April 3, 2007

The Lion’s Den

El Leon Bodywork Center

It’s a jungle out there. Just ask the man monkey-grunting over lunch or the crazy bird who tried to peck your eyes out over a parking space.

Retreat to El León, a little candle-lit, hacienda-inspired hideaway from the folks behind The Raven.

Building on their Thai massage concept, the new bodywork center has six curtained-off areas with fluffy pillows and thick, custom-made futons. New to their repertoire: Hawaiian hot stone, lomi lomi, and shiatsu/deep tissue, which you can have done in the traditional private room or the plush indoor tent.

Keep the R&R coming with an organic ayurvedic facial on an antique Moroccan daybed. Or step into the hammam (Turkish bath), where you can get massaged, scrubbed, and have a tea soak in a 500-year-old Byzantine recipe of herbs and botanicals.

That’ll ensure the lion sleeps tonight.

El León Bodywork Center, 8217 Beverly Boulevard, between Harper and La Jolla Avenues, Mid-City West (323-782-9582).