Meet Laura | Hot Stone Massage in Santa Barbara | Le Rêve

Meet Laura, Hot Stone Massage Specialist at Le Rêve Organic Spa in Santa Barbara

Plenty of massage therapists pick up hot stone work in a weekend class. Laura teaches it. She has spent more than twenty years in massage therapy, and along with seeing guests at Le Rêve, she trains massage students in the art and technique of hot stone therapy.

Twenty years in, and still learning

Laura graduated from a 1,000-hour massage therapy program and went on to become an instructor of massage therapy herself. She never stopped adding to her training. Over the years she has studied Swedish and deep tissue massage, prenatal and postnatal massage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial techniques, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, acupressure, cupping, compressions and Reiki. That range of modalities matters on the table. If one approach isn’t getting through to a tight spot, she has plenty of other massage modalities to reach for.

Why hot stone massage became her specialty

With hot stone massage, heat does part of the work. Warm, smooth stones loosen muscle before the hands get there, so tension lets go without the heavy pressure some people dread. It’s a good choice if you carry a lot of tightness, but don’t love deep tissue work, or if you simply want the most relaxing hour of your month.

Hot stone work is also easy to do badly. Placement, timing and heat all have to be right. Laura teaches this technique to other therapists, which means you’re getting it from the person who shows everyone else how it’s done.

How Laura works

Laura doesn’t run the same routine on every guest. She listens to what you tell her and to what your body is telling her, and she adjusts the session to what you need that day. Some days that’s focused work on a sore back. Other days it’s help coming down from a stressful week. Whatever brings you in, her goal stays the same: you should leave feeling better than when you arrived. After two decades, she still finds the work rewarding. Watching a client’s pain ease or seeing someone get off the table looking restored is what keeps her doing it.

About Le Rêve

Le Rêve Organic Spa & Boutique has been a locally owned part of downtown Santa Barbara for 27 years, and it’s the only Green Certified spa in town. Every oil and lotion we use is organic. Owner Bridgette O’Neill is a chemist and entrepreneur, and she holds each product to her own standards before it goes on a shelf or on a client. We’re glad to have Laura on our team.

Book a session with Laura

You can book Laura through the Book Now button on our website, or call us at (805) 564-2977 to book with a Le Rêve spa coordinator. We’re at 21 W. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, right off State Street downtown. Guests come to us from Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria and Summerland, and we’re an easy drive from all of them.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Laura at Le Rêve?
Laura is a massage therapist at Le Rêve Organic Spa & Boutique in Santa Barbara with more than twenty years of experience. She has worked with Le Reve Spa since before the pandemic. Hot Stone Massage Therapy is her specialty, and she teaches hot stone therapy to massage students.

What is hot stone massage?
Hot stone massage uses warmed, smooth stones along with hand work to relax muscles. The heat helps tight areas release, so the massage can feel deep without a lot of pressure.

How much experience does Laura have?
More than twenty years. She graduated from a 1,000-hour massage therapy program and is also an instructor of massage therapy.

What other types of massage does Laura offer?
Along with hot stone, Laura is trained in Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal and postnatal massage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial techniques, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, acupressure, cupping, compressions and Reiki.

How do I book a massage with Laura?
Laura is available 5 days a week at Le Reve Organic Spa & Boutique. Book online through the Book Now button on le-reve.com or call (805) 564-2977 to book with a Le Rêve spa coordinator.

Does Le Rêve see guests from Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria and Summerland?
Yes. We’re in downtown Santa Barbara at 21 W. Gutierrez St., a short drive from all four towns, and many of our massage guests come from there.