Yahoo Finance 8 Relaxing Spas in San Diego - Locals' Picks
After a long flight or a full day of sightseeing, nothing beats a day at the spa. San Diego is a haven for full-service spas that cater to visitors who seek to nurture their health or simply unwind. In addition to the traditional offerings of massages and facials, these spas also offer breathtaking views, tranquil grounds and additional amenities like yoga classes, meditation spaces and fitness center access. You can be sure you'll find the treatment, ambiance and overall experience that you seek. Here are eight spas that are worth visiting.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Local experts highly recommend the spa at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa for the ultimate in relaxation. Cathy Gomez, head concierge at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, says, "This retreat offers a day pass to enjoy pools, Jacuzzis, cafe and Chopra Center." The Chopra Center, cofounded by holistic medicine advocate and physician Deepak Chopra, is a tranquil place for meditation and yoga. Retreats and workshops are hosted here.
Robert Marks, head concierge at the Omni San Diego Hotel, says, "It can be an all-inclusive experience, where you can stay at the resort and experience an entire week at the spa." The spa offers organic ingredients and sustainable products. Try one of the signature Bellinis while lounging alongside the private spa courtyard pool.
Located in Carlsbad, California, the Omni La Costa Spa is open Sunday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday until 7 p.m., though hours are subject to change. The day pass costs $65.
[Read: 6 Great Places to Shop in San Diego.]
The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
For luxury, local experts say to visit the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The hotel's Renaissance-style spa offers an extensive list of treatments and a custom organic product line, complimentary access to the adults-only relaxation pool, wet and dry saunas, indoor whirlpools and a fitness center with classes. It also has a private women's lounge with a fireplace, a men's lounge with a large flat-screen TV and a co-ed outdoor lounge.
Located in Del Mar, the spa at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, with appointments ending 75 minutes before closing. The spa is open until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The spa access fee is $40 per day if no other treatment is scheduled.
The Spa at Estancia La Jolla
Local experts like Edna Gutierrez, public relations manager at the San Diego Tourism Authority, say the spa at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel is a hidden gem. The relaxation and wellness-focused spa uses primarily organic products and offers massages, facials, waxing and nail services. Every treatment includes access to the resort pool, saline whirlpools, eucalyptus steam room, meditation garden and relaxation areas. This spa also offers maternity massages and private yoga sessions.
The Spa at Estancia La Jolla is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
The Spa at Rancho Valencia
Nestled in the midst of olive groves and lush gardens, the spa at the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa offers an oasis to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit, and uses eco-friendly products in its treatments. Gomez says, "It's a Hacienda-style spa, which gives off a very relaxing feel with luxurious amenities." The spa also offers wellness retreats that focus on stress and balance, nutrition and toxicity, and sleep and respite. Justin Robbins, head concierge at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, also notes that this spa is known to attract celebrities.
Located in the upscale city of Rancho Santa Fe, about 30 miles north of downtown, the spa's facilities are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Spa services are offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The fitness center is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
[Read: The 5 Most Beautiful Parks in San Diego.]
Iconic, A Marilyn Monroe Spa
Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Iconic is branded as a fun, but elegant, spa. Gomez says, "This spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments and pool access to let the relaxation continue." The menu of options includes a variety of massages and revitalizing facials, manicures and pedicures, hair styling, makeup and waxing services.
Located downtown inside the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel and overlooking San Diego Bay, this spa is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It offers $10 day passes for hotel guests and $25 passes for locals, which includes access to the wet sauna, relaxation room, showers, and adults-only rooftop pool and hot tub.
The Spa at Torrey Pines
The Spa at Torrey Pines' feng shui-minded design was inspired by the Torrey Pines State Reserve and the Pacific Ocean. The spa, which Marks calls "beautifully appointed," includes a relaxation room with a fireplace, dry saunas, herbal-infused steam rooms and aromatherapy inhalation rooms. The Coastal Sage Scrub, the spa's signature treatment, taps into sage's purifying and detoxifying properties with herbs found in the nearby reserve. Visitors also can take yoga classes and go on guided nature walks through the reserve.
The spa, located at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Day passes for the spa are complimentary for hotel guests and cost $45 for nonguests.
Rock Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
The Rock Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is the place to go to channel your inner rock star. Here, you can re-energize and rejuvenate before or after a big night out. The spa's signature massage starts with a chakra balancing and energy alignment ritual and incorporates Swedish, acupressure and Thai techniques. This spa has men's and women's steam rooms and a peaceful lounge where you can enjoy herbal tea and healthy snacks. All spa treatments include access to the hotel fitness room.
Located downtown, Rock Spa is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday until 6 p.m. The spa offers a $30 facilities day pass for nonhotel guests that provides access to the steam room, locker amenities and pool.
[Read: The Best Things to Do in San Diego.]
Sente Bella MedSpa
For a comprehensive spa experience, consider Sente Bella. This medical spa, branded as chic and intimate, serves a host of beauty and relaxation needs. Here, you can get Botox, a manicure, a massage or laser hair removal, as well as facial and chemical peels meant to control blemishes or fight signs of aging.
Located downtown, Sente Bella MedSpa is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To experience more of what San Diego has to offer, check out the U.S. News Travel guide.
More From US News & World Report
