If you have anything in common with me about now, it’s that your life is full of stress. From the incredibly failing economy to the holidays to balancing work and family… It’s enough to make the muscles in your back tighten and pop like guitar strings. So what do we do about this? Well, get a massage of course.

This week I was fortunate enough to try the first-class amenities at Spa InterContinental, 2151 Ave. of the Stars in Century City. Spa InterContinental is perfect for people like myself who are so incredibly busy but really do need a little pampering. Intrigued by their Executive Escapes spa menu, I decided to give them a shot. Thank goodness I did.

The Executive Escapes menu is clearly tailored to fit into any tight schedule, perfectly suited to pop-in on your lunch break for a relaxing massage or an Express Facial. I had both, lucky me. And I still made it back to my desk in under two hours: A complete spa experience in between emails.

As I readied to begin my experience at the spa, I was welcomed with a their signature aromatherapy ritual “that uses specific individual oils based on one’s special journey,” says Zully Cardona, Spa director. This greeting was performed in one of the private villas on the Spa InterContinental property. “Most of our guests love the villas because most spas don’t have this feature,” said Antoinette Cabral, lead massage therapist.

Each villa includes use of a private tub filled with a salt blend of lemongrass or cocoa and mango. Cardona notes: “It’s pretty peaceful [in the villas] since each one has it’s own amenities. It’s very intimate.”

Once inside, Cabral expertly set to work straightening out the kinks in my neck and the stress in my back and shoulders using a combination of relaxation, sports and deep tissue massage therapies, all part of the Executive Deluxe Massage package.

“All of our professionals are great at what they do,” says Cardona. “They have lengthy training and are able to recommend the appropriate products.” Cabral herself has been a massage therapist for six years, two of which at Spa InterContinental. Her training was absolutely noticed. I nearly fell asleep on three different occasions and was able to allow my mind to stop working for the full 75 minutes I was on the table. It was not nearly long enough.

I followed up my much needed massage with the Express Facial, a 30-minute facial that cleanses, exfoliates, masks and moisturizes, administered by Lucy Blanco, a five-year veteran of Spa InterContinental (formerly Park Hyatt) using Comfort Zone products, an exclusive line only used in five spas nationwide.   

The spa is catered by a full menu featuring healthy and delicious dishes that compliment the experience, should you need some sustenance.

Staff is available at Spa InterContinental between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. to accommodate all schedules. Come in for a quick manicure or pedicure, or maybe just a use their sauna or steam room.

“If you are looking for a more upscale setting at a more affordable price,” says Cardona, “Spa InterContinental is perfect.” Indeed. And not just on your lunch break either