Renaissance Woman at The Grand Del Mar

While searching for the perfect spa, we are often drawn to what’s new. From fresh organic product lines to contemporary architecture and ultra-modern ambiance, new spas attract our attention, but we must keep in mind that trendy appeal doesn’t always stand the test of time.

Rather than always look forward, The Spa at The Grand Del Mar encourages spa enthusiasts to venture back and reconnect with the rejuvenating spirit of the Renaissance. The Spa’s opulent interior will impress any modern onlooker, boasting white Carrera marble, crystal glass tiles, warm wood accents, stone fireplaces, and rich gold décor. But the difference lies in how The Spa utilizes the ornate design to introduce guests to the grace and beauty of the Renaissance. Far more than just a pretty face, The Spa captures the essence of this bygone era with custom treatments designed by Anne Bramham to emphasize renewal, rebirth, and our innate connection to the earth.

The Spa is a 21,000-square-foot refuge of health and beauty that features 10 individual treatment rooms and one private couple’s suite. Natural spa therapies include therapeutic massage, cleansing facials, hydrotherapy body treatments, and the newly-added Manual Lymph Drainage. But the transition toward serenity begins far before your treatment of choice; guests are welcome to participate in outdoor yoga and nature walks in the adjacent Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, as well as relax in the European-style wet rooms, steam and sauna areas, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzis, and private spa pool.

During my most recent trip to The Spa, I was fortunate to tour the facility with Spa Director Jim Croghan before delighting in a duet of the signature Portrait Facial and new Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). The ideal treatment for my mid-summer skin, the Portrait Facial is a customized toning and refreshing facial that is tailored to your skin type and uses a homemade organic skincare line designed exclusively for The Spa. The 60-minutes of bliss brought my sun damaged cells back to life with amazing results I can still see to this day. The results, of course, were further enhanced by the MLD therapy, which is the newest addition to The Spa’s treatment menu.

In this exclusive interview, Spa Director Jim Croghan dishes on the addition of Manual Lymph Drainage, industry accolades, treatments we can’t miss, and what makes The Spa at The Grand Del Mar really stand out.

DiscoverSD: What makes The Spa at The Grand Del Mar stand out from other spas in San Diego?

Jim Croghan: We are one of only 20 spas to receive the prestigious Five-Star Spa Award from Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, and mentioned as one of the finest spas in the world. The menu is treatment-based, as opposed to product-based. All of our treatments are designed by Anne Bramham and have a therapeutic aspect. Each one of our therapists is truly interested in the guest’s needs.

DSD: What is your favorite element of The Spa’s atmosphere?

JC: We are devoted to delivering a sublime experience of relaxation, renewal and restorative wellness. The Spa’s comprehensive programs and a la carte services are designed to reconnect guests with nature. We use enriching elements of the earth: warm mineral muds and clays, native herbs, soothing stones and calming botanicals, which are all found in our adjacent Los Peñasquitos Canyon.

DSD: What is the training / hiring process for The Spa’s estheticians?

JC: In the hiring process, we look for therapists who are truly interested in guests needs. We have many training programs at The Spa, from hospitality-themed, to grooming, to actual hands-on training so that estheticians understand the benefits and descriptions of each treatment. 

DSD: What is the most unique service you offer at The Spa?

JC: MLD Treatments (Manual Lymph Drainage) – it’s a light, rhythmic therapy that is designed to improve the overall functioning of the immune system. The lymphatic vessels play a key role in removing toxins and delivering nutrients, antibodies and other materials to the tissue cells of the body.

Benefits of MLD:

·   Accelerates healing

·   Reduces inflammation

·   Improves acne and skin conditions such as rosacea

·  Minimizes stress

·  Alleviates facial congestion and dark circles

·  Minimizes the bruising, discomfort and anxiety associated with cosmetic surgery recovery

Most importantly, MLD induces the “relaxation response” to promote the deepest state of relaxation when the body repairs and heals itself.

DSD: During summertime, it’s all about taking the spa experience outdoors. What services can you enjoy outside, by the pool or elsewhere on property?

JC: The Spa Experience is more than just treatments. It should include all aspects of wellness. Many of our fitness classes can be taught outdoors on the Lawn. Feeling the ground beneath your toes while perfecting your downward dog enhances your connection to the Earth and can also help to heal the mind and spirit.

DSD: On an unlimited budget, what treatments make up the best luxury spa day at The Grand Del Mar?

JC: Begin your day with a morning yoga class. Then begin your treatment series with Decompression, an invigorating body scrub of organic rosemary followed by a hydrating body wrap of goat butter while lying on a warm, free-floating bed, encouraging the ultimate in relaxation.  A customized body massage culminates this soothing, luxurious treatment. Followed by the Art For Art’s Sake Facial, which is when our spa experts customize this toning and refreshing facial to your individual skin type, using a handmade, organic skincare line designed exclusively for The Spa. Finish your treatment series with a 30-minute MLD Face and Neck treatment and finally, end your day with a shampoo and blow-dry in Haims Salon.

DSD: What is new at The Spa this summer and fall?

JC: We just introduced Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Facials and will unveil MLD Body Treatments this fall. Skilled MLD-trained therapists will utilize a range of specialized and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques throughout the body to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow, flushing out toxins and producing a state of restorative calm.

For more information and to view the full spa menu, call 858.413.2020 or visit The Grand Del Mar.

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