The Spa Vet’s Way to San Diego Spa’ing

I think we can all agree that some of the best days in San Diego are days spent at the spa: unwind, be pampered, breathe easy ¾ life’s good. But sometimes, one look at the spa menu (what in the world is algotherapy?) can have you feeling less relaxed and more perplexed, which was not the reason you begged for a day off. With some help from the San Diego spa gurus themselves, we’re here to decode the dizzying menu found at even the smallest of spas, and to help you determine which treatments are right for you.

De-Stress Yo’ Self
With tight sequined holiday dresses coming up, the last thing you need is an extra dose of pooch-causing cortisone. Luckily, lowering your stress level is as easy as stepping into your favorite San Diego spa. Michelle Frye, the spa director at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, recommends a variety of treatments to help bring relaxation back into your life. “One of the most popular treatments is the hot stone massage, which relaxes the muscles and relieves tension,” Frye says. Loosen up with one of La Costa’s 80-minute stone massages followed by a revitalizing caviar facial, which uses a blend of lavender oil and South African petigrain for stimulating results that are sure to adios the stress. We’re sure you won’t miss it.

Look Good, Feel Good
Nothing beats a day at the spa that leaves you looking and feeling better than ever. Whether you’re looking for a little revamp, or a whole new look, Michelle Frye and the team at La Costa Resort & Spa have some beauty treatments that are sure to turn a few heads. Most intriguing is the spa’s ultra-sonic aging machine. While this may sound like something out of Willy Wonka, it certainly provides non-fiction results. The machine is used for a number of treatments, such as exfoliation and hyper pigmentation removal, and is a non-invasive alternative to collagen injections.

Try a 25-minute anti-gravity facial, or minimize lines with the “wrinkle comb,” a tool that works to stimulate circulation and penetrates deeply to plump out deep lines and stretch marks. Each of these treatments and more can be ordered “a la carte,” but to get the most out of your spa day, Frye recommends opting for the 80-minute full facial (starting at $250 per session) to really refresh your look.

Keep Your Cash
It goes without saying that when you look like a million bucks, you feel like a million bucks. Fortunately, you don’t actually have to spend a million bucks. In fact, some of the best spa treatments are the most cash-friendly treatments. Head in to La Costa Resort & Spa for a day in the gorgeous courtyard, a reviving treatment in itself. For just $60, you can enjoy day-long access to the beautiful courtyard, an herb garden, and the serenity pool and Jacuzzi. The day-pass also includes a complementary loofa treatment and access to the men’s and women’s private retreat areas. If this doesn’t sound fabulous enough, you can join La Costa every Thursday night for its weekly “Spa Under the Stars” from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Services start at $125, and include the soothing sounds of a live guitarist, a practiced astrologer and access to cocktail service.

Nix the Pain
Spas are great for healing a broken heart, though if you’re looking to heal a pain that’s a little more physical, your favorite SD spa might be the place to go. More and more, spas are offering treatments that not only make us feel emotionally great, but also physically great. For those looking for muscle-pain relief, Frye recommends a myofascial relief massage, a highly specialized procedure that uses pressure techniques to re-align the muscle against the bone. This procedure is great for sport-related ailments, such as tennis elbow. Also popular this year, is the classic Thai massage. A Thai massage is great for relieving tightness and can also restore a full range of motion. The massage, which is also known to help release built up energy, is preferred among spa therapists as well. “It’s one of my favorites,” says Frye. To book your appointment, visit Lacosta.com.