spas
Don’t bother begging that box of bath salts to take you away. When it all gets to be too much, a full-service spa’s the thing to knead, polish and pamper you back into a state of well-being.
Aquablue
Located in charming Oldtown Salinas, Aquablue offers a stylish environment and “results-oriented therapies.” They know something about this; Aquablue’s Frank Savino was voted Best Massage Therapist in the Weekly’s 2006 readers poll. The spa also provides a serene relaxation room and a dry heat sauna. 229 Main St., Oldtown Salinas, 422-2500 or www.aquabluespa.com.
The Art of Massage
Do not let the name deceive! The Art of Massage offers patrons much more than massages. From Aveda rubdowns to body treatments, this spa services the entire body and spirit “ and with such confidence that it offers a guarantee of satisfaction. 498 Foam St., Monterey, 375-3299.
Beleza Skin Care
Offering advanced aesthetics in a tranquil and personalized environment, Beleza specializes in results-oriented skincare with a pampering touch. Customized facials, chemical peels, body peels, waxing and makeup artistry are available on location. Fifth and Junipero, Carmel, 624-4282.
Energia Body Centre
At Energia Body Centre you’ll have the opportunity to work up a sweat and then relax away the soreness. Besides its full weight room and personal training program, Energia offers complete spa services, from massages to wraps. 760 Del Monte Center, Monterey, 642-0222 or www.energiabodycentre.com.
Escape Day Spa
A delightful full spa experience awaits just inside the Monterey Marriott. Escape Day Spa offers customers a wide variety of unique ways to relax, from ayurvedic facials to symphony massages. At the Monterey Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, 646-2010.
Garden Spa Treatments
Located in Carmel’s historic La Playa Hotel, Garden Spa Treatments provides exceptional personal care in a tranquil setting. The spa specializes in massage, facials and reflexology, a technique based on the ancient knowledge of energy meridians that link the feet to the rest of the body. La Playa Hotel, Camino Real and Eighth, Carmel, 277-3279.
GG’s Spa and Salon
This brand new addition to Monterey offers facials, massage, pedicures, manicures, waxing and hair styling in a luxurious setting. 397 Calle Principal, Monterey, 372-0888.
Harmony Day Spa
This day spa offers a variety of quality services including facials, waxing, makeovers and massage. Its specialty, the “Bit of Both,” entails a facial, foot and hand treatment and a back and shoulder massage. Reservations can be made for private parties. 19 E. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley Village, 659-9999.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Located on Cannery Row and offering a gorgeous view of the coast, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa is an unforgettable place to unwind. Everything, from the grape seed tea bath to the sports massage, can be tailored to individuals’ or couples’ preferences. 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, 646-1701.
Pacific Day Spa
Just blocks from the beach is the Pacific Day Spa. With treatments ranging from massage to facials to body wraps, patrons can’t help but leave relaxed. 197 17th St., Pacific Grove, 333-1103 or www.pacificdayspa.com.
Spa on the Plaza
Spa on the Plaza has been voted Monterey County’s best spa by the Weekly’s readers several times. This gem at the end of historic Alvarado Street offers a wide range of services, from a full fitness center complete with personal trainer program to a variety of soothing massage techniques. 201 Alvarado St., Monterey, 647-9000 or www.spaontheplaza.com.
Soleil Hair and Body Studio
A local favorite, Soleil treats every customer like royalty, offering skin care, waxing and hair care fit for a queen. After the beautification, a relaxing therapeutic, deep tissue or Swedish massage banishes any lingering stress. The elegant setting and welcoming atmosphere hooks many Monterey County residents for life. 300 Foam St., Monterey, 656-9510.
Synergy Day Spa
Synergy Day Spa offers a variety of spa services including cosmetic peels, facials and waxing. A perennial favorite is the native stone massage, which uses warm smooth stones from the Big Sur River. 620 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, 375-9944.
The Spa at Pebble Beach
Located in the heart of Del Monte Forest, The Spa at Pebble Beach is a gorgeous 22,000-square-foot full-service spa. If choosing between the brown sugar scrub and the chocolate-and-coffee exfoliator is too much, the spa’s professional staff will step in to help. 1518 Cypress Dr., Pebble Beach, 649-7615 or www.pebblebeach.com.
Ventana Inn and Spa
Overlooking the coast of Big Sur, the Ventana Inn and Spa offers one of the most beautiful views in California. Once in the spa, customers can expect a natural spa: treatment products come from the “elements of Big Sur.” Ventana Inn, Highway 1, Big Sur, (800) 628-6500.
