Manhattan Beach is one of Los Angeles’ little known treasures. This sea-side hamlet boasts quaint architecture, pristine ocean views, five-star day spas and a host of irresistible restaurants.
Shonagh Walker happened upon it during an unexpected, long layover in Los Angeles, en route to San Francisco, and couldn’t have been happier.
Sand Spa Manhattan Beach
After a 12 hour flight, three hour wait and a subsequent missed flight, I was in somewhat of a fluster. Not knowing what to do to make up the time between my next flight in 12 hours, I called a local friend. She promptly guided me to Sand Spa, located on Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach. She even made a massage booking for me, asking if I minded if a gentleman did my treatment. Um, of course! After the myriad massages I’ve experienced over the years, I always find that men have a great knack of finding the knots and kneading them into oblivion.
The CBD Massage at Sand Spa at Manhattan Beach
No, it doesn’t involve any mind-altering substances, but it sure does take you to another place! I was introduced to Justin, a beautiful young man who exuded kindness and respect. As I lay on the bed, he explained that the CBD massage is all about working the deep muscle and fascia release. It also serves as an injury treatment, pain relief, skin hydrator and of course, inducing relaxation of the highest level.
My plane-weary mind and muscles melted into the massage in seconds. I really wish I could tell you more, but I was was asleep within five minutes of Justin working his magic. I only woke when it was time to turn over, and then that was for mere seconds.
Once the massage was complete, I got dressed and felt a rumbling in my tummy. Next stop: food! I said my goodbyes and wandered along Manhattan Beach’s Highland Avenue in search of some local seafood.
Rock n Fish
Rock n Fish is just a short walk from Sand Spa. It was the perfect palace to satiate my tummy and my taste buds. I ordered the most delightful margarita, being happy hour and all. As for food, I couldn’t resist the Ahi Ahi Tuna Salad. It’s a perfect combination of sashimi seared tuna, mango, cucumber, scallion, furikake, tomato, romaine, carrot, macadamia nuts, sesame, cabbage, avocado, lime-coconut vinaigrette. By now, I was so relaxed and perfectly refreshed, I think I could have flown to San Francisco using my arms!
Back to Sand Spa
I still had a few hours to kill and was far too relaxed to shop Manhattan Beach’s eclectic shops (who am I?). So, I strolled back to Sand Spa to see if I could treat my weary self to some more spoiling. Luckily, a lovely man called Nick was available to give me a Swedish Deep Tissue Massage. Nick uses intuitive measures to vary the massage pressure, according to your needs on the particular day. I was a little more chatty by now, but again, after discussing the wonders of massage a little, I drifted right off. Needless to say, I floated out of the spa, ready to catch my ongoing flight to San Francisco.
Vegan Delights
A point of note is that Sand Spa Manhattan beach uses only vegan products. So, you are not only treating yourself, you are practising kindness to Mother Earth and the critters we share her with. I have another stop through LA on my way home. Rest assured, I’ll be revisiting Sand Spa, as well as taking time to explore and a part with some money in the eclectic shopping area of Manhattan beach. I highly recommend you do the same.
