The Tamesis
California’s Ojai Valley has long been considered a mecca of healing, or at least good vibes. While its largest and best-known resort certainly embodies the area’s otherworldly mystique, it’s decidedly more upmarket than hippy. Nestled in a 31,000-square-foot Spanish-style villa at the edge of the resort, the state-of-the-art spa village is an oasis of cream and white minimalism surrounded by mature cypress, oak and olive trees. Often referred to as the “Energy Vortex,” Ojai spas also offer a separate spiritual wellness menu that allows for one-on-one treatments with resident intuitives, Reiki practitioners, sound healers, and life coaches. There really is something for everyone here – everything the modern wellness seeker craves.
Photo: Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels
There’s no shortage of gorgeous resorts on California’s Central Coast, but Rosewood Miramar Beach offers a whole new way to experience the area. Just 15 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara in the posh oceanfront community of Montecito, this 153-room oceanfront hotel feels like a grand Cape Cod estate: all white roses, white picket fences, and white clapboards. The resort’s Sense Spa, located on the second floor of the main estate, feels equally elegant. The indoor relaxation lounge features plush private daybeds surrounded by cream drapes, while outside the sunny rooftop deck features a cold plunge pool and sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The hotel features six private treatment rooms, dry saunas and steam rooms, as well as a full-service manicure and hair salon. All this allows you to escape in style into the world of sophisticated wellness.
Photo: Courtesy of Parker Palm Springs
Located within the iconic Parker Palm Springs Hotel, PSYC (or The Spa for short) was designed by Jonathan Adler to be quirky, tranquil and stylish. Maybe it’s because it’s also very rigorous when it comes to body treatments, facials and massages: each one is personalized to meet your specific needs, and many of them end with a delightful scalp massage. The 18,000-square-foot temple is dedicated to “total pampering and self-indulgence,” so it also has an indoor saltwater pool, eucalyptus steam room, sauna, hot tub, boutique, fitness center and exercise studio. Since the spa’s manifesto proudly proclaims its belief in “the American country club experience, mixed doubles, long steams and potent cocktails,” every visit begins with a cool shot of cucumber vodka.
