When you think of a bucket list, thrilling activities or exploring far-flung locales probably come to mind. But what about a bucket list for self-care? California is home to renowned luxury resort spas in beautiful areas, with special treatments inspired by the state’s natural landscapes. Best of all? Despite their luxe settings and treatments, there are ways to splurge and save at all 10 of these spa resorts.
1. The Spa at Séc-he
Relax in one of 2 salt caves at the Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Agua Caliente Casinos
Why go: All-natural mineral waters
Despite opening in 2023, The Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs has already earned the top spot on travel website Spas of America’s Top 100 list. Step foot inside the property and it’s easy to see why. With natural, 105-degree mineral water pools (complete with a waterfall fixture), you can get a taste of what the desert has to offer all from inside the property.
The Spa at Séc-he offers mineral water pools, float therapy, quartz beds, massages, and facials. Photo courtesy of Agua Caliente Casinos
The spa menu overflows with options: float therapy, salt caves, quartz beds and, of course, day passes to the mineral pools.
Splurge: Canyons Journey Massage & Facial, $490
Save: Cryotherapy treatment, $65
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2. Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara
Try Ayurvedic treatments, Thai deep-tissue massages, and reiki at Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara located inside Carlsbad’s AAA Five Diamond Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Photo courtesy Park Hyatt Aviara
Why go: Property-exclusive Ocean Song offering
Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara opened in late 2023 after a $60 million property-wide makeover at Carlsbad’s AAA Five Diamond Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Here you’ll find a global wealth of spa menu items like Ayurvedic treatments, Thai deep-tissue massages, and reiki.
Or try Ocean Song, a rosemary sea salt exfoliation treatment followed by a massage. Photo courtesy Park Hyatt Aviara
Exclusive to this location is Ocean Song, a rosemary sea salt exfoliation treatment with a full- body massage. Played a tough round of golf or tennis at the racquet club? You might instead opt for the Warrior’s Recovery treatment to treat sore muscles. Rates start at $700, plus a $45 daily resort fee.
Splurge: Ocean Song treatment, $460
Save: Manuka honey manicure, $75
3. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Did you know that after nearly 30 years, Murrieta Hot Springs reopened to the public in 2024? Photo courtesy Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Why go: Rediscover this historical desert oasis
After nearly 30 years, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort reopened to the public this year. With more than 50 pools spanning 46 acres, including the property’s centerpiece lake, the resort is steeped in history. The geothermal waters were discovered and utilized by the region’s first Native Americans and have been in use ever since.
The property spans 46 acres and includes more than 50 mineral pools. Photo courtesy Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Dr. Marcus Coplin, the resort’s medical doctor, says the pools’ minerals provide “direct antioxidant” and “enhanced anti-inflammatory” effects. In addition to the curative waters, you’ll find adults-only pools and family-friendly options scattered throughout.
There’s also a sauna, a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a mud loft with Mojave Desert clay. Rates start at $399, plus a $59 daily resort fee; AAA discount available.
Splurge: Radiance Facial, starts at $235
Save: A day pass for the pools, $89
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4. Alila Ventana Big Sur
The AAA Four Diamond Alila Ventana Big Sur sits above the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by redwoods. Photo courtesy Alila Ventana Big Sur
Why go: Big Sur–inspired treatments
You don’t have to pick between nature and pampering at the AAA Four Diamond Alila Ventana Big Sur, which sits above the Pacific Ocean surrounded by towering redwoods.
You’ll feel like you’re amidst nature at the AAA Four Diamond Alila Ventana Big Sur’s spa treatment rooms. Photo courtesy Alila Ventana Big Sur
The spa reflects Big Sur’s reputation as a haven for rest and relaxation amidst nature with massages and facials that use herbal blends and poultices. Or try energy therapy treatments that mimic the sea’s rhythm. Rates start at $2,100.
Splurge: Jade massage, $405
Save: Private fitness class, $150
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5. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Try a hydrafacial or desert clay wrap at the AAA Four Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Photo courtesy The Ritz-Carlton; Rancho Mirage
Why go: Stress relief amongst the Santa Rosa Mountains
At the AAA Four Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, the spa offers treatments galore including a date scrub, a nod to the Coachella Valley. Despite its size and glitz (you’ll find a chandelier with 222 indigenous quartz crystals inside), you’ll still feel a part of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains as you bounce from stress- relief massages to hydrafacials to indigenous desert clay wraps. Rates start at $530.
Splurge: Deep Muscle Massage, starts at $215
Save: Stress-Relief Massage, starts at $195
6. El Encanto
El Encanto in Santa Barbara offers stunning—and calming—views of the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Eric Rubens
Why go: Myriad treatment rooms
At El Encanto in Santa Barbara, the spa menu draws on its location. Think treatments featuring Himalayan salt blends from local purveyor Salt Cave Santa Barbara. But you don’t need a menu to remember that you’re in beautiful Santa Barbara—the terrace views will remind you.
Relax before a massage treatment or sound bath meditation at El Encanto. Photo by Jen Huang
Alongside unusual treatments like the Spice & Ice CBD Massage and Sound Bath Meditation, spa guests will find 7 treatment rooms, a couples’ massage suite, a relaxation lounge, and eucalyptus steam rooms. Rates start at $795; AAA discount available.
Splurge: Spice & Ice CBD Massage, $375
Save: Private fitness class, $150
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7. Terranea Resort
The AAA Four Diamond Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes spans 102 acres and has a full-service spa. Photo courtesy Terranea Resort
Why go: Fun seaside fitness classes
The AAA Four Diamond Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes has a full-service spa that is popular with locals and visitors alike. Spanning 102 acres, you’ll find experiences such as the Crimson Revival, a head-to-toe treatment with a scalp massage.
Try the Crimson Revival, a luxurious head-to-toe treatment. Photo courtesy Terranea Resort
Or opt for the lip treatment or mommy-to-be massage or lip treatment. Unwind with classes like Seaside Yoga or Seaside Cycle. Even sweating seems fun when paired with the resort’s oceanfront views. Rates start at $405, plus a $65 daily resort fee; AAA discount available.
Splurge: Ocean’s Prelude, $525
Save: Spa Day Pass, $120
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8. The Spa at Pebble Beach
The Spa at Pebble Beach tops many California best spa lists. Photo courtesy Pebble Beach Company
Why go: Indigenous-inspired treatments
Thanks to its coastal location and one-of-a-kind treatments, The Spa at Pebble Beach frequently tops California’s “best spas” lists.
The Lasapa Lelima Purification Treatment includes a body scrub, massage, and cleansing with sage. Photo courtesy Pebble Beach Company
Try the Lasapa Lelima Purification Treatment, developed by a staff massage therapist who is part of the local Esselen tribe. The treatment involves a scrub, massage, and ritual cleansing with white coastal sage.
Splurge: Lasapa Lelima Purification Treatment, starts at $385
Save: Spa Manicure, $65
9. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
The indoor-outdoor spa at the AAA Five Diamond Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa offers a variety of massages and facials. Photo courtesy Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Why go: Luxe indoor-outdoor spa experience
The AAA Five Diamond Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe has long been a destination thanks to its amazing indoor-outdoor spa. In addition to the usual spa treatments such as deep- tissue massages and microdermabrasion, new menu items are regularly added.
Opt for a thermal wrap treatment or a guided hydrotherapy circuit. Photo courtesy Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Try a thermal wrap treatment, where you’ll be wrapped in an infrared sauna blanket. Or get your blood flowing and heart rate going with a guided hydrotherapy circuit. Rates start at $799, plus a $60 daily resort fee; AAA discount available.
Splurge: Em Sculpt, $3,400 (for 4 treatments total)
Save: Valencia Signature Massage, $275
10. MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa
Try a “farm-to-table” massage that uses ingredients plucked directly from MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa's garden. Photo by Robert Miller
Why go: Wine country meets wellness vibes
This more-than-a-century-old Sonoma-based property is a piece of wellness history tucked right in the heart of wine country. But don’t let its age fool you: For the past 4 years, a series of makeovers have refreshed the AAA Four Diamond MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa.
A brand-new spa and pool area at MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in Sonoma add a modern touch to the AAA Four Diamond property. Photo by Robert Miller
Guests can enjoy a brand-new spa, pool area, and guest residences that all add a modern touch. Spa offerings include “farm-to-table” massages that use ingredients plucked directly from the property’s garden. Rates start at $699, plus a $55 daily resort fee.
Splurge: MacArthur Cure, $370
Save: MacArthur Place Massage, $185
Writer Ashley Burnett lives and works in Southern California. Her work has previously appeared in Paste, LA Travel Magazine, and Locale, among other publications.
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