VACATION FOR A DAY
Rekindle Your Spirit... Pamper Your Body  & Escape to A Spa
By Ann Nelson

Are you ready for relaxation and revitalization, but can only get away for a few hours, or a day?  I have   an exciting idea you may want to consider. Replenish your energy and escape to a spa!  You may only need to drive a few miles to transport yourself into another world. No overnight expenses, no restaurant bills.

Chances are, no matter where you live, there is a spa near you. Check out the web, or the yellow pages. Do a little bit of homework. Then, sit back, relax and let the day take you away. You deserve to enjoy a few hours of pure bliss.
Following is a list of Southern California spa ideas, including brief descriptions, prices and specials. If your treatment is scheduled for one hour, you might want to check and see if you can spend the entire day enjoying the other amenities offered at the spa. Don’t just go for an hour, go for the day!


LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Where: The Spa at the Beverly Wilshire
About the Spa: The spa is designed around a curved water wall embracing a majestic amethyst crystal geode. The intention of this design is to create total relaxation for the body and soul.
Treatment: “Vacation” at Beverly Wilshire - Includes a 60-minute spa massage, use of the pool, and use of the newly designed fitness center.
Cost: $195.00, complimentary parking for the day is included.
Treatment: “Practical Relief Package” — Includes a 30-minute massage, unlimited time in the Aromatherapy Crystal Steam Room, Experience Shower, Ice Fountain, fitness center, pool, and Tranquility Lounge. Also includes a 20-minute body exfoliation, a private health assessment and nutrition consultation with a Beverly Wilshire personal trainer.
End the day with a 30-minute facial, followed by an in-store (located one block from the spa) make-up application and consultation with Barneys New York Resident Make-up Artist, Patrick Foley.
Cost: $250.00
Call: (310) 275-5200, or www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire

Where: Olympic Day Spa
About the spa: The treatments offered are natural and pure. “We believe in harnessing the natural human energy and transferring this “QUI” (energy) to you through our authentic eastern treatments.”
Treatment: The Goddess Signature Darphin Body Treatment - This two hour treatment includes a full body Korean Scrub to exfoliate the skin, and an aromatic seaweed body shampoo. This is followed by an aromatherapy massage, and oil scalp massage.  
The treatment continues with a face massage and a mask to tighten the pores. This is followed with an aromatherapy hair shampoo and rinse. Lastly, a body emulsion is applied to hydrate and moisturize your skin.
Cost: $130.00
Call: (323) 857-0666, or www.olympicspala.com

Where: Spa Xanadu
About the Spa: Voted “Top Ten Spa in L.A.” by Spa Living Magazine.
Treatment: Xanadu offers an endless list of treatment options, including all types of massages, foot reflexology, acupressure, cellulite treatments and much more. A “Sensory Fusion Package” is designed to enrich your spa day with the ancient wisdom and herbal healing tradition of the Far East.
Cost: $170 for a 2-hour treatment. Twelve passes for use of the spa facilities are available for $200. An optional lunch may be purchased for $20.
Call: (626) 821-0687, or www.spaxanadu.com


ORANGE COUNTY
Where: The Spa at Laguna Cliffs
About the Spa: The ocean-side setting serves as the inspiration behind the nature based-holistic approach treatments. A state-of-the-art fitness center and numerous exercise classes are offered at the spa.
Treatment: “The Signature Orange Massage” is custom tailored to spotlight the talents of your therapist. The soothing scents of Orange Blossoms fill the air to make this experience extra special.
Cost: 50 minutes — $145 or 80 minutes — $195.
Call: (949) 487-7576, or www.lagunacliffspa.com

Where: Athena Day Spa
About the Spa: Customized treatments and therapeutic massages are offered at this beach front spa.
Treatment: Hot Stone Therapy Melt Away
Cost: $120 for 60-minutes, or $190 for 90-minutes.
You may add on any of the below spa therapies to the services of your choice:
Aromatherapy Foot Paraffin - $20, Aromatherapy Hand Paraffin - $20, Healing Scalp Treatment - $40
Call: (949) 376-7919, or www.athenadayspa.net

Where: Marciena Day Med Spa & Retreat
About the Spa: All tailored programs have been specifically created for the body, skin and state of mind.
Treatment: The two hour and twenty-five minute “Relax & Renew Treatment” begins with exfoliating your body with a fruit, chocolate and sugar scrub while enjoying the warm waters of the Vichy showers. Followed with time in the Aromatherapy steam room, and a Swedish massage.
Cost: $255
Call: (949) 497-5414, or www.ymspa.com


SAN DIEGO COUNTY  
Where: The Spa at the Rancho Bernardo Inn
About the Spa: Experience your treatments in an outdoor garden oasis in a temperature-controlled treatment casita.   Conde Nast Traveler recognized the inn as “the number one resort spa in the United States” in its April 2008 issue.  After a treatment, guests can cool off in a 2,500-square foot Aragon Pool and Hydro Spa, surrounded by trees and cabanas.
Treatment: Fall Spa and Lunch Treatment: Includes a 50-minute massage or facial, hand treatment, use of the spa pool and fitness center. Includes a delicious and healthy spa lunch.
Cost: $140.00 (Monday-Thursday), $175.00 (Friday-Saturday)
Call: (800) 935-2392, or visit www.ranchobernardoinn.com

Where: The Spa at the Hotel Del Coronado  
About the Spa: Guests unwind at the Spa’s expansive private terrace with a fire pit and vanishing-edge pool overlooking the Windsor Lawn and the Pacific Ocean. Travel + Leisure magazine recently named the Spa at The Del “one of the Top 20 Hotel Spas in the world.” Yoga, meditation classes and Pilates are also available at the outdoor relaxation terrace.
Treatment: $99.00 Wednesdays — Includes a massage, facial, exfoliation or wrap. Enjoy the oceanside outdoor terrace and vanishing-edge pool for the rest of the day.
Cost: $99.00
Call: (619) 435-6611, or visit www.hoteldel.com

Where: Spa Tiki
About the Spa: This South Seas-inspired spa was designed to replicate the relaxing and exotic world of the tropical South Sea Islands. Located in the exclusive Harbor Club in downtown San Diego, the spa is infused with fresh tropical plants, flowers and island music. The treatments, which are inspired by ancient island customs, use tropical oils, flower extracts, sea minerals, spices and plant extracts.
Treatment: Body wraps, scrubs, soaks, and cellulite treatments are inspired by the ancient healing traditions of the South Pacific. The 50-minute Tiki-Lada Hydrating Coconut Wrap is one of the specialties offered.
Cost: $125 for the 50-minute treatment - When five treatments are purchased, the sixth is free.
Call: (619) 231-4363, or visit www.spatiki.com
Spa specials are updated on a regular basis, and may not be offered at the time of this printing. Please contact spa directly for up to date information.

Ann Nelson is a freelance writer residing in San Diego, CA.