20+ years ago during my first Beverly Hills spa experience, I ran into the change room at the Four Seasons spa in a panic because I was late (on-time). I was a whirlwind, oozing anxiety when a lovely older woman (who turned out to be a US ambassador’s wife) sat me down, looked me in the eye and said “honey, just slow down”. I mumbled excuses about being late, but she kept telling me to “slow down”. She called recception and asked for them to hold off my appt and to bring us tea so we could chat. She told me that life would pass me by if I was always in a rush and that savouring experiences would lead to more happiness than if I tried to pack in too much, in too little time. I know that I still rush around too much, but when things get too chaotic in my life, I still hear her voice in my head. “Just slow down, slow down…”.
I’ve recounted this story many times but it’s the perfect introduction to this post. That chance encounter would teach me one of my most valuable travel / life lessons. And every year I use it as my excuse to treat myself to an annual slow down day (aka my day of spoiling myself) each fall when I’m in LA.
This year, I chose the newly opened Mayboune Hotel, as they welcome spa guests to use their facilities for the entire day of a spa service. With a fitness center, mineral immersion pool plus sauna, hot tubs and steam rooms, this seemed like an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the perks of a 5* hotel.
I arrived at the hotel early and was escorted to the elevator to grant me access to the spa. After an extensive walkthrough, I went to the fitness center for a morning workout. I’ve been to a lot of hotel gyms, but this topped them all. (No photos allowed in spa/fitness area, but snuck a few in).
After my workout, I showered I went up to the rooftop to lunch. I’d read about Dante’s opening in Beverly Hills and it’s actually what led me to find the Mayboune Hotel. Dante in New York is a favourite for delicious cocktails with solid food to match so I was excited / interested to visit its new West Coast location.
Walking into the stunning rooftop restaurant with its 300°views of the Hollywood Hills, I quickly realized that this Dante is nothing like its West Village sister. The room was packed but I was able to grab a seat at the bar which is my preference when dining solo.
I had to start with a Garabaldi, the drink Dante made famous. I love the fluffiness of the orange juice that gives it an incredible mouth feel. Not wanting to feel heavy for my spa day, I ordered a green bean salad, As I ate my lunch, I watched the bartender carefully trying to create a mocktail version of one of their dessert cocktails but just when he felt he had it just right, the patron decided to cancel her order. Her loss was my gain as I got to finish my meal with a sweet sipping treat.
I went back to the spa after lunch and treated myself to 3 cycles of hot/cold/relax (a la Scandinave) I was completely ready to fully enjoy when it came time for my treatment.
To end my day of indulgence I took the opportunity of being in Beverly Hills to check out Evan Funke’s newest LA opening.
Evan Funke’s Felix in Venice has been a favorite of mine for years and while Mother Wolf in Hollywood isn’t my scene, the food was solid and I understand what the concept they are trying to execute there. When I saw the new Funke located on S Santa Monica Blvd had a no reservation rooftop patio bar with a small bites menu, it seemed like a perfect last stop for my day of indulgence.
I arrived at Funke a few minutes after their 5pm opening, but found the place already buzzing. I was seated upstairs at the beautiful rose quartz bar and relaxed into some great people watching with a delicious martini in hand. I knew I had a dinner later, but ordered the beef tartare almost as an excuse to eat the fluffy focaccia bread.
As I sat reflecting on my day, I appreciated how much joy I was feeling from just slowing down for the day and treating myself to amazing. Slowly savouring life is definitely the way to go.
Call Me a Food Lover... 