July 1, 2008

La Choza Day Spa celebrates fourth birthday with new services

La Choza Day Spa celebrated its fourth birthday by adding new services, redecorating and renovating the salon and with a ribbon-cutting that included officials from the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

La Choza Day Spa celebrated its fourth birthday by adding new services, redecorating and renovating the salon and with a ribbon-cutting that included officials from the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Among its new items is a new lineup of teen services including the Apple Blast pedicure and Fruitie manicure, both $20 for 25 minutes. There also is a teen facial that’s specifically designed for younger skin needs. The facial is deep cleaning but gentle with anti-bacterial extracts and a medicated mask. The facial comes with at-home care tips to minimize problem skin. The price is $65 for 45 minutes. The teen facial is done in a specially decorated room with butterflies and other paraphernalia specifically designed with teenagers in mind.

The teen services are run by Kirstin McCoy, owner Angelica Carr’s daughter, who used to be the receptionist at the spa. McCoy graduated from high school, studied for and received a license from the Monterrey Academy. Three others including Socorro Lopez, Kathy Ramos and Rosa, who all are licensed to do massages, facials and manicures and pedicures, join McCoy and Carr.

La Choza does not use foot spas for its pedicures. Instead it offers clients separate bowls of warm water to soak each foot, some containing rose petals. Bowls are thoroughly cleansed after each pedicure.

The spa has its own nail room with easy chairs for manicures and pedicures. Its massage and facial rooms are designed to ensure relaxation. It also has a new waiting room off the reception area that is quiet and offers low lighting to enhance the de-stressing experience.

Other new services include a holistic heated herbal massage during which Carr uses holistic compresses made of lavender, ginger, lemongrass and green tea, which are heated. These compresses help detoxify the body and relieve tension and improve circulation. Once the massage is over, clients can take home the compresses for use as potpourri or for bathing. This unique one-hour massage costs $120.

Another new massage is called the bamboo. It uses heated bamboo rods and aromatherapy oils to treat people with excessive neck and shoulder stress. It costs $100 for one hour. Couples can take advantage of a romance package with a massage for two complete with rose petals and candlelight and an invigorating spa pedicure for two. The nearly two-hour package is priced at $250.

A spacious waiting room is between the reception area and the massage/facial rooms. Clients can de-stress in this relaxing area.

Other massages include a Pure Relaxation Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Thermal Heated stone massage, prenatal massage and reflexology for hands and feet. These run from 30 to 60 minutes and are priced from $55 to $115.

La Choza also offers a number of adult facials including a Vitamin-C skin brightening facial, ANA Glycolic facial, Rejuvenating collagen facial, pore-purifying facial and a mini and men’s facial. Except for the 30-minute mini-facial at $65, the others all are one hour and range in price from $95 to $115.

Besides make up and waxing services, the spa also has four body treatments. These include Surrender, which begins with a fully body polish that is massaged into the skin followed by warm mud and a warm water rinse. There’s a light massage that restores moisture and purifies the skin.

The Chocolate Delight body treatment starts with a full-body dry brush exfoliation. Then a chocolate scrub is rubbed over the body and then covered with a creamy chocolate mask before being wrapped into a soothing cocoon. While the body mask is working its magic, the scalp is massaged and the treatment ends with a light massage with chocolate oil. The spa also offers a salt glow and a deep cleansing back treatment. These treatments last up to one hour and range in price from $90 to $115.

Manicures and pedicures range from basic, 30 minutes for $25, to luxurious. There are four other pedicures ranging from Citrus Splash to Rejuvenating, which are 40 to 50 minutes and range in price from $35 to $50. A three-step, 50-minute Luxurious spa manicure costs $45.

Fully stocked locker rooms with showers, towels, robes and slippers are available for all customers.

La Choza also offers a range of packages including princess and bachelorette parties and is working on wedding packages. Walk-ins are welcome, but to ensure the time you choose you can always make a reservation.

There is a 15 percent-off coupon for all services in this issue of the Times. There is also a 15 percent discount on Tuesdays for services to seniors, 55 and over. Gift certificates also are available.

La Choza is located at 1451 Foxworthy Ave. at the intersection of Foxworthy and Cherry. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, phone (408) 448-0573 or visit the Web site at www.lachozadayspa.com.