The North County community of Del Mar is generally defined by its coastal views, luxurious resort hotels, superlative restaurants and the infamous racetrack season. In addition to sophisticated entertainment, Del Mar is also highly celebrated for relaxing spa and salons.
From day spas and medical boutiques to hair and nail salons, Del Mar offers locals savvy and soothing escapes from our stressful lives. One of the best kept spa secrets is atypical to the usual perception we have of this prominent neighborhood.
Located high in the residential hills atop the windy road of Vista Sorrento, you will find the charming Serenity Spa and Salon, a full-service salon and spa radiating an air of refined elegance.
Two clear glass doors open into a small bright lobby boasting rich brown tiled floor. Directly to the front a white reception desk donning a large vase of bright opulent flowers and a beaming receptionist sits beneath a large wall adorned with gray-hued rocks. A mini salon resides immediately to the right with four stations. Each station features chocolate tinged leather chairs in front of glossy white ceramic wash basins where guests can receive anything from a cut to highlights, an updo or extensions.
Through a door to the left of the reception desk, guests are escorted through a short corridor wrapped in intimate aquamarine tiled walls fixed with glass shelves, glowing white candles and red rose petals, and into the changing room to slip into robes and slippers.
Once changed, guests retreat back into the waiting room to lounge on the tan, suede couch resting beneath an ornate, orange-hued hanging lamp to sip on cucumber water or tea, before embarking on their relaxing journey.
Serenity Spa offers an eclectic array of rejuvenating massages, soothing facials and body treatments all with the use of natural, chemical-free products. Sitting down with one of Serenity’s spa estheticians, Ann Gingrich, I received a little one-on-one guidance about the unique collection of therapeutic treatments.
The Serenity Customized European Facial is applied using one of 30 different masques and five toners to correspond with a guest’s particular skin type. For 50 minutes the facial incorporates a vitalizing exfoliation, light extractions, masque and a massage for $95. For guests who are new to the spa scene or have never experienced the facets of a facial, Ann always recommends the half hour mini facial which includes a quick skin analysis, scrub and a masque.
Another unique treatment is the Fire N’ Ice Rejuvenating Facial. The facial begins with an exfoliation using paprika which provides for a hot, tingly sensation and is then cooled with a cucumber masque to leave your skin with a beautiful, radiant appearance.
Yet another popular service offered is the Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. In this 30 minute procedure, the skin is prepared with a cleanser and toner and then applied with the exfoliating agent consisting of three different types of acids and enzymes to clear dead skin and provide a healthy, fresher glow, for $65.
After speaking with Ann, I was greeted by Cheryl Turner, the friendly massage therapist who whisked me away to perform the Warm Sea Stone Massage. In this 50 or 80 minute treatment, the body is massaged with essential aromatic oils and both cool and warm smooth stones amidst dim lighting and the harmonious hums of soothing melodies.
The spa area houses two facial rooms, two massage rooms, and a room designed for nail care. Serenity aims to provide top quality, customizable care to each and every client. When speaking with Ann and spa manager, Kari Ebert, I found that Serenity goes the extra mile to make sure that guests are receiving the proper treatments for their skin all the while providing them with an inviting place to escape from the tension of daily life. For all your North County beauty needs, trust Serenity Spa and Salon at the Hilton Garden Inn Del Mar.
Whether you are planning a whole day of spa refuge, a quick and affordable treatment or you want to bring in a bridal or birthday party for a full day of pampering, you are sure to find a slice of serenity at this quaint full-service Del Mar spa and salon.
Insider Tip: Serenity also caters to men looking to freshen up their skin. For $95, the 50 minute Gentlemens Rejuvenating Facial consists of an almond and mineral exfoliation, fresh aloe and a creamy peach pulp masque topped off with steamed towels.
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