Get your relaxation on
With all of California’s amazing opportunities for adventure, sometimes you just need a moment to relax. As spa enthusiasts, we have put together a list of our favorite spots.
The “Bougie”
Four Seasons Napa
The spa at the Four Seasons Napa Valley is without a doubt a five-star experience, located just a short 12 minute drive from the wedding venue and hotel.
The massage was one of the best we have received, but if massages aren’t for you, there are a number of other treatment options to select from!
The locker rooms contain a sauna and steam room and attached to each locker room is a sun deck that allows for a quiet read, meditation, or nap. If its a warm day, the sun deck also contains a mist pad to cool off while tanning in the sun.
In addition to the private sun deck, there is a beautiful co-ed space with a hot tub, sun chairs, and outdoor shower shower. Ask the front desk about the mud mask, and they will set you up with a station outside for a natural mud treatment, which we found both fun and moisturizing!
Meadowood Napa Valley
The hotel and country club is breathtaking, located within the hills of Napa Valley, and just a short 6 minute drive from Alila Napa Valley.
Though we have not yet experienced the Meadowood spa treatments (but plan to soon!), we have enjoyed the resort amenities many times, and the sauna, steam room, showers, hot tubs, pools, and staff are all amazing.
We recommend checking out this spa as a luxury option close to the venue.
The Health Spa
A spa with nice fitness focused amenities. This location is always bright, yet relaxing. Take a swim in the outside lap pool (you might find yourself sharing a lane with Jordan’s parents!), have a soak in the hot tub following your treatment, or simply relax in the meditation room or the outdoor patio with a hot cup of tea!
Ventana Big Sur
Offering once in a lifetime treatments amongst the redwood trees! We did a couples treatment and it was next level. The massage took place in an open-air glamping style tent on an elevated porch with views of the forest! Following the treatment, you can soak in a copper tub and take in the sounds of nature. The remainder of the property is just as impressive with access to an outdoor pool, infinity style hot tub, lawn chairs with views of the Pacific Ocean, and delicious food and drinks.
Tenaya Lodge
This spa is located within a hotel just outside of Yosemite National Park. The experience was exactly what we needed after a day of adventure and intensive hiking. We ended up asking for a deep tissue massage to soothe our sore muscles, but the list of spa treatment options were endless. The lodge had a cozy feel, but was still elegant and classy. Enjoy a great meal with views of the forest and mountains after your treatment.
the “UNIQUE”
Osmosis
Nestled in a cute little town (and one of our favorite spots in the Bay Area) called Bodega Bay. Osmosis offers a no frills treatment where you are submerged in warm, fermenting wood chips.
We were shocked and impressed to learn that the wood chips create their own heat and reach up to 100+ degree temperatures. If you’re interested in learning more, check out there website here.
Following your treatment, immerse yourself in the tranquil Japanese style gardens throughout the property, filled with plants, koi ponds, and beautiful Japanese architecture!
Archimedes
A Russian Spa located in the southernmost part of San Francisco. A Compact spa that makes the most out of the small city building that it operates in. The spa is comprised primarily of a series of suanas and steamrooms, with a few hot tubs and cold plunge pools. We tried the platza, which involved sitting in a 190 degree suana, whilst being wacked repeatedly with warm oak leaf bundles.
You should not visit unless comfortable with all-gender nudity as the entire spa facility is clothing optional. Once done experiencing the pools and suanas, enjoy some authentic Russian cuisine in the small, but charming, café where you can enjoy some beer, borsht, and pirozhki!
Onsen
An urban bathhouse and Japanese inspired restaurant located within San Francisco. The location is quite interesting, with visitors passing tables of restaurant patrons before walking to the back of the building where a few small pools, sauna, and steam room are located.
Combine a soak and a sauna with delicious Japanese cuisine.
Kabuki Springs and Spa
Situated conveniently in the heart of San Francisco’s Japan Town, this Japanese inspired spa features a number of varying temperature tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and also offers individual treatment options as well!
Hot Springs
Vichy Springs
Located in Mendocino County California, Vichy is a 170 year old historic hot springs located two hours north of San Francisco.
This location is very rustic, with the tubs made of concrete, and built directly into the spring. The tubs are semi private and are located within cute wooden structures. The water is warm and carbonated, not hot, but is said to have healing properties.
Take a soak and listen to the rushing creek below you, as you relax and rejuvenate!
Orr Hot Springs
Small tranquil, clothing optional resort located in the hills of Mendocino County. The resort is definitely off the beaten track and requires a reservation.
The resort does not sell any food but does feature a communal kitchen. The closest restaurant is around a 40 minute drive, so plan your meals ahead of time!
There is also no cell phone service or wifi, so this spot is a perfect spot to disconnect and unplug.
Esalen Institute
This is one we have not gotten a chance to visit yet, but is at the top of our list. Esalen is located along Highway 1 in Big Sur.
Check their website carefully before you go, because their visiting hours are atypical. For example, many of the open hours occur in the late evening/middle of the night, so would require some pre-planning!
