Whether it’s unique and impactful spa treatments or just having a zen moment of relaxation on the beach, the American Riviera is the perfect spot to focus on wellbeing.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Drawing inspiration from the coast, The Spa at El Encanto offers expert treatments, luxurious skincare products, and unbeatable ocean views. One of the spa’s signature treatments is the “Body Regeneration Treatment,” uniquely crafted by top Beverly Hills facialist Linda Ross, exclusive to the spa at El Encanto. The treatment starts with dry brushing, followed by a skin elixir mask wrapped in a warm cocoon around the body, concluding with a 50-minute body massage using an epidermal growth factor body cream. Outside of the spa, guests can embark in fitness classes, sound baths and even life coaching sessions. Guests can book a private or virtual Mandala session with Renate Hume for a unique opportunity for guided reflection and self-discovery.
Salt Santa Barbara
Experience the healing powers of halotherapy with a Himalayan salt cave session at Salt Santa Barbara, which utilizes practices that are believed to be an effective way to improve respiratory health since the 12th century. The Salt Santa Barbara cave walls and ceiling are made of 45 tons of Jurassic-age salt blocks and crystals, complete with a crushed salt floor. Participants can relax and breathe in the healing properties with a 45-minute session while laying on a mat or sitting in a zero-gravity recliner.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara (pictured)
Set within the resort’s 78 acres, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s spa encompasses 42,000 square feet, including a swimming pool, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, fireside lounges and more. Guests can indulge in a signature experience such as “The Hollywood Facial,” which features three of the spa industry’s most impressive technologies: HydraFacial, Nutraceuticals, and NuFace Microcurrent. For the holiday season, enjoy the new “Winter Bliss Massage” available from Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, featuring dry body brushing, an oil of the guest’s choice, and light-to-moderate pressure full body massage to increase circulation and fortify the immune system as we head into the winter months.
Santa Barbara Beach Yoga
While the area is home to numerous popular yoga studios such as Yoga Soup and Sol Seek Yoga, one of the most unique is Santa Barbara Beach Yoga, which is the area’s premier outdoor yoga studio offering daily classes from sunrise to sunset with endless ocean views. Classes range from sound and stretching in the sand with signature yoga-headphones to full moon yoga and more traditional open air classes on the rooftop patio of the East Beach Cabrillo Pavilion.
Rosewood Miramar Beach
As Montecito’s newest luxury resort, the Rosewood Miramar Beach offers top-of-the-line spa experiences, ranging from seasonal offerings such as Alpine Peppermint Foot Massage to lost remedies such as the Montecito Sage Purification. In addition to luxury treatments, the property offers a rotation of classes ranging from mat pilates to bodyweight strength training, or opt for a private experience like stand up paddle boarding yoga or martial arts. In true California fashion, the property also offers surf lessons with a local instructor for those who prefer to enjoy wellness in the fresh air.
For more ideas, check out this wellness itinerary from Visit Santa Barbara.
