The recently opened 3,100-square-foot Surya Spa at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a sight to behold from start to finish. Working with The Kor Group, Kollin Altomare collaborated with celebrated interior designer Kelly Wearstler and internationally acclaimed Ayurvedic doctor, chef, and herbalist Martha Soffer (Surya’s founder and soul) to complete the flagship Ayurvedic spa.

The design reflects the hotel’s larger theme, an alluring mix of ancient jungle and modern art with a sense of relaxed sophistication and a down-to-earth vibe. Guests are greeted by undulating walls of handmade tile and then enveloped in the spa’s communal sitting room — a stylized version of Surya Spa’s original Pacific Palisades kitchen and the heart of a true Surya experience.

The renovation and addition includes six serene treatment rooms painted in hues that correspond to the body’s three doshas (energies), fountained patios, lounges, an intimate kitchen, private meditation room, and custom oil-making station.

A comprehensive system of health and well-being born in India over 10,000 years ago, Ayurveda covers practices such as yoga, meditation, and natural medicine, all of which work together to create balance and health in body, mind and spirit. Surya Spa guests and locals can explore and experience the value of India’s age-old wellness principles, directly from the leaders of modern Ayurveda.

Key Team Members: Zack Vourlas, Brian De Lowe & Brad Korzen – The Kor Group | Martha Soffer, Roger Soffer and Haley Nelson – Surya Spa | Aaron Guilford | Rudy Calderon | William Martin - Kollin Altomare | Angelica Soils & Minh Pham – Kelly Wearstler | Laura Boss - TWIG Concepts – spa consultant | Laura Marchland - m-e engineers | Keith Short & Carlos Arreola – Cini Little Int’l | Chris Bowsher – Lighting Design Studio LLC | Terry Fernandez & Matthew Wexler – MHPSE | Photography by The Ingalls