There are things your spa doesn’t want you to know. Hidden, relaxing, wonderful options that you may never discover or find out about by chance after years of going to the spa. But now, thanks to our sense of personal justice and investigative acumen (OK, we got these from the spas), we have uncovered these secret treatments to share with the world. You won’t find these on the spa menu.
The Spa at Island Hotel Newport Beach
As the name implies, Summer’s Chamomile Milk Scrub (90 minutes for $230) does wonders against the irritation and dehydration that comes with summer skin. Using oatmeal to soothe skin, chamomile to calm nerves and milk for exfoliation, the 30-minute scrub and 60-minute massage will leave you feeling stress-free and silky smooth. And if you’ve neglected your feet for much too long, we advise you to ask for the Pumpkin Spice Pedicure (90 minutes for $95), which is the perfect antidote to extremely calloused feet. After the pumpkin enzymes have done their job exfoliating, an ultra hydrating cucumber heel therapy follows.
:: islandhotel.com
Spa Gregorie’s
With an already extensive spa menu, we were a little surprised that Spa Gregorie’s in Newport Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita actually have more to offer that we weren’t aware of – and we love surprises. Especially when it comes in the form of something like Custom Enzyme Peels (60 minutes for $99-$104), offering cellular renewal for sun damaged, aged and dull looking skin. Each guest’s peel is customized based on skin type, age, skin conditions, and desired results. The peels use organic fruit enzymes to dissolve dead skin and cleanse pores. More on the side of total-body work, there’s also Craniosacral Therapy (60 minutes for $100; 75 minutes for $130), which uses very gentle touch (typically no greater than five grams) to release restrictions in the soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system to help fight diseases and painful conditions.
:: spagregories.com
Spa Gaucin at St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point
Prepare for beach season with the Suite of Summer services, including Seven Seas Scrub (60 minutes for $185), Soothing Antioxidant Healing Wrap (60 minutes for $185) and spray tan (30 minutes for $65). Book all three and receive a 10% discount. The Seven Seas Scrub is comprised of a mixture of exotic salts with fine to medium grain for deep exfoliation, as well as organic acai, babassu and passion fruit seed oils to nourish the skin. The Soothing Antioxidant Healing Wrap uses white grape extract to calm the skin and protect it from free radicals.
:: spagaucin.com
Beauty Boutique by Pele Essentials in Costa Mesa
Amp up your facial treatment at this cozy spa with the Oxygen Treatment (add on to any treatment for $25) or Hot and Cold Therapy (add on to any treatment for $25). The Oxygen Treatment mixes highly pressurized pure oxygen with vitamins and antiaging serum to repair skin at a cellular level. It’s healing to the skin after a potent treatment like microdermabrasion or chemical peel. Hot and Cold Therapy uses a special hammer with a hot and a cold side to relax the muscles and skin, stimulate blood flow, shrink capillaries, promote elasticity, tighten pores, and seal in moisture.
:: beautyboutiqueoc.com
Skin So Sweet
It’s a sensitive topic, even for a skin care spa specializing in the waxing-alternative known as sugaring. That’s probably why the Brozilian (go ahead and let it sink in; 30 minutes for $85) is not on the menu in either the Huntington Beach or Corona Del Mar location. But upon referral and pre-screening of clients, select therapists do perform the service, which is the male equivalent of the female bikini sugaring services offered.
:: skinsosweet.com
Spa Montage at Montage Laguna Beach
Exercise without the effort with the Assisted Yoga Stretch (60 minutes for $135), performed with the hands-on help of an actual personal trainer. The trainer does the work while you still get all yoga has to offer. You’ll leave feeling limber and relaxed. Plus, once you’re done, you’ll have all-day access to spa amenities.
:: spamontage.com
The Spa at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast
Get a jumpstart into relaxation with the Slow Down Massage (50 minutes for $130 Monday-Thursday; $190 Friday-Sunday and holidays). Normally part of the spa’s Balanced Wellness retreat, the treatment is designed to still the mind and soothe the spirit using slow, methodical massage techniques that stretch muscles and gently detoxify tissues to get you to slow down. Treatment must be booked in advance.
949.467.6800 :: pelicanhill.com
Aquaterra Spa at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach
If none of the above appeals to you, head over to Aquaterra for a good, old-fashioned price reduction. Ask for the Locals Only discount and you’ll receive 20% off any regularly priced treatment. All you need to do is show your ID with proof of Orange County residence.
:: surfandsandresort.com
