Escape to Elle Bella Spa

Sometimes I am able to do a spa day and relax and enjoy the amenities of a full spa, but sometimes I like the benefits of a good spa treatment in a short amount of time. Le Le Truong, owner of in La Crescenta, provides exactly this: great services in a short amount of time.

Truong is a classic rags-to-riches American story of entrepreneurship. She said she fled Vietnam as one of the boat people in the 1970's and worked for over ten years in the tobacco fields in Italy. Eventually she was able to make it to America with her family and began looking for a job to provide for her children. Her mother had taught her how to do massages, so she decided to become a masseuse.

Truong went to school, studied and began working at spas. Her goal was to have a full-service day spa. This dream became a reality as she opened the doors to Elle Bella Spa over three years ago, specializing in massages, facials, nails, waxing and threading.

Growing up in an Eastern medicine environment, Truong learned several massage techniques that focus on acupressure and reflexology. She jokes that some of her clients call it "Chinese torture massages," but says that they always feel better afterwards because she is able to alleviate pain. Each massage is custom-tailored to each client and she uses hot stones and aromatherapy that help clients relax, improve circulation, and alleviate neck and back pain.

Facials are also customized, depending on what clients needs are. Featuring Dermalogia products, Truong does deep cleansing facials that include a pore vacuum. All facials include hot stones and a shoulder, arm and hand massage.

Waxing and threading are also popular skin treatments. "I learned threading from my mother," says Truong, "this is very old fashioned and is good for people with sensitive skin."

Manicures and pedicures are the most common services at Elle Bella Spa.  Four massage and whirlpool chairs add to the whole pampering process. The pedicures come with hot stone massages and a lavender sea salt scrub. Acrylic nails are no longer offered at this spa, but gel nails are. It is an easy switch to make if you already have acrylics.

Elle Bella offers incredible coupons and great discounts for new and existing customers. Students with an ID card can enjoy a ten percent discount. Truong also hosts private parties and events and has early morning and late night hours to accommodate busy schedules.

Elle Bella Spa is located at 2946 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta. Visit their website.