As I’m not the most seasoned spa-goer in the world, I’ve yet to figure out whether or not to go nude or to rock a bathing suit.
Burke Williams Entrance Sign in Torrance
Just to be safe, I packed my bathing suit with me last Sunday to visit Burke Williams in Torrance. Burke Williams is a chain of high-end day spas with locations up and down the California coast. They offer the usual goodies from massages to facials to mani/pedis on top of an amazing spa room. There’s an extra steam-y steam room, a sizzling hot sauna, a large hot tub with extra strong jet blasts, and even a mist room to cool off after soaking in the hot tub. Oh, there’s also a relaxing quiet room to nap in!
Jacuzzi pool in Burke Williams Torrance. Image source: burkewilliamsspa.com
Burke Williams’ philosophy is to provide an elegant, nurturing, safe haven from the stresses of everyday living – to bring guests “beyond the spa.” Bill Armour founded Burke Williams in Brentwood, California in 1984 and coined the expression “day spa” by the mid-eighties. – according to its press release.
What tipped Burke Williams over the top for me was the vanity room – it’s stocked with everything you need to glam up for a night out. There are H2V skincare products, Burke Williams own skincare brand, an entire range of hair care products, plus blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons so you won’t have to bring your own!
Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash Provided
When I went this Sunday, I originally had my bathing suit on. I took it off in the steam room since it was so steam-y, you couldn’t even see your own boobs, nevertheless worry about someone else seeing your boobs. I wanted to keep everything off when I got out but it just got too weird with 7 other girls standing right by door.
Good thing I decided to put my bathing suit on, too! As luck would have it, I ran into an old college friend that I haven’t seen in 7+ years!
IMAGINE IF I HAD STILL BE NAKED! COMPLETELY NAKED!!!!
“Heyyyy April*, how are you??”
“Uhh… I’m.. uh.. good.. uhh.. surprised to see you… all.. of.. you, Gloria.”
Luckily that exchange didn’t happen! So what if this particular friend is now an OB-GYN! She’s not my doctor – she does not need to see all of me!
So what’s the overall lesson? Although you don’t need to pack your entire bathroom counter, you do need to pack a swimming suit when going to the spa. You never know who you’ll see. If it gets too hot, opt for a bikini.
Obligatory self-portrait after a relaxing afternoon in front of Burke Williams Torrance.
*Name changed
**Disclaimer: I received a 3 day spa pass from a previous Burke Williams event.
