What is Better than Breakfast in Bed?

Interesting question, since I don’t really care for breakfast in bed, but I found a wonderful alternative and something that I do like. And… the best part is that is right here in Ocean Beach.

Curious? Let me give you a few more hints. The “hidden place” is located on Santa Monica Blvd., just west of the Apple Tree Market. It is between Cable and Bacon, located on the south side of the street. There you can be pampered, fed, even “bathed” if you are interested.

Recently three friends and I entered the portals of this place. We were met by Ashley who immediately showed us into a darkened room, soothing music playing, and had us take a seat. She asked if any of us had been there before – three of us had been – the fourth was given some forms to complete, and before we knew it Ashley had brought us four mimosas, four miniature chocolate éclairs and a small bunch of grapes. The mood was set for us old broads.

After enjoying the repast, four technicians (all women this time, but I have had a male tech once) were brought into the room and they introduced themselves. They asked what we wanted from the day, and we told them. (Now we knew what they were “selling” – so our answers were already on the tips of our tongues.)

We were brought into another darkened room, again there was smoothing music being played and there were four beds in the room with baskets for our things on top of the bed. You see – we were at the “Hidden Spa” and we were going to have massages and facials. Two of us had facials while the other two had massages. They could have gone on all day, because they were wonderful technicians. After the prescribed length of time, they women left the room so that they could take a break and get ready for the “shift”. By the time the four of us had our massages and facials, we were ready to spend the night! But…our “spa package” included a box lunch from SHADES – my favorite restaurant in Ocean Beach. We chose what we wanted from an abbreviated menu but everything offered is on the regular “Shades” menu (it included our choice of either soup or salad, and sandwiches). We all chose soup with our sandwiches, and it was served to us piping hot!

Jill Pomi, owner of the Hidden Spa in Ocean Beach

So who owns the Hidden Spa? Well, if you listen to Jill Pomi, she says that “ . . . the business is not hers. It belongs to the clients.” She wants it to be “tailored to what the people want. It is really a safe haven – a place where the client is catered to and feels welcome.”

She has been in Ocean Beach since 1998 and employs 6 full time employees and has about twenty full-time “Independent Contractors.” Her background is varied – she received her Esthetic license in 2000. She has done professional make-up work; she started an Esthetic program at a Vocational school in San Diego. Her plans for the future are to open another business, going back to school, etc. For now she wants to make sure that each of her clients feel that what they are “buying” is “priceless, extremely rare, and truly genuine”. Not a bad objective for a 30 year old entrepreneur!

The Hidden Spa is located at4969 Santa Monica Ave.,  The offerings are many and varied. I normally don’t like facials, but I have had two at the Spa and will have a third one soon. They are fantastic. Jill also offers a “couples massage” that sounds both romantic and relaxing. The “Spa Party” that the widows and I had was a great bonding experience.

So… rather than get crumbs in your bed, give the Spa a try. You will be happy you did!