Sometimes, life calls for a pause — a chance to unwind, recharge and reconnect. And San Diego offers amazing options for the perfect escape. Here, amid the city's natural beauty, you'll find some of the world's most sought-after spas, ready to pamper and guide you toward complete rejuvenation.
Thanks to superb soundproofing and thoughtful design, Spa Pendry is a hidden oasis amid the hubbub of downtown. The intimate indoor-outdoor space, perched atop the Pendry hotel, invites guests in with lush vertical gardens, cozy seating and a babbling fountain. Standout treatments include the decadent Deep Rest Ritual Massage with sound therapy, or the buzzy Pendry HydraFacial to give your skin that “on-the-go glow.” Guests can also try the spa’s high-tech relaxation room services, such as the Mind-Sync Wellness Lounger and Infrared Sauna Blanket.
Where: 550 J St. San Diego, CA 92101
This spa refuge is a perfect antidote to the historic seaside resort’s high-energy, bustling ambience. De-stress on the spa terrace with its private vanishing-edge pool and views of lapping waves. Inside, ocean-themed treatments such as the detoxifying Seaweed Leaf Wrap and rejuvenating Snow Algae Refresher facial await. Guests can expect exclusive product lines focused on wellness and luxury, such as Ground Wellbeing and Voya skincare. The Del also recently added a new full-service beauty salon inspired by Marilyn Monroe, who famously filmed “Some Like It Hot” at the resort.
Where: 1500 Orange Ave Coronado, CA 92118
This serene, 7,000-square-foot haven near the seaside bluffs of Torrey Pines welcomes guests with nine treatment rooms and a full menu of spa packages, from massages to comprehensive skin care. A signature of the Estancia spa is its couples' bungalow, with a private deck and outdoor soaking tub for two. The spa's indoor/outdoor spaces include women's and men's salt-water pools, a lounge and grand fireplace and a meditation garden. And it's all connected to an understated but beautiful luxury hotel with 210 equestrian-inspired guest rooms and suites.
Where: 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
SpaTerre is a tropical getaway nestled along the shoreline of Shelter Island. Relax and refresh with such signature treatments asthe Age-Defying HydraFacial, which uses mineral-rich serums and LED red light therapy to promote radiance and glow, or the intimate Romance Package, which includes an 80-minute couples massage and aromatic bath. With the new Noble Paws program, your pet can get pampered, too. Pups can enjoy the Pawroma Therapy dog massage, performed by a certified therapist to promote muscle recovery and nerve soothing, or the Furry Flex stretching experience, designed to support overall mobility and well-being.
Where: 1551 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106
This elegant Mediterranean resort is committed to exceeding expectations in style and service, and its Forbes Five-Star spa is no exception to this ethos. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s highly skilled, ASTECC-certified practitioners offer a full menu of treatments, including various iterations of hydrotherapy, massage, Dr. Vodder's manual lymph drainage (MLD), and specialized therapies such as the new JetPeelTM facial. Afterward, relax with tea and gourmet bites while lounging on daybeds in the fire-lit lounge. Luxury abounds.
Where: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court San Diego, CA 92130
This seminal spa has been a San Diego favorite since it opened in 1965. The sprawling, 43,000-square-foot, white-walled compound recently unveiled a new multimillion-dollar refresh with outdoor Roman waterfalls for a true hydromassage, a pool and hot tub, reflexology stone walkway, and tropical gardens dotted with birds of paradise. Girlfriends love to gather for Bellinis and gourmet healthy repast between collagen facials, aromatherapy massages or hydrating body wraps.
Where: 2100 Costa Del Mar Road Carlsbad, CA 92009
This Forbes Five-Star spa is one of the most luxurious places to rejuvenate in Southern California. It reopened in 2021 following an 11-month remodel that made the already lavish wellness center even better — expanding the gym and locker rooms and adding a full-service salon. Treatments include access to the 110-plus fitness and yoga classes offered each week, ultra-exclusive product lines, coed hydrotherapy circuit, adults-only pool, and a host of other plush amenities. Post-treatment, stop by the boutique and shop local brands such as Janessa Leone, Rylee + Cru, Vix, Vuori and more.
Where: 5921 Valencia Circle Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
French skincare guru Mila Moursi brings her transformative treatments and products to San Diego in a first-of-its-kind partnership. Many treatments use Moursi’s dry contouring and sculpting technique, which naturally lifts and firms the skin. It really works. But don’t believe us — believe the rave reviews from Courteney Cox, Candice Bergen and other A-list celebs.
Where: 5951 Linea Del Cielo Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
The Miraval Life in Balance Spa is the only outpost of the luxury wellness brand outside its full-scale properties in Arizona, Texas, and Massachusetts. Exclusive, globally inspired treatments include Vasudhara, an award-winning sensory water experience, and Nâga, a Thai deep-tissue massage that uses hanging silks to facilitate an even deeper stretch. Miraval also offers unique culinary experiences where guests can learn more about creating a “life in balance” at home.
Where: 100 Aviara Resort Drive Carlsbad, CA 92011
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