Exhale Santa Monica

Exhale is located inside the Fairmont Hotel and street parking can be challenging sometimes, but it’s always worth it. Plan accordingly and you’ll love yourself for it!
Power Yoga with Lauren W.- Absolutely INVIGORATING. My back felt like freshly baked bread waiting to be lathered with cultured butter after her class full of heart openers, shoulder openers and lower back twists. I’ve taken her class over 5 times and love her style of teaching and her energy. Music is always upbeat and I love that I focus breath to movement to beat of the music. She always offers adjustments and I have strengthened my practice after only a few classes with her. I live in the Valley and her Friday 9:45am is worth the drive/​traffic.
Facility– Top notch! I love being able to take a shower or hang out in the sauna after class and finish detoxing. I ALWAYS take my time here and I love that there’s no rush. Easily always take two hours here (if my parking meter allows!).
Hotel Staff — From the cleaning staff to the front desk crew, everyone is always more than willing to help with a smile. I love it! This is an oasis and I understand the price tag…
I am not a member, but I always run into them in the locker room and even THEY are friendly. I definitely feel a sense of community and it’s not at all hoity-​toity, considering the cost.
A MUST if you’re in the area or if you’re looking to take that tension off your back and shoulders.

If you want a barre class with music so loud you cannot hear and instructors who stare in the mirror screaming into a mic yelling «so strong Santa Monica» this place is not for you. Exhale offers Barre classes which are the real deal. It is clear these teachers have superior training and offer corrections coming from a place of knowledge. No pulling on legs, or pushing hips down – just respect for your body and an understanding of alignment. I went to two different instructors and the classes were both excellent and different from one another-​imagine that! This place is not a barre factory and the teachers have some life experience. About 10 people in the class and lots of challenges offered if you are ready for more. I am not sure if I can go to any other studio after experiencing the high level of instruction offered at Exhale.

It was my first time at Exhale spa on 12÷28÷15. I was treating my mom to a spa afternoon for the holidays. When it was time for our treatments we were both escorted outside in the cold in our robes to a hallway of hotel rooms, this was a bit awkward. At that time they told us that the spa was undergoing renovations and that the treatments would be held in hotel rooms. At first I wasn’t going to make a fuss because I think we were both eager to relax. However, we were both disrupted during both our treatments to things like; housekeeping walking down the hallways speaking on their walkie-​talkies, guests talking in the hallways as well as other therapists speaking loudly in the hallway. It was very distracting and not relaxing. Not to mention it was weird having a massage in a random hotel room. This was not my idea of a spa experience at all especially for the price. The therapists were excellent but the experience was not good at all. It was very frustrating that no one informed me prior to my booking that the spa was undergoing construction. I booked online and nothing was mentioned on their website either. In addition I emailed Exhale twice now over the past week and I have not received a reply. I hope that someone from Exhale will reply to this Unilocal review.

TL;DR: The spa messed up our appointment times, only did half the treatment, just kept getting it wrong despite some nice people. Not a relaxing experience.
This review is just for the spa through purchasing a gift for someone. I bought a gift for my boyfriend who has never been to a spa before, much less a luxury spa. He’s a very hard-​working, humble and modest guy who never splurges on himself and I wanted him to have a truly luxurious and relaxing experience. I figured Exhale at the Fairmont would be a good place. Big mistake.
I have been to handful of great spas mainly in Los Angeles and New York, but also in many cities including Miami, London and more, mainly for massages. I’ve visited high-​end spas from Burke Williams, other moderate spas, Chinese reflexology, Korean spas downtown and thai places (just have to check a hammam off my list). I say this just to give some context, so that when I say that my experience at Exhale was one of the worst spa experiences I’ve ever had, you know it has to be pretty ridiculous.
To be fair, I’ve stopped going to high-​end spas as much in the last 3 or 4 years. After grad school, I’ve been trying to be way more budget conscious, do all the grown up things — save for a house, retirement, kids, blah, blah blah. I work hard for what I earn and I expect to get my money’s worth.
I saw a Mastercard deal, 20% off & a free mind & body class with a spa therapy. Great. I book a men’s facial and an acupuncture appointment for 12/​31, over a month in advance. The guy who helped me was great, even gave me an extra mind body class, tried to help me find better deals, etc. Fantastic. Only weird thing was they didn’t seem to know much about the acupuncture appointment, but no big deal. Thought it was fine.
2 days before the appointment I get a call from the spa, «oops, we’re closing early on ¹²⁄₃₁. Not sure why anyone would have booked this for you. Probably bc you did it online.»
Me: Um no, I booked online then came in person to someone who confirmed for me”
Reservationist: «Um ok, well we’ll give you 50% off to reschedule».
I was annoyed but appreciated the 50% off so agreed to move to Sat ½, told them my bf was off on ¹²⁄₃₁ but works other weekdays. Oh wait, the acupuncturist only comes Wed & Thurs. We can push the appointment up to 8:30a or 9:45a ¹²⁄₃₁. I said let’s do 8:30a.
Fast forward to the day before, I get an email, «confirming your acupuncture appointment for 1:30p for 12÷31». I was like whaaa? do these people know how to use their reservation system?
I’m near Santa Monica that afternoon, so I go in person. I just decide to have them cancel the acupuncture appointment and keep the Saturday ½ facial which comes with a shoulder, chest & neck massage.
Saturday, we’re running really late heading back from the appointment, I call and say we’ll be 20 mins behind, can we reschedule, will the person be there, etc. The lady was like um we have a 6.45, oh wait sorry this 1:30p is the last appointment of the day actually so you’re done. Plus we have a 4 hr cancelation policy (aka we’re going to charge you in full). At this point, I’m Iike NO. I know I’m late, but you guys have jerked me around so far, can you see if there’s anything you can do? She talks to her manager, agrees to the 6.45 appointment.
Wow so much drama for relaxation!
We get there 2 hours before. my bf is kind of nervous about the whole thing, so I ask for a tour. A super nice guy gives us a tour. My bf asks (he’s never had a facial before) do I wear a robe, disrobe, wear my own clothes or what? The guys says whatever you want is fine.
We go to fig & olive for Happy hour — the alcohol helps. And then my boyfriend goes in. Afterwards he tells, me oh she didn’t do the massage bc I had on the robe. I nearly lost my sh*t.
Apparently she said he seemed «uncomfortable bc he kept his robe on» and she didn’t mention it until the end of the massage. whaat? Every masseuse i’ve ever had asks. And your front desk person told him he could wear a robe?!
For what Exhale charges, it’s too expensive for them not to get it together. Seems like they have a communication issue, but it made the whole experience awful. Will not be going back there. One star is for 50% off, and one for rescheduling when we were running late. Otherwise, the front desk staff is hit or miss. Some are so helpful and nice, and some rude. Too expensive to not have it together.
I have to say that my experience makes me not want to come back, which is sad. Instead of walking out feeling relaxed I walked out mad, both at myself and Exhale — that I didn’t cancel this earlier.
I actually planned to book a 30 minute massage along with my boyfriend’s but so glad I didn’t. I’ve emailed the manager about the massage not being included, not sure what they will/​can do at this point, but yea, no thanks.

Yoga and a spa? What a great combination! Its double the relaxation for me when I can get a facial and do some yoga, especially after a rough day in the office. It is on the pricey side though. The place is a little outdated but overall, I’ve had a good experience. The staff is nice.

I honestly LOVE this place !!! Been going for about a year and half. I love the space and everything that comes with it. Especially the instructors. LAUREN & CrYSTAL are absolutely amazing for yoga, and barre classes. There ability to make it tough but relaxing is amazing. Jennifer is a great core barre teacher. If you are new and need help she’s especially good on technique. All of these women are amazing humans. Positive comfortable place! Love it. I even travel and try out other places. Each time I do I can’t wait to be back home at exhale:) Xoxox

Went to the Power Yoga on Monday 4pm with Kate at the Santa Monica location. Was my first time. She really rocks as an instructor and does a great job! Highly recommend!

This review is just for the spa. I have come to Exhale a handful of times over the last 5 years, mostly for facials. They helped me with my facials before my wedding and I come here every once in a while for a splurge. It’s too expensive for regular services but generally a nice treat.
Pros
— I have found the people doing the treatments very down to earth and attentive
— The products they use work well with my very sensitive skin
— Because it is in the Fairmont, it is easy to combine a treatment with a class or lunch at Fig
Cons
— For the price, I wish the facilities were a bit nicer and not shared with the pool guests. Today when I was there, little kids from the pool kept coming in to use the facilities when I was trying to relax. I left my kid at home for a reason!
— The front desk staff are hit or miss. Some are so helpful and nice, and some rude.
— Expensive given the lower cost options around
I have to say that my experience today makes me not want to come back, which is sad. I had 2 services, both which were good. Deborah gave me probably the best massage I’ve had. But instead of walking out feeling relaxed I walked out mad, both at myself and Exhale. Why? Because I was offered a peel as an upgrade during my facial. Now I’m mad at myself for not asking the price. My fault. But I was feeling relaxed and it sounded like I needed it so I said ok. I figured it would be like a $ 15 upgrade. It was maybe a 3-​minute peel. When I went to pay it was $ 50 extra!!! Again, I should have asked but that is crazy. The guy at the desk said other people have complained too. That is certainly not a way to build trust with your clients.

Came by today to just have a relaxing steam, sauna, and take a nap.
It was a wonderful day spent in bliss.
Everyone was nice from the valet, to the spa staff. Very attentive.
I can’t wait to come back soon! :-)

I look forward to coming here every Friday morning for the 7:35am Barre class with Lauren.
Exhale offers a variety of yoga & barre classes, which is SO nice considering most studios do one or the other. I love taking Lauren’s classes! She isn’t afraid to give modifications & she is really motivating.
Parking is pretty easy in the morning with plenty of street parking on Ocean Ave — sometimes I talk a walk down after class, can’t complain!
Can’t imagine starting my weekend mornings any other way!

Check out all my reviews of ClassPass LA studios at
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Class: Core Fusion Barre
Difficulty: Level 2.5
Next day soreness: 2
Duration: 60 min
Sweat Level: Moderately Sweaty
Parking: Fairmont Hotel valet (free for 2 hours with validation) or metered street parking on 2^nd right outside studio or Santa Monica lot free for 90 minutes.
Amenities: Free mat rental, towels and water
Requirements for class: Wear socks, grippy socks preferred.
First of all, the front desk staff was very careless. When I first arrived and told them it was my first time at the studio, they made no effort to show me the ropes and just told me to wait in the studio and someone will tell me what to do. When there was no instructor in the room, I came back out to ask and again the front desk said when the instructor arrived he’ll ask if someone is new. The instructor was very nice, but when he instructor arrived, I had to go up to him to tell him it was my first time, and ask him about what things I needed, towels, etc. He actually said that usually the front desk tells me about those things. When I mentioned what they said, he laughed and said how everyone was trying to place responsibility on each other.
That aside, the class itself was very similar to other barre classes like Pop Physique, Pure Barre and the Bar Method. It wasn’t quite as challenging, but it was still a decent workout. The studio, however, seemed a little dated and didn’t have the same energy level as a Pop Physique or even Pure Barre. The upside is that the location is very nice, right in the Fairmont and next to the ocean so you can easily fit in a workout before or after hanging out in Santa Monica.
Tip: To get in and out easily, there is a side entrance on 2^nd street north of Wilshire that opens right into Exhale so you don’t have to walk through the driveway and hotel to get to the studio.
Venice location is much, much better!

I’m torn on how many stars to give this fitness studio. It’s at the beautiful Fairmont in Santa Monica, but the facility feels really outdated. Additionally, the space is small and super awkward, with half the studio comprised of a long narrow hall. For the people who end up having to workout down the hall, it’s hard to see the moves while the instructor is directing up front.
For some reason the AC wasn’t on the last time I went, so the instructor propped the outside door open. While the fresh air felt nice, the air stunk like garbage because the loading dock and dumpsters for the Fairmont are just yards away outside.
On the positive is the plentiful supply of equipment for the various workouts (e.g. various types of matts and sizes of weights, Barre balls, racks and straps for strerching, etc.). Exhale also provides fresh towels and ice water.
I like the two classes I’ve done so far (Barre and cardio Barre fusion), but I only feel so-​so about the instructors. They’re very nice, but I’m not convinced they have much athletic ability or level of fitness.

Let me start by saying I have been a few times to Exhale spas and have always had a great facial. This was my second time at this location and Hillary did an excellent job. She’s incredibly professional and easy to talk to. This is the best thing I can say.
My Cons are actually in regard to the prep time. I had so much trouble figuring out the lockers that I had to go back out to the desk and ask for help. The robe I was offered was way too small and although I am a curvy girl, I’m not that large. It certainly made me feel self-​conscious. That is also a location where you are forced to walk from one building over to the therapy rooms and I ended up having to wear my pants in order to not flash anyone. I have to say this did not add to a relaxing time, even though Hillary was great and made up for it!

Recommended if you are looking for spa treatment.
I would suggest saving up those bills and getting the $ 100 spa treatment that is offered for first timers.
i would say that it is worth it!

This review is for manicure/​pedicure at the spa.
I had a credit here and thought I’d treat myself to a manicure/​pedicure before going away. I don’t know about the rest of the spa, but the manicure room is small and dingy, and the spa chairs are uncomfortable, raised wooden platforms with basins. The technician was rude and argued with me on everything from the treatment I had scheduled to the colors I chose. The website says «Cuticles are soaked and softened, then gently buffed. Hands are massaged with ginger-​infused lotion” — not true, my cuticles were butchered to the point that one finger was bleeding and I never had/​saw ginger lotion with a massage. The pedicure wasn’t much better and for the price, the whole experience was expensive and disappointing. Definitely not the spa experience I was hoping for, nor the «pampering» that they advertise.

Any class which offer bands as part of the exercise should have more than the «blue» bands. Blue used when you are at your peak fitness. The class offered no options for those trying yoga moves for the first time. Instructor gave almost no options for her challenging exercises.
As I woke the next morning feeling like I pulled a muscle in my back, i remind myself that I should check Unilocal reviews before going to class. As stated by another Unilocaler, the movements done should be in correct form or muscles can be pulled. My instructor reminded me of a rabbit quickly going from one form to another without assisting in proper form nor giving you time to collect your balance.

This review is for the Exhale Core Fusion Barre class. I had been curious to try the class for awhile and finally bit the bullet. I signed up for a class with Lauren and I let her know I was a newbie. Some of the barre moves are very new to me and I appreciate her constant correcting my form. I’m new to barre and I didn’t anticipate being so sore the next day. It’s a lot of little moves that don’t look very difficult but I was shaking and sore.
I have taken Pure Barre before and I found this class and facility to be superior to Pure Barre.
The classes are expensive, but not anymore expensive than other similar boutique fitness classes.

This review is only for the exhale core fusion classes.
I’ve tried several other barre studios (Pop Physique, Bar Method, Pure Barre) and think exhale classes and instructors are the best. Most of the instructors have been there for years whereas my Pure Barre instructors were always changing last minute or leaving the studio.
Most, if not all, of the instructors are trained dancers and focus on proper alignment, stretching, and always correct poses. I have been going for over 4 years and I still get corrected every class.
For the most part, all of the instructors are great and have different teaching styles. Favorite Instructors: Lauren, Kirstyn, Mackenzie. Also try the new barre + cardio class and boot camp. Both classes totally kick booty!
Parking is available at all the public santa monica parking lots. The closet lot is 2^nd & Wilshire. First 90 min free.
Studio has complimentary towels, thick mats, water cooler, antibacterial wipes etc.
Exhale offers deals on classes via gilt and rue la la. They offer them almost every 3 months and it ranges from $ 125 – 140 for a 10 pack. Existing clients can purchase them. Score!
With regards to the spa, I got a manicure and it wasn’t very good. She barely cut and filed my nails. I also did not like the color selection and was glad I brought my own color. It was a lot of dark and metallic colors. I’m more a essie kind of gal. Only good thing was she used a brand new file that I got to take home.

*I just wrote an essay on this place, so here’s a quick summary if you want to avoid reading all of my words: Take a Core Fusion class! If you’re rolling in money, throw in a massage! Good luck with parking.*
I first discovered Exhale a few years ago, and it was my first introduction to barre classes. And, man, did I really love it. I’ve never thought I’d enjoy having my legs shake uncontrollably, but I know I’m getting some good work in whenever they do. Since then, I have tried many barre workouts (Physique 57, Pure Barre, Dailey Method, Poise, PHYSIQA, Bar Method), and Core Fusion remains my favorite. The burn is real, the instructors keep you motivated, and this class has been the best for my flexibility.
Exhale offers an amazing variety of classes. Barre? Yes. Yoga? Yes. Cardio? Yes. Bootcamp? Yes. There’s something for everyone, and I love that I actually see guys in the classes (such a rarity at most barre places).
If it’s your first time, come early to sign your paperwork and make sure to bring socks. Sticky socks are recommended, especially for plank, chair, and second position work.
Try Core Fusion Barre or Core Fusion Yoga if you’re looking for a basic introduction to their classes. The instructors will almost always check in with you, new or not, to discuss injuries and accommodations. All of the instructors I’ve had are amazing. I recommend trying different instructors instead of sticking to the same one every time, as each instructor has their own style and it adds more variety to your workout.
Then, there’s the spa. I can really only speak on the massages. They are amazing. I’ve had massages by a few of the therapists, but my favorite so far has been by Paul Metra. That being said, this spa is EXPENSIVE. I mean, it is in Fairmont, but it is seriously pricey. If you’re on their email list, though, you get 50% off any spa treatment during the month of your birthday.
TIP: Keep an eye on Gilt City deals. They post deals for core fusion classes and spa treatments a few times a year.
Parking? It sucks. Just like parking seems to suck everywhere in Santa Monica (not helped by the fact that people in Santa Monica seem totally cool with taking up two spaces). You can fork over money for valet, or hunt down street parking. I used to just park a few blocks up on a residential street and walk down to avoid meters, to be honest.
Ask the front desk staff for a key to the locker room when you go in. The locker room is small, but functional. They keep it well stocked with hair products, blow dryers, combs/​brushes, and other items. There are two showers, two bathrooms, two lounge chairs, a dry sauna, and a steam room.
Now that I live in the area I’m a member. Here’s a quick rundown on their memberships:
–Mind Body Membership: $ 155/​month. Unlimited classes (at both the Santa Monica and Venice locations). Access to the Use of the Fairmont Miramar Fitness Center and the Loews Hollywood Hotel Fitness Center + Pool. Free valet parking for two hours. 20% off spa services. Other hotel discounts, including their restaurant.
–Spa Membership: $ 150/​month. 1 spa service a month (facial, massage, or acupuncture) + 1 mani a month + $ 50 credit a month (can be applied to another spa service or something from the store). Same perks as said above.
Mind Body AND Spa Membership: $ 285/​month.
Expensive? Yes, which is why I have to take off a star. However, it’s pretty much the same price as most barre memberships, but with some added perks.
I definitely make use of the fitness center to complement my barre workouts. I love love love the outdoor deck for using weights or just stretching. It’s better than working out down on Ocean Ave. since you get the benefit of the sun and ocean breeze, without having to deal with surprise dog poops and car exhaust.
If you’re a fan of barre or yoga workouts, I highly recommend checking out Exhale.

This review is for the the Core Fusion Barre class. I have been taking classes with Andrew and it’s great. The small boutique studio is clean and well kept. They provide all the props — yoga mats, weights, towels and even water. Side note, the class requires you to wear socks.
Each class is about 10 people. Andrew really took the time to get to know everyone’s’ name. I have seen him walk around the class introducing himself which I really liked and making adjustments throughout the class.
The workout itself is a combination of strength training with light weights, barre and yoga. I would classify the class as a low impact class and you might feel sore the next day. The class is only an hour and time always files!