I can’t resist a good spa day.  Whether I’m on vacation or just in need of some relaxation at home, I love a day of pampering in a beautiful setting.  The aroma of essential oils, sipping cucumber water, wrapping up in a fluffy white robe after a relaxing massage- it doesn’t get much better than that.  So it’s time for a quick roundup of a few of my favorite spas in California.  I feel like it might be time for another staycation!

1. Kabuki Springs & Spa, San Francisco, CA

Kabuki is my favorite local spa, hands down.  In San Francisco’s  Japantown, walking into Kabuki feels like being transported to another place.  Quiet and tranquil, Kabuki is the epitome of Zen.  In the heart of the hustle and bustle of the City, yet surprisingly peaceful.  I’ve had countless great massages at Kabuki.  If you want to splurge, try the Bliss Massage with Private Bath.  Soak in a traditional Japanese tub, water infused with green tea bath salts.  Sip your tea, enjoy some fruit and finish with a relaxing massage.   Absolute perfection.  There are communal baths at Kabuki as well, if you’d like to make a day of it.

2. Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, Freestone, CA

I mentioned Osmosis in an earlier post about a weekend trip to Occidental, but it’s worth recommending again.   On the Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County, Osmosis is a real gem.  Plan to arrive early or stay after your treatment to enjoy the tranquil outdoor spaces, including the Zen garden complete with meditation mats overlooking the pond.

3. Salt Cave Santa Barbara, CA

On a girls getaway weekend in Santa Barbara, we stumbled upon Salt.  Intrigued by the idea of salt caves, we dropped in for a relaxation session in the salt cave.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect going in.  Would we smell the salt?  Would I feel the healing?  The girls and I walked into the large cave, trudging through what looked like coarse sand (but was actually salt) and got settled in the zero gravity chairs.  Turns out, it was just a relaxing resting treatment, complete with soothing music.  Shortly after it started, I heard snoring- so it was more of a healing nap for some people.  Whatever works, it was an experience.

I’d love to go back on my next trip to Santa Barbara and try a massage treatment.  The Himalayan Hot Stone Massage sounds like something I need to know about.  If you visit, be sure to check our their salt scrubs- they smell amazing!

4. Dia Feliz Spa, Pismo Beach, CA

The Cliffs Resort is one of my favorite places to stay in the Pismo Beach area.  My sister, KT and I love to make quick trips down the coast once or twice a year and we’ve stayed at The Cliffs several times.  We usually visit Dia Feliz Spa at some point during our visit.  It’s always great to leave your hotel room in a cozy white robe, heading for a treatment in the spa downstairs.  No driving, no stress and no traffic!  On our last visit they were finishing a huge renovation on the spa, so I imagine Dia Feliz Spa is even better now.  Being on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean definitely gives this spa a leg up in the Zen department.

5. Bliss Chakra Spa, Palm Desert, CA

We made a visit to Bliss Chakra Spa on a girls weekend in Palm Springs.  KT tried their reiki treatment and TK and I did the massage and reflexology package.   I love a good reflexology treatment; they even have a special room set up specifically for reflexology.

So there are five great options to get you started.  I have a growing list of spas and treatments that I’d still like to try.  A mud bath in Calistoga, mineral hot springs in New Mexico, treatments in a wine cave in Napa… so many spas, so little time!

What other places should be on my list?  What was your last great spa treatment?