Relax during one of these top San Diego spa staycations
For global citizens and Americans around the country, San Diego is an idyllic, I-wish-I-could-live-there! sun-soaked paradise. For those of us lucky enough to call it home, we sometimes forget to soak up the perks and vacation in our own county.
While tourist spots are aplenty, San Diego also has some of the finest resorts and spas in California. And, for those who work hard and are ready for some R&R, PACIFIC has rounded up a selection of spa-oriented staycations for pressure release.
Get ready to unplug, lie down, eat up and raise a glass to your next staycation.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Head out to this 265-acre property with three swimming pools, an award-winning full-service spa and fitness center, two restaurants, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and biking trails for a full-on luxury staycation. The Floral Infusion Package (starting at $549 per night) includes a one-night stay, floral foraging with your spa therapist in the Chef’s Garden for seasonal herbs, flowers and other ingredients to use in your custom treatment, the creation of a custom blended massage oil or lotion with your therapist, a 50-minute spa treatment, poolside lunch at the Spa Pool with a bespoke cocktail crafted with the gathered ingredients, and a custom infused lotion or oil to take home. Follow your afternoon with Sips & Stories, an inside look at wine and spirits with AVANT’s own sommelier and mixologists, at 4 p.m. each Saturday, and receive 15%-off dinner after class. Head to Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant which offers varying dinner series, such as the “Around the World” Al Fresco Dining Series, a global tour of cuisine from around the world. Stretch out the massages with a seasonal Made Fresh Daily and a range of other sumptuous treats including facials, manis and pedis, and a massage and facial package (prices range from $115-$270).
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo, 844.338.9282, ranchobernardoinn.com
The Westgate Hotel & AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club
If staying in the mix downtown is your vacay of choice, make it an extended weekend by checking in to The Westgate Hotel on a Thursday afternoon to enjoy the Sunset Poolside Jazz Series on the rooftop pool deck. Rise and shine and head to the AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club, which is adjacent to The Westgate. Incorporating organic skin care and body treatments, its holistic ethos purifies the body and restores balance. Relax with one of the seasonal spa specials like the Summer Dream, a head, neck, and shoulder massage ($85), and the 50-minute Rose, Grapefruit and Cucumber Facial ($135). Now blissed out in relaxation, mosey up to the rooftop pool deck to nosh, sip wine and bask in the San Diego sunshine.
Westgate Hotel: 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818, westgatehotel.com; AquaVie: 234 Broadway, downtown, 619.557.3663, aquaviewellness.com
Willows Hotel & Spa
Plan a staycation escape to Viejas Casino & Resort’s adult-only destination that boasts VIP suites, floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air dining with mountain views. Talk to Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant in your suite, and enjoy an in-room wellness experience with vitamin C-infused showers and products from Whish Beauty. Head down to the full-service spa, which includes a wide range of individual services and packages, such as the Lucky in Love Staycation with couples massage, facials and pedicures ($505 for two), the Friends Getaway with Body Glow treatment and pedicure ($205 for two), or even customize your own massage. The hotel also includes a salon and fitness center and a salt-water pool, with private cabanas and a full-service bar. After a day of pampering, dine at Locale Kitchen & Lounge for contemporary California cuisine or Ginger Noodle Bar for Asian fusion. Head across the street from the casino to shop at Michael Kors, Polo, and Coach. For some extra fun, play a few frames at Viejas Bowl, or enjoy an outdoor performance at the adjacent open-air concert venue.
4786 Willows Rd., Alpine, 619.659.5302, viejas.com/willows-hotel-spa-at-viejas
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Get your fitness and relaxation on at this luxury resort and Forbes ranked Five-Star spa. As one of only two spas in the country to incorporate somatotypes, (known as Elemental Wellness Therapies) into customized therapies, The Spa at Rancho Valencia offers the Sacred Nature and Aromasoul treatments for ultimate relaxation. Try the Stay & Play Spa Package, which offers a $200 spa credit per person per day. Ready to break a sweat on your staycay? Sleep like a baby after heading to the resort’s indoor-outdoor Serenity Yoga Pavilion for over 95 complimentary fitness classes a week including spin, pilates and yoga. Locals (that’s you!) get access to all of the fitness classes and discounts on spa treatments and dining when booking a spa treatment or by becoming a spa member.
5921 Valencia Cir., Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.1123, ranchovalencia.com
Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara
If you like to be a bit adventurous on your vacations, go lux with the Lagoon Paddleboard Adventure, featuring a premium Beau Lake paddleboard, expert instructor, fresh-pressed juices and chilled towels, then continue your staycay at Driftwood Spa and dinner at Seasons Restaurant. Grab the gals for a private SPArty, an intimate experience groups (minimum of three) can indulge in by buying out the Driftwood Spa with a package that includes three 25-minute treatments per person, including one massage, one facial and manicure or pedicure, along with a complimentary bottle of champagne and nibbles.
7210 Blue Heron Pl., Carlsbad, 800.622.4269, fourseasons.com/northsandiego
The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
North County locals can relax and rejuvenate staycation style at the Ocean Pearl Spa. Utilizing organic products and marine-based botanicals the spa includes a eucalyptus steam room, fitness center, heated pool, and Jacuzzi. Look for seasonally rotating deals such as the Local’s Escape package*, with a spa treatment choice of a Vita-C Drench Facial, Tailor Made Massage, Ocean Pearl Manicure or Marine Mint Pedicure, lunch from 20|Twenty Grill, and all-day access to the resort and spa ($150-$200). Any San Diegan can enjoy the Playcation package, with breakfast for two at 20|Twenty Grill, and a 50-minute massage or facial at the spa. Start your staycation early with their relaxing happy hour from 3-7 p.m. every Thursday, which offers 50-minute massages and 50-minute facials for $109 each, and 20% off nail services. Happy hour includes the resort pool and spa, and specially discounted wines by the glass and spa bites. *Available for North County residents only
5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad, 760.827.2427, westincarlsbad.com
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