As I walked down Hill Street in Downtown Los Angeles I noticed signage advertising a place called Hot Box. “Is this a new weed dispensary? Isn’t that what the term means?” I pulled out my phone, turned off my “Miss Carter” playlist to consult the all-knowing technological Gods. Was this a hallucination or potential side effect of Dayquil? I couldn’t be sure as I was battling a sinus infection from hell coupled with a fever. Sure enough, Urban Dictionary confirmed my suspicion, “A hotbox is an air-tight room… that contains one or more pot-smokers.” Hmm, I need to check this place out I thought. In spite of the illness that clouded my vision, I noticed a number of enticing raindrops in geometric shapes covering the glass façade.
Entry of Hot Box
I pulled open the doors expecting to be met by a cloud of smoke. “Welcome to Hot Box. Do you have an appointment?” a kind voice greeted me behind a gleaming white counter that seemed torn out of a sci fi movie. “God, is that you?” I thought. I quickly scanned the entryway and noticed the shiny products flanking both sides of the well merchandised space. Moisturizer, face masks, t-shirts, and shower heads, oh my… carefully arranged on the minimal shelving surrounded me. I felt like the room of self-care was closing in. The calming potted plants, the polished concrete floor, and the towering exposed ceiling wasn’t what I had expected. “I actually have never been here before,” I replied. “Welcome to our spa! We are an Infrared Sauna Studio developed by the Japanese. We are running a special if this is your first visit: $35 for one hour in one of the saunas. Would you like to see?” the employee said without a breath and a smile plastered across her face. How in the world could I say no? Despite my head cold (and lack of self-control) I nodded and followed her through the space. The tour was a blur, not because of the guide, but because I was overwhelmed by the colorful lights and technology... and perhaps the Dayquil too. Apparently infrared saunas began in Japan in the 1960’s when a doctor prescribed the treatment for a patient and then it became available to the public a few years later. Every feature of the spa sounded even more exciting than the last! Chromotherapy? Say, what?! Reduce wrinkles? Hell yes! Introductory pricing for first timers?! SOLD. What better way to “Treat yo self”, I thought. This would cure my cold, or so I convinced myself.
After mindlessly swiping my credit card, and purchasing a liter of water, I was escorted to the sauna and the sequence was explained. I was debriefed but I don’t remember much of the explanation aside from the choice of colored LED lights and the tablet connected to Spotify. I selected green and blue as my Chromotherapy --- (simply because I like the two colors) and was left alone. I quickly disrobed and showered in the divine water from the specialty shower. I used a healthy dose of products that were no doubt the elixir my sick body needed. I dried off and wrapped myself with what I thought must be the most comfortable towel ever created and stepped inside the sauna. I turned on Beyoncé radio and was disappointed to find out ‘Lemonade’ still wasn’t available on Spotify but chose the station anyway. The sauna room was wrapped in cedar aside from the glass door connecting to the private space.
Hot Box Merchandise
|
“Baby, I can see your halo,” Beyoncé and I sang together as the sweat began to bead up all over my skin. I unabashedly sang as I was sure the room was soundproof, like my own personal recording studio… with good lighting too. I attempted a few dance moves before realizing that probably wasn’t smart considering my light fever, enclosed space, and rising temperature. I sat down and drank more water. “Got me lookin’ so crazy in love,” I sang and then looked at the clock to see I was nearly out of time. By this point Jay-Z was rapping and I knew it was time to step outside. I opened the door and showered again. As I got dressed a light began flashing reminding me time was up. I slid open the exit door and returned to earth after this heavenly experience. I felt cured of my head cold and breathed in fully.
“How was ---” I was asked as I approached the front of the space. “Terrific!” I enthusiastically answered before she could finish. I asked a few questions about their products and thought it out. “What would Beyoncé buy?” I asked myself. I selected way more products than probably necessary, their selection was amazing, and carried them to the counter. As I swiped my card for a second time I had a feeling of déjà vu. I heard the door open behind me, and a voice say “hello”. I could’ve sworn it was HER. I even saw what I thought was a fog machine and flashing lights filling the room. I could feel myself turning red, either from the anticipation of seeing Sasha Fierce in the flesh, or from my low-grade fever. I turned around awkwardly and realized it wasn’t her. The fog was from my glasses and the aftereffects of the sauna. I was certain the $35 sauna cured my cold in one visit. I finished the transaction and felt drunk, on love for Hot Box… (and Beyoncé too). Hot Box 835 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90014 Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm www.hotboxsaunastudio.com |
Infrared Sauna Before
Infrared Sauna After
|
<< Prev
|
Next >>
|
|
Links |
7500 |
|