The Final San Diego Spa Information, 2023 | The Journal
The correct contact on the proper time can flip round even the worst of days. A superb spa remedy can transcend self care, into the realm of self preservation. However not all spas are created equal, so we’ve put collectively this go-to information for San Diego. All of those oases supply skin- and soul-treating therapies, although some go additional into the realm of sizzling tubs, saunas, and pool entry.
While you name, you should definitely ask what extras they provide. You deserve it, nevertheless massive you resolve to go. So get able to slather your self in seaweed and have each pore in your face squeezed. It’s pampering time.
Inns & Resorts | Retreats | Boutiques
Inns & Resorts
Rancho Valencia Spa, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Rancho Santa Fe, $$$$$
The Vibe: Extensively thought-about one of many prime resort properties within the nation, that is indulgent luxurious, hacienda type.
Renovated in 2021, the up to date spa now boasts a full-service salon (extremely beneficial), in addition to a brand new health heart along with its spruced up leisure areas and spa pool. Attempt the Marine Mineral Wrap, which sources high-quality seaweeds from Europe and requires dry brushing the physique in preparation for a heat utility of treats from the watery deep mixed with Laminaria to make your pores and skin tingle and shine. In tandem, get pleasure from an out of doors bathtub and bathe, an indulgent deal with that may be loved year-round.
Fairmont Spa & Wellness at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Carmel Valley, $$$$$
The Vibe: A profoundly peaceable, secluded Mediterranean property.
They put the grand in grandeur. There’s a three-Michelin star restaurant on the property, and the spa is its wellness equal. For a completely new face, strive the Grand Cru. Created by Dr. Burgener Switzerland (famed family-owned wellness heart run by pores and skin PhDs). The facial makes use of a gold complicated that’s a mix of chardonnay, pinot meunier, and pinot noir (grapes agency pores and skin, gold reduces irritation and redness). Then, inexperienced caviar (a long life algae used for hundreds of years in Japan) is mixed with FicuVita stem cells, peptides, and hyaluronic acid (spurs collagen, reduces DNA harm, combats wrinkles). Lastly, the specialist gently lawn-mows your face with lasers (microdermabrasion and VitaSkin ultrasound infusion).
The Spa at Harrah’s, Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Valley Heart, $$-$$$
The Vibe: A uncommon oasis in an in any other case smoke-tinged on line casino playground.
Moreover the therapies, that are high-quality, particularly contemplating the comparatively low value in contrast with comparable therapies at different space spas, the workers at The Spa at Harrah’s is actually second-to-none. Skilled (many with 10+ years below their belts), and very happy to present customized modifications and suggestions, it’s simply one of many friendliest spa experiences on the town. Of particular be aware is The Child Bump therapeutic massage, which is probably not the primary choice that involves thoughts at a on line casino spa, nevertheless it’s a calming, pregnancy-enhancing rub-down; and in addition the facials, which use natural and extremely wanted Eminence merchandise. After being handled, loosen up within the not-too-hot 100-degree salt pool.
Estancia La Jolla Resort & Spa
La Jolla, $$$$
The Vibe: A tropical escape with out the airfare.
The 7,000-square-foot spa sits amongst 10 acres of foliage and gardens close to Torrey Pines—nearly making you overlook you’re in San Diego. The spa affords the complete wellness expertise with {couples}’ remedy rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms, a heated saltwater pool, and a number of the softest and coziest robes you’ll discover within the metropolis. E-book the Estancia Glow Signature Facial which makes use of micro-current expertise, LED mild, and transdermal infusion to raise, agency, and add a youthfulness to your pores and skin. The 100-minute remedy additionally incorporates a diamond radiance collagen masks which leaves your pores and skin glowing lengthy after you permit.
Spa Alila, Alila Marea Seashore Resort
Encinitas, $$$$$
The Vibe: Eco-conscious luxurious.
The service you’ll get at Spa Alila is top-notch, from the chair-side tea service beforehand to the Chandon Champagne after, it is a spa value spending on. Come for the Enrapture Physique Renewal Ritual, the place an fragrant salt or sugar scrub is made tableside and utilized with a life-resetting contact. After a fast bathe (no cleaning soap, the oil is simply too good), with contemporary linens on the mattress, a physique butter therapeutic massage moisturizes and soothes. What a present.
The Spa at L’Auberge
Del Mar, $$$$
The Vibe: A coastal-chic oceanfront escape.
Cruise by way of the idyllic Del Mar Village to seek out L’Auberge Del Mar. This tucked-away resort was designed to emulate a personal oceanfront property. Spa L’Auberge is housed in a indifferent bungalow with a California trendy really feel and considerate facilities. (Arrive early to don your cloudlike gown and sip a pineapple mimosa within the open-air lounge). The spa menu pulls each inspiration and components from the Pacific, like marine salt crystals and purple algae. Don’t miss the Soulful Salt Stone therapeutic massage, an 80-minute indulgence that includes heat Himalayan salt stones. This Swedish-style therapeutic massage is a full-body expertise: toes and palms obtain simply as a lot care because the again and neck. E-book your remedy a number of hours earlier than sundown to benefit from the unbeatable ocean views.
The Catamaran Spa, Catamaran Resort
Pacific Seashore, $$
The Vibe: Tiki, however make it spa.
The Catamaran is a San Diego basic. Step outdoors the resort a method and you’ll see the surf. Step out the opposite aspect (the principle attraction), and its grass and the nonetheless water of the bay with boats and paddle boarders and multitudes out on their scenic strolls. After a remedy (they do full physique therapeutic massage, stone remedy, aromatherapy), dip into the modest sizzling tub and stare on the boardwalk life.
Spa Pendry
Gaslamp Quarter, $$$$$
The Vibe: Downtown loft oozing tranquility.
Tucked away within the Pendry Resort, the indoor/out of doors spa combines industrial design with lush foliage for a serene retreat in the course of Gaslamp. Arrive early to sip on Paru tea whereas the solar streams into the out of doors leisure space or head to the eucalyptus steam room to clear congestion and unwind. For a results-focused facial, the 90-minute HydraFacial contains lymphatic draining, exfoliation, and lightweight remedy, together with a neck and shoulder therapeutic massage. This facial is good earlier than particular occasions because the outcomes take impact instantly with none irritation, whereas leaving you relaxed and pampered.
Spa & Salon at The Del, Resort Del Coronado
Coronado Island, $$$$
The Vibe: Luxurious seaside retreat for vacationers and staycationers.
Getting into the coastal spa can really feel just like the ghost of Marilyn Monroe has inhabited your demeanor, making you are feeling such as you deserve the sweetness routine that made her “sizzling” when she stayed at The Del. For instance, you’re greeted with complimentary Champagne that flows all day. The newly launched Oxygenating S’mores Facial doesn’t make you wish to eat your individual face, thank goodness. As a substitute, the components include anti-inflammatory properties and stimulate cell turnover for boosted collagen manufacturing. Step outdoors to the spa pool with ocean views.
The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Bernardo Inn
Rancho Bernardo, $$$$
The Vibe: Unpretentious luxurious in a secret backyard setting.
Escaping the skin world is less complicated while you’re surrounded by 265 acres of rolling inexperienced hills. Rancho Bernardo Inn has an elevated nation membership really feel: winding paths by way of flowers and fountains, patio eating subsequent to placing greens, and Mediterranean-inspired structure. The spa creates an indoor-outdoor vibe with open-air walkways, heat wooden tones, and ample pure mild. E-book a customized facial to expertise the spa’s clear magnificence ethos in motion. Your technician will pull from an apothecary of Eminence Natural skincare merchandise to handle your pores and skin issues. Store their picks within the spa reception casita, then unwind within the saline pool shaded by cypress timber. This secluded house with golf course views is open solely to spa friends.
Spa Terre, Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Shelter Island, $$-$$$
The Vibe: Pet pleasant, lowkey on a regular basis spa.
The Kona Kai is a enjoyable but quiet resort, with trendy, approachable aesthetics. At Spa Terre, friends can select from physique indulgences with names like Therapeutic Cocoon and Kona Breeze, in addition to a broad vary of facials and massages. As soon as robed, friends await service within the Zen Den, the place delicate Enya-esque music performs from above. Assist your self to tea and loosen up whereas perusing the stack of ornamental Nicholas Sparks paperbacks. Then go for a personalised Noble Therapeutic massage with aromatherapy, a workers favourite. Afterward, benefit from the steam room, sizzling tubs (plural), and adults-only pool with cocktails from the Tiki bar. For additional enjoyable, deliver your canine for a Pawroma Remedy Therapeutic massage. Therapists practice for months to study pup-appropriate methods, and so they’ll even train you some. Everybody wins.
Sunny’s Spa and Magnificence Lounge, The Seabird Resort
Oceanside, $$$-$$$$
The Vibe: Beachy and enjoyable.
This newish oceanfront spa has grow to be all the craze for the bachelorette circuit and girlfriend getaways. The 105-minute Soul Ritual remedy contains an exfoliating physique scrub, a therapeutic wrap, and a full physique therapeutic massage with aromatherapy and a sound bathtub, plus breathwork and additional love for the scalp, palms, and toes. Different therapies value noting embody the Duo within the Suites, curated experiences for {couples}, moms and daughters, or shut buds. The Household to Be package deal pairs prenatal therapeutic massage with an oceanfront picture session. Their spare Mediterranean grotto, The Cove, invitations friends to curate particular person add-ons like foot soaks, collagen masks, or eye therapies.
Willows Resort and Spa at Viejas On line casino Resort
Alpine, $$$-$$$$
The Vibe: Calm by the on line casino.
Earlier than spending the day stress-free on the spa pool or attempting your luck on the Viejas on line casino, deal with your self to a Fireplace & Ice Signature Physique Wrap at Willows Spa. A lightweight scrub units the stage for a cooling masque produced from the succulent stonecrop adopted by a heat thermal wrap and sizzling towels. Whereas experiencing the contrasts, an acupressure therapeutic massage is utilized to toes and head earlier than the remedy is concluded with a replenishing moisturizer. Seven remedy rooms supply massages and facials whereas hair and nail stations deal with magnificence earlier than an enormous evening gaming.
Spa Ritual, Sycuan On line casino Resort
El Cajon, $$$
The Vibe: An oasis of calm awash in marble.
Within the subterranean trenches of a on line casino resort, the smooth Spa Ritual affords a jetted sizzling tub in gendered altering rooms, plus a steam room and sauna, whereas the co-ed out of doors pool and lazy river deliver the enjoyable on heat summer time days. Splurge on the “Spoil Me” package deal, an 80-minute Royal Milk & Honey Wrap with a 75 minute Oxygen facial. The wrap is the spa’s hidden gem. Friends are painted with coconut milk and honey sugar, coated with heat coconut oil, then cocooned in heat blankets whereas receiving a scalp therapeutic massage. The Oxygen facial plumps the pores and skin whereas friends obtain hand and neck massages. Tack on the Cut back sizzling stone therapeutic massage for a masters diploma in decadence.
Spa Brezza, San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Mission Bay, $$$-$$$$
The Vibe: Tasteful luxurious that’s match for a solo spa day.
The spa at San Diego Mission Bay Resort is the one one within the metropolis to deal with a heated Himalayan salt block desk that helps align your chakras and produces unfavourable ions to stability the poisonous optimistic ions emitted from digital gadgets like telephones and computer systems. A one-of-a-kind remedy, the Himalayan Salt Rejuvenating Scrub begins off at stated desk, the place you’ll meditate (or nap) for a bit after getting a scalp and foot therapeutic massage. As soon as that’s performed, you’ll relocate to a different room to loosen up your physique and thoughts with a full physique scrub and 50-minute therapeutic massage. Silky, hydrated and clean pores and skin assured.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Carlsbad, $$$-$$$$
The Vibe: The final word girlfriend’s spa getaway.
The stylish, white, 43,000-square-foot spa has 42 remedy rooms, a health-focused café, and a big pool—it appears like a resort by itself. The lads’s- and girls’s-only designated areas function lockers, a clothing-optional sizzling tub, steam room, sauna, and showers with full-sized facilities. Attempt the Detox Natural Therapeutic massage, which assists with microcirculation, fights free-radicals, and relieves swelling within the physique by way of lymphatic drainage. Utilizing mild strain and rhythmic actions, the therapeutic massage combines a full physique scrub through a handmade poultice made with unique spices and flowers.
Retreats
Rancho La Puerta
Tecate (Mexico), $$$$$
The Vibe: Charming wellness hacienda in nature.
Splendor fills the air at Rancho La Puerta, a 4,000-acre escape overflowing with gardens, pristine swimming pools, scenic mountaineering trails, nearly a dozen gyms, and different gorgeous options set beneath Mt. Kuchumaa in Tecate, Mexico. The 1940’s hacienda is barely about an hour away from downtown San Diego. Utilizing pure and historical Mexican rituals, the estancia’s three spa facilities present holistic therapies and physique therapies to launch pressure from the skin world. Attempt the Mountain Sage Scorching Stone Therapeutic massage, the place heat, clean river stones present a nurturing and therapeutic contact to alleviate tense muscle tissue and stress, easing the thoughts and physique.
Glen Ivy Scorching Springs
Corona, $$$
The Vibe: Outside aquatic oasis.
After exploring Glen Ivy’s 19 mineral swimming pools and therapeutic baths set inside gardens of tropical foliage, immerse your self in a novel California purple clay pool at ‘Membership Mud.’ First, coat your self with the nice and cozy, silky mud, then let it sink into your pores and skin inside their Wafa cave, a sort of sauna that helps the mud draw impurities out of your pores and skin. Professional tip: Put on an outdated or darkish coloured bathing go well with so as to get soiled with out worrying about stains. To make your day much more stress-free, add on a Quartz Therapeutic massage, which requires you to put on a specifically designed mattress of Gharieni quartz that ergonomically cradles you and balances your chakra whereas heat quartz sand eases away muscle pressure.
Cal-A-Vie
Vista, $$$$$
The Vibe: French countryside chateau.
Cal-a-Vie doesn’t supply day passes. If you wish to expertise the idyllic well being spa, you’ll must ebook a 3, 4, or seven evening keep. Their hottest choice is the weeklong European Bundle, which features a sampling of their finest massages, physique wraps, and facials together with limitless courses. The wellness retreat is expansive, with simply 32 suites and villas on greater than 500 acres stuffed with vineyards, mountaineering trails, and historic French-ish buildings which have been reassembled brick-by-brick. Whereas the ambiance is unmistakably Provençal, the holistic choices are extra expansive: from traditions like sound baths and acupuncture to expertise just like the Bod Pod.
Park Hyatt, Aviara
Carlsbad, $$$$
The Vibe: Renovated and refreshed.
Park Hyatt Aviara can be debuting a totally redesigned spa early this yr. The Miraval Life in Steadiness Spa at Park Hyatt Aviara is a part of the ultimate part of its resort-wide renovation, updating the 15,000-square-foot spa together with its 20 indoor and out of doors remedy rooms with specialised areas for holistic modalities comparable to hanging yoga silks for Naga Thai, a Thai-style therapeutic massage. The brand new Miraval Life in Steadiness Spa will even supply train and meditation courses, conventional spa therapies, and areas for reflection together with crystals to cleanse vitality and create mindfulness.
Golden Door
San Marcos, $$$$$
The Vibe: Extremely-luxe.
Stepping past the literal “Golden Doorways” takes friends to a peaceable hidden world that will be in any other case surprising within the San Marcos hills. A Japanese Zen backyard with historical stone lanterns and distinctive historic structure recollects temple websites in Kyoto. The sprawling resort contains swimming pools, mountaineering trails, a biointensive farm with its personal citrus timber, and chickens that lay contemporary eggs for the refreshing spa meals. A typical day contains burning 5,000 energy with individualized health regimens, in-room massages, and bespoke physique therapies. Calm down within the renovated visitor rooms and luxuriate within the glowing new bathhouse.
Boutiques
Brio Pores and skin Studio
Oceanside, $$$-$$$$
The Vibe: Cozy, glamorous, lowkey spa suite.
One among Oceanside’s magnificence secrets and techniques lies at Brio Pores and skin Studio, a lowkey but glamorous suite with two cozy rooms. The studio’s standout service, the Geneo Facial, requires a three-step routine with exfoliation, oxygenation and nourishment that leaves your pores and skin oxygenated and rejuvenized. Jamie DeNault—the studio’s founder—says
the remedy makes use of the “Bohr impact” to drive outcomes. She sums up the science behind it as “creating oxygenation within the pores and skin from the within out,” killing micro organism, and plumping and reviving the pores and skin. Decide from a listing of components together with charcoal and blue spirulina to deliver your pores and skin again to life.
Inn at Moonlight Seashore
Encinitas, $$$
The Vibe: Intimate and welcoming.
A five-suite sanctuary—and the primary on the planet to be WELL licensed by the Worldwide Nicely Constructing Institute for having excellent measures of air, water, lighting, diet, health, consolation, and thoughts—affords a listing of wellness experiences excellent for a pair’s retreat. The Nicely Beloved Us package deal is among the many hottest on website together with two 60-minute massages, a bottle of bubbles and strawberries, a charcuterie board (vegan choices out there), a meditation package with an abalone shell, palo Santo and a selenite stick, plus a flower or medicinal natural tea bathtub and different scrumptious wellness add-ons. Comfortable staycation-ing!
Angelica B Magnificence
South Park, $$
The Vibe: Boho clear magnificence in an city spa that after was the Burlingame Storage.
Your face will really feel like child pores and skin after attempting the holistic therapeutic massage facial with natural Laurel beauty merchandise. Anticipate eye luggage to vanish—critically! There are three add-on choices to the facial which can be value attempting: lymphatic drainage, gua sha (light combing with a rose quartz stone to rid unhealthy cells), and Buccal therapeutic massage (Pilates for the face to extend collagen manufacturing). There are additionally providers for lashes, forehead lamination, make-up, sugaring, and waxing. The front-of-the-house boutique affords beautiful merchandise for cosmetics, lash care, pure skincare, and sexual wellness.
Saffron & Sage
Mission Hills, $$$
The Vibe: Iconic California “holistic well being membership.”
The queen bee of San Diego’s wellness scene, Saffron and Sage’s white partitions are punctuated with black tourmaline to detract unfavourable vitality. Breathwork and motion studios are added perks. The collaboration between holistic medication, historical therapeutic practices and physique work are finest taken benefit of by reserving mixture therapies. Devotees advocate beginning with Breathwork (for alignment and emotional shedding), adopted by Acupuncture and Fireplace Cupping. Want extra decadence? Add sound remedy, guided meditations, hypnotherapy, a Thai therapeutic massage, or a lymphatic drainage facial.
Yu Spa
Convoy District, $$
The Vibe: Final Korean spa expertise with physique scrubs, saunas, and vaginal steams.
Nothing is kind of like a Korean physique scrub to take off each shred of useless pores and skin. You get a revitalizing expertise whereas laying on a desk and getting intensively exfoliated with hand mitts. Friends can go for a moist therapeutic massage within the physique scrub room or a dry therapeutic massage in a personal remedy room. Attempt the yoni, or vaginal steam, which helps the reproductive system. The day spa choice is common the place you spend hours within the tremendous hygienic dry and steam saunas, jacuzzi, chilly plunge, and three Korean sauna rooms: the ice room, Himalayan salt sauna, and medicinal purple clay room.
Woman On The Go Wellness Spa
Golden Hill, $$
The Vibe: Environment friendly, spare and comfy.
Woman on the Go brings some Anthropologie aesthetic to Golden Hill. The small store hawks skincare merchandise like Epicurean, Ilike, and Yonka, all common with younger professionals with money to burn. Now that they’ve taken massages off the menu, Woman on the Go is zeroing in on what they do best-skin rejuvenation. They provide an unlimited array of facials, antioxidant wraps (like a pomegranate and goji berry pores and skin remedy positive to soften extra pressure), and even LED mild remedy for ache administration and wrinkles. Don’t miss the traditional Gua Sha remedy, a standard Chinese language medication strategy of scraping the pores and skin to advertise lymphatic drainage. Gua Sha might be added to any conventional facial. In keeping with some aestheticians, this type of lymphatic drainage is sort of nearly as good as Botox
Creature Comforts
“I’ve to go to a spa for work,” I advised my fiancée one night within the kitchen. “However excellent news, guess who else will get to come back, too?”
She smiled massive. I regarded into her limpid eyes, like two geodes softly glimmering on a therapeutic massage room altar, excited to inform her the excellent news. Then I bent down, cradling the canine’s head in my palms. “Heidi,” I stated. Our desert mutt we might picked up in Mexico and one of many nice loves of my life.
To her credit score my fiancée didn’t hit me. Nonetheless, this journal’s type information doesn’t allow the language she used.
Suffice to say she was not as thrilled as I used to be that Heidi could be getting a Pawroma Remedy Therapeutic massage at Spa Terre within the Kona Kai Resort. A great distance from being malnourished and tormented by worms and ear mites like she was after we discovered her, Heidi was now the sort of canine who received a spa remedy. Say what you’ll about luxurious pet experiences. Fortunately for Heidi this was comped.
With lavender oil within the air, she laid down in a canine mattress on the sand in a cabana on the non-public seaside on the Kona Kai. She was then skillfully rubbed and tapped to loosen up her tight muscle tissue. She thought it was play time, however ultimately, she relaxed. On the way in which dwelling, a smile on her face. She cherished it. I could not wait to inform my fiancée extra excellent news.
—Mateo Hoke
