San Diego Spa Vacations

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  There’s no denying that San Diego is a vacationer’s paradise. Warm beaches, weather beyond compare, and world-class attractions await the weary traveler-- and the lucky resident. But who knew you could also travel the world, sampling spa treatments from various corners of the globe, all without leaving America’s Finest City?

    What follows is a brief tour of several San Diego spas, all which specialize in providing heavenly vacations within your vacation.

    Cal-a-Vie is the most fabulous spa in San Diego, and it rivals every other in the entire nation. Secluded among the hills in Vista, this Mediterranean-style retreat is like its own luxurious village, and would seem more fitting in the South of France than in San Diego’s sere eastern expanse. The staff-to-guest ratio is a astonishing four-to-one, and as a result, those who book a stay at the faultless Cal-a-Vie will experience pampering beyond their wildest dreams.

    Cal-a-Vie includes twenty-four cottages tastefully decorated with French antiques. Bathrobes and workout clothes are provided, and personal laundry is done each day. The spa’s main pavilions are massive, offering a Christmas list of options intended to indulge guests’ every caprice: yoga, dance and pilates studios, a weight room, a fitness assessment area, new treadmills, spinning bikes, and free weights; a 2500 square foot lounge with two 65" plasma screens; libraries and business centers for company retreats.

    Each day, guests choose from a variety of full-body massages, facials, hydrotherapy, and scalp massages. Delicious, healthful meals are served by Chef Steve Pernetti in the cathedral-ceiling dining room, and he offers cooking classes for those who would like to recreate his dishes at home.

SpaTerre at Paradise Point

    Thailand is famous for their massages, and while they might run a little cheaper than they do at SpaTerre, there’s no fifteen-hour plane ride to sit through. This Mission Bay spa offers a number of Southeast Asian tropical treatments designed to relax, rejuvenate, and leave you craving a big pot of jasmine tea.

    The Tropical Getaway package includes an eighty-minute Tropical Essences massage, which combines gentle coconut mango body polish with balancing ylang-ylang oil. After that, your therapist will move on to a traditional Thai massage, and then a tropical "Fruit & Flower" facial. The journey ends with a rose petal foot soak and a passionflower pedicure and manicure.

    The All Thai-ed Up package varies the voyage with Thai heat and herbal techniques, and aromatherapy. Or you can venture to Bali with SpaTerre’s signature treatment, which marries eastern and western healing techniques.

    Spa Tiki proudly brings the warmth, hospitality, and pleasure of the Polynesian islands to Downtown San Diego, catering to locals as well as those in town for the conventions. Decorated with tasteful tropical flair, filled with fresh flowers, and scented with spices, and tropical oils, the spa provides every bit of island atmosphere except for the grass skirts. Spa Tiki isn’t the type of sleek spa where you feel ashamed for walking barefoot. Instead, it takes a whimsical, cheerful approach to the spa environment, and creates a uniquely relaxing experience.

    Although Spa Tiki provides services for the solitary traveler as well, they specialize in fun services just for couples. A variety of treatments like exotic facial blends, Hawaiian massages, and tropical fruit scrubs will leave both you and your beau glowing. The Hula Hut Honeymoon Holiday is the ultimate jaunt for lovers, taking place in a private lounge complete with shower, wet bar, and sound system. Guests enjoy Tiki massages, pineapple crème scrubs, manicures, tropical cocktails and a tray of Island appetizers.

    Those who visit this tropical retreat often can opt for a $300 membership which, among many perks, allows members 20 percent off all services Monday through Wednesday, a complimentary one-hour treatment on the member's birthday, use of the Hula Hut meeting facilities twice a year, and unlimited access to the steam room.