pamper you and your entire brood for the day. Yep, that means kiddos, too! Wi Spa offers a truly unique opportunity for families to spend a spa day together whether it’s enjoying an extensive list of spa services, cozying up in mineral saunas or simply relaxing on a nap mat in the family area.
photo credit: Wi Spa
Welcome to the JimJilbang
It’s extremely rare to find a spa that would dare welcome your rag tag group of minions, but Wi Spa believes the spa experience is even more special when it’s enjoyed by the entire family. The “jimjilbang” is the traditional, co-ed center of Korean spas. Here, Wi Spa guests can unwind together while lounging on the heated floor, or parents can take little ones into any of the five signature sauna rooms, together.
Clay, Jade or Ice?
Pick your pleasure. At a steamy 231 degrees, the Bulgama Sauna provides an intense cleansing by removing toxins and reducing muscle tension. The nearby Salt Sauna helps strengthen your respiratory and immune systems and even aids in healing skin conditions. In the Clay Sauna, you can immerse your body under layers of clay balls which stimulate the lymphatic system—just think of it as an uber healthy ball pit! The Jade Room relieves muscle tension and is even known to help with hormonal imbalance. And the piece de resistance, and most guests’ final stop at the end of the day, is the Ice Sauna which helps bring down body temperature, improves circulation and tightens the skin. (Tell kids it’s like the Ice Palace in Frozen!) Recommended usage for most saunas is 10-20 minutes, but use your best judgement on what little ones feel comfortable with, temperature wise.
photo credit: Jennifer O’Brien
If tots get antsy with all this relaxation, the kids’ zone portion of the jimjilbang is is the perfect escape. Here, rugrats can play video games, explore endless toys and treasures, conquer a pirate ship fort and slide, and read an array of colorful comic books. Parents can keep an eye on their tikes from a large monitor outside the playroom while they lounge nearby reading a good book or working from their laptops with free wi-fi. On most Friday and Saturday evenings, the spa even hosts special entertainment for kids, including magicians, bubbles and clown shows.
photo credit: Wi Spa
Services for the Small-fry Set
A great variety of services are offered on the women’s and men’s floors of the spa, respectively. Before your service, tots can enjoy the dry and steam saunas, as well as the hot and cold tubs as long as they’re accompanied by mom or dad. Most parents choose to use the body scrub towels to scrub down tikes themselves, and kiddos often love getting a special manicure, pedicure or facial as part of the overall experience.
For mom, the 90-minute “Buff and Aroma Massage” treatment is a must-do. Imagine a thorough body scrub from head to toe, aroma oil massage, cucumber face mask/collagen face mask and gentle hair washing at the end. Hello, Heaven! Afterwards, skin feels as soft as a baby’s bottom. No, really. It’s life changing.
Clean and Relaxed. Now Hungry!
When hunger strikes (and you know it will), Wi Spa features a full-service restaurant, back in the jimjilbang area, offering a wide variety of fresh Korean cuisine that tots will devour. From spicy cold noodles, ramen and Belgian waffles to fried chicken wings and unforgettable french fries, there’s something on the menu for every finicky palate.
photo credit: Jennifer O’Brien
Up on the Rooftop
For a great finale to your spa day, bring the family upstairs to Wi Spa’s stunning rooftop terrace. With gentle breezes, warm sunshine and ample lounge chair seating, it’s the perfect place to kick back, enjoy a beverage and reflect on the incredible day you shared together. (It’s also a fabulous chance to plan the next one.)
Pricing: Entrance to the spa is $25 per adult (ages 13 and up), but spa fee is waived with the purchase of any service $110 and above. Babies and Toddlers under 3 are free and kids aged 3-12 are $15. Be sure to check the Wi Spa site often for coupons and discounts on entrance fee and services.
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Parking: Free parking is available in the big lot next to the spa.
What to Wear: Leave swimsuits at home. T-shirts, shorts and towels will be provided to all guests for your stay. Wristwatch style keys will also be given upon check-in to store any valuables in the locker area.
Nearby: If your tots have any extra energy left after a long day of spa fun, Chuck E. Cheese’s is conveniently located right next door to the spa.
Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire Blvd.
Koreatown
Phone: 213-487-2700
Online: wispausa.com
Been to any other great spas around town that welcome families? If so, hit us up in the comments section below! We’d love to find more spots like this.
–Jennifer O’Brien
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