We’ve found the best spas in California, where dramatic backdrops set the stage for serious relaxation. The Golden State has always called to those seeking escape between the rugged coastline, towering redwoods, stark desert and soaring mountains.
Jump to:
- The Spa at Rancho Valencia — Rancho Santa Fe
- The Spa at Pebble Beach — Pebble Beach
- Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte — Indian Wells
- The Spa at El Encanto — Santa Barbara
- Bernardus Lodge & Spa — Carmel Valley
- The Spa at Terranea — Rancho Palos Verdes
- The Spa at Séc-he — Palm Springs
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa — Los Angeles
This deep connection to wellness runs in the state’s bones, back to the early 1900s when visitors first flocked to its mineral-rich hot springs. Today’s spas honor that legacy while pushing the boundaries of luxury. From desert hot springs to coastal retreats, here’s our guide to the best California spa moments.
California’s Eight Best Spa Moments
These eight spa retreats showcase why California remains unrivaled in luxury wellness, setting the standard for sophisticated relaxation. Plus they’re pretty fancy, too!
1. The Spa at Rancho Valencia — Rancho Santa Fe
Surrounded by gardens and olive groves, The Spa at Rancho Valencia unfolds like a Mediterranean-inspired dream. Guests rave about the Balancing Gemstone Massage, which orchestrates an ethereal dance of energy and touch. Spa facilities include a Hydrotherapy Circuit with eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, thermal baths and tranquil outdoor areas.
2. The Spa at Pebble Beach — Pebble Beach
Set along the legendary Monterey coastline, The Spa at Pebble Beach beckons with 16 massage rooms, six facial rooms and three wet rooms. The signature Pebble Massage stands as a must-experience ritual, where warmed, smooth stones dissolve tension and transport you to deeper realms of relaxation. Guests can also find their flow in invigorating yoga sessions or surrender to serenity in the outdoor heated pool, where the mighty Pacific stretches into the abyss.
3. Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte — Indian Wells
Spa Rosa emerges from the desert landscape as an enchanting sanctuary, where eleven treatment spaces and shimmering outdoor pools create an otherworldly escape. Here, signature journeys transcend ordinary spa experiences. The Island State of Mind transports guests to tropical shores with an exotic fusion of papaya and pineapple, while the Heart & Sol Rose Quartz treatment channels ancient crystal wisdom through rhythmic bodywork.
4. The Spa at El Encanto — Santa Barbara
Overlooking the picturesque coastline of Santa Barbara, The Spa at El Encanto offers an intimate setting with seven treatment rooms. Services such as the Awaken Body Scrub, which utilizes Himalayan salt and coffee as an exfoliant, and the Couples Sound Bath Meditation highlight the spa’s dedication to natural wellness. Guests can also opt for outdoor treatments on private terraces surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for an al fresco escape.
5. Bernardus Lodge & Spa — Carmel Valley
In the heart of Carmel Valley’s rolling vineyards, Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers an enchanting refuge. Ten thoughtfully appointed treatment spaces set the stage for experiences like the Wine Country Scrub, where grape seed oil meets crystalline sugar in a dance of natural renewal. Let tension dissolve in the aromatherapy massage, its essence changing with the Central Coast’s distinctive five seasons. Between treatments, find bliss in the warming embrace of the sauna, the misty stillness of the steam room or beneath the open sky in the soaking pool, all surrounded by the beauty of wine country.
6. The Spa at Terranea — Rancho Palos Verdes
Where azure meets earth, The Spa at Terranea commands panoramic Pacific vistas from its dramatic coastal perch. Within its 25 sanctuaries of serenity, including intimate private suites, the ocean’s healing essence infuses every moment. Highlights include the Revitalizing Marine Massage, a detoxifying seaweed wrap, as well as the Terranea Signature Massage, which weaves together techniques from across the globe, creating a symphony of therapeutic touch.
7. The Spa at Séc-he — Palm Springs
Rooted in Native American wisdom, The Spa at Séc-he weaves ancestral healing arts with contemporary wellness innovation. In this sacred space, traditions come alive through transformative experiences like the Quartz Poultice Massage, performed on a warm quartz bed for deep relaxation and smudging ceremonies that promote balance and renewal. Beyond treatments, the spa’s essence flows through enriching workshops and herbal rituals, further enhancing its holistic offerings.
8. The Ritz-Carlton Spa — Los Angeles
The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers an ethereal escape from Los Angeles’ rhythmic pulse. Nine serene treatment rooms, including an intimate couples’ sanctuary, set the stage for profound relaxation. Signature experiences like the Naturally Nurtured Massage and California Organic Facial harness nature’s healing power to restore weary urbanites. Drink in sweeping city vistas from the dramatic infinity pool, or retreat to private lounges draped in luxurious textures.
Golden Glow
California’s luxury spas mirror the state’s breathtaking landscapes, from oceanfront sanctuaries to desert oases. These wellness havens blend time-honored traditions with innovative therapies, creating transformative escapes for those seeking indulgence and renewal.
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