When HotBox was first mentioned to me, I laughed so hard a little spit came out. If you ever had a boyfriend who retaliated for your chick flick choice by holding your head under the covers after Mexican food, you too might have a different definition of hot boxing.

Turns out it’s more of a private sauna experience. Or “an infrared sauna studio,” as founder Jessica Mortarotti describes it. And it’s awesome.

HotBox is in downtown LA (with easy garage parking!) and houses eight private suites – each stocked with a state-of-the-art infrared sauna, mood-enhancing color chromotherapy, tablet with audio/visual options (even guided meditation!), and vitamin C rain shower.

The technology used in infrared saunas is said to support better wellness from the inside out. Each 45-minute sweat helps cleanse your pores, improve radiance, smooth fine lines, and create healthier cells. It also boosts your heart rate (burns up to 600 calories!) and human growth hormone (HGH) levels –crucial to breaking down fat and building muscle.

Building up this kind of sweat and raising your body temperature can help reset your circadian rhythm—enabling a deeper and more rejuvenating sleep.

All enough to pique my interest.

But learning that infrared heat boosts dopamine & serotonin levels, while also reducing cortisol (yes please.) got me to book an appointment.

Full transparency, it’s not inexpensive. Having said that, taking an hour to unplug from the world and come away feeling healthier, calmer, and a touch more radiant makes the price seem pretty reasonable.

I recommend treating yourself to a HotBox session (or three!) asap. Or you could be that cool friend who thinks to give one as a gift. We like that friend.

xo

• 835 S. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90014 | 213.628.3221