Time to Schedule a Spa Day

Ahhhh … spa day. Just the thought of a spa day is relaxing. Getting a massage, body scrubs, a mani pedi, then relaxing in the steam room or going for a dip in a Jacuzzi—so soothing. All the while sipping on fruit-infused water or herbal teas. Plus, if you go with a friend, the refreshing girlfriend chatter can help release lots of tension. To truly maintain a stress-reducing lifestyle, it is recommended to get a massage once a month. (Personally, my ideal would be once a week.) So have someone watch the kids, turn off that phone, stop checking Facebook and book yourself a spa day.

• The Spa at Estancia: The is a quiet oasis tucked away in the Torrey Pines area and across from UC San Diego. The spa is a calming getaway with a comforting sanctuary room adjacent to an outdoor patio with fireplace. Spa guests may also use the fitness center facilities and the pool retreat. The spa offers a number of massage therapies, facials, manicures and pedicures. Try their Abyhanga Ayurvedic massage, which soothes your body with warm blended oils that will recharge your soul. Couple massages are offered and can be reserved as an outdoor treatment. Bridal services and special packages are available, and Facebook fans are updated with last-minute offers. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, 858-550-1000.
• SK Sanctuary: Located in an elegant, Tuscan-styled two-story building in La Jolla and decorated with Old World charm, combines spa services with medical treatments. Opened in 2001 by Dr. Stephen Krant, SK Sanctuary complements SK Clinic next door, where Dr. Krant houses his plastic surgery practice of 32 years, and together uses an integrative approach to both medical and spa services. Peels, facials, massages, scrubs, wraps, soothing baths, hair styling, lipo massage and makeup artistry are among the services. Men and women can benefit from exclusive mud wraps using Moor Mud from one of the two spa lakes in the world. Also try a soothing bath in one of the lavish copper tubs fit for a king or queen. 6919 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 858-459-2400.
• Aviara Spa: A Hyatt Pure Spa, the Aviara Spa at in Carlsbad prides itself on providing personal attention to its guests. The bath, facial and massage rituals are individually designed for each guest's specific needs. Whether it is a therapeutic massage, rehydrating body wrap and an anti-aging eye treatment, or an invigorating sports bath followed by a foot cleansing treatment, no two treatments are ever alike. Aviara Spa’s facilities include a sun-drenched solarium lounge, fitness center, whirlpools, sauna and steam rooms. Following treatments, guests are invited to retire to the adults-only Tranquility Pool for reflection, light fare and majestic views overlooking the Pacific. 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, 760-448-1234.
• Ocean Pearl Spa. The Sheraton Carlsbad houses the boutique Ocean Pearl Spa. Unique signature treatments include the Coastal Waters Body Masque, which uses organic wild-harvested ocean mud and Alaria seaweeds during an invigorating exfoliation, body masque and firming hydration application, leaving your skin detoxified, hydrated and toned. The special spa events should be on your to-do lists. Spa Happy Hours are held the third Thursday of each month, from 5 to 8 p.m. Select from a menu of 10-minute treatments starting at $40 (Peppermint Foot, Warm Herbal Hand, Aromatherapy Scalp Massage and Quick Fix Massage), and enjoy two cocktails or glasses of wine and appetizers per person. The unWINEd nights are Thursdays and Fridays after 5 p.m. where guests choose from 25-minute spa treatments, starting at $49, and receive a glass of wine and an artisan cheese appetizer. A Local Escape package for $110 is being offered which includes a 50-minute treatment, lunch at Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar and use of the resort facilities. 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad 760-827-2700.
• Bergamot Spa & Boutique. Come experience this unique, boutique day spa in Encinitas, which is a destination for complete pampering, relaxation and healing set in Indonesian-inspired gardens. Massage treatments at Bergamot Spa & Boutique include Thai, Stone and Reflexology, plus couples massages with the one you love (or like a lot). Guests can reserve an array of spa packages with enticing titles such as My Mantra … I Am Beautiful, Pure Nirvana, Get Stoned, Thai Me Up or Hot Mama. Bergamot Spa offers special sessions such as Guided Meditation, Astrological Birth Chart Consultation, and PMS Treatments (sign me up). The Studio at Bergamot additionally schedules yoga, healing workshops and classes. All of this, set in Bergamot’s tranquil Balinese setting, makes for a calming spa day. 775 N.Vulcan Ave., Encinitas, 760-436-5140.