Surf, Sand, Spa, Serenity: Spotlight on Carlsbad

The Mamas & The Papas referenced L.A. in their “California Dreamin’” lyrics, but in my version of the song, they must have been speaking of Carlsbad—because I just returned from there, and ever since, I’ve been, well, dreaming of my next visit. From the decadent spas to the fine dining to the wellness activities that abound, Carlsbad simply breathes health and relaxation. Image courtesy of La Costa Resort and Spa

Ocean Pearl Spa at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa Light and airy, the boutique-style Ocean Pearl Spa is a fave among those in Carlsbad (locals make up 70 percent of clientele), and its advanced, organic facial and body treatments—along with its marine-based therapies that coincide with the nearby Pacific Ocean—is a good bet why. The spa just rolled out its new menu, and I was lucky enough to receive a sneak peek beforehand: To rid myself of any jetlag or travel tension, the Pearl Therapeutic Herbal Massage was just the ticket. My therapist Linda suggests this type of modality, which incorporates a warm herbal pearl poultice filled with a blend of lemongrass, turmeric, and other elements (organic, of course), may be better than a hot stone massage for some because the poultice contours to the body prior to rubbing out the congestion of soft tissues, i.e., the knots. Post-treatment, I took the poultice back to my room to use twice more while soaking in the bath. Image courtesy of Ocean Pearl Spa

Ocean Crest Spa at Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa Ocean Crest Spa’s sumptuous design delights upon arrival, with an oceanic esthetic complete with wave-like textures along the walls, bubble-type chandeliers, and accents of teak, bronze, stone, amber, and glass. Treatments, which celebrate Osea’s anti-aging, natural seaweed products, are sea-inspired as well, and delightful at that: My Soft Sea treatment, one of the spa’s Ocean Journey Signature Body Rituals, comprised an extensive three-part process—a lulling salt scrub, detoxifying algae wrap, and (my favorite part) a lomilomi massage. Using light to medium pressure, my therapist Tammy choreographed long strokes of the massage to the soundtrack of crashing waves, giving me a swaying sensation like a boat rocking in water. Really, what could be more calming? Image courtesy of Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa

Skinsational Skin & Body Spa If a spa could be compared to the beloved Cheers sitcom, Skinsational Spa might just be the one: A convivial, communal, “where everybody knows your name,” vibe is noted nearly the second you walk through the doors of this stylish, Zen-like day spa—this is another property that appears hugely popular among the locals (Skinsational did, in fact, outgrow its size and move to a larger space awhile back, though remains in the Village Faire in historic Carlsbad). My Pure Fiji Orange Blossom Retreat, one of the seasonal specials, began with a yummy orange blossom- and coconut milk-infused bath to melt away any stress, followed by a pure sugarcane scrub packed with vitamins and antioxidants. While the sugar granules were a bit sticky, my therapist Taj quickly and gently wiped them away with warm wet towels, before massaging Pure Fiji lotion onto my body. Eighty minutes later, I was left with the softest skin in Carlsbad. Image courtesy of Skinsational Skin & Body Spa

The Spa at La Costa, La Costa Resort & Spa Coastal California charm meets an elegant Mediterranean esthetic at The Spa at La Costa. Part of the legendary La Costa Resort, the spa is a destination in itself, captivating visitors since 1965 with its lovely gardens, outdoor pool area, café, salon, waterfall showers, reflexology pathway, countless treatment rooms, and Chopra Center. The spa is revamping its menu as well, offering inspiring services designed to be as therapeutic to the therapist performing them as they are to the spa-goer. The Mindfulness Massage was truly profound, tending to my every need and bringing me to a heightened level of relaxation with deep breathwork techniques and essential oils used to purify, calm, and even invigorate. Image courtesy of La Costa Resort and Spa

May 2013: Women’s Wellness Weekends Visitor information center Visit Carlsbad will debut its inaugural “Women’s Wellness Weekends” event, with six spas offering discounted spa and wellness packages—treatments, fitness activities, and accommodations—throughout the month of May. Spas on board include: Ocean Pearl Spa, Ocean Crest Spa, Skinsational Spa, The Spa at La Costa, Aviara Spa at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa, and Paddleboard and Picnic at West Inn & Suites. Learn more about Carlsbad’s “Women’s Wellness Weekends” here. Image courtesy of La Costa Resort and Spa

See & Do: Wellness Activities in Carlsbad Wellness is something the Carlsbad community takes to heart, and workouts are made all the more enjoyable thanks to the region’s mild climate and breathtaking coastal landscape. By land, there is yoga at the Agua Hedionda Discovery Center; runs around the nature trail bordering Batiquitos Lagoon, one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the Southern California coast; and hikes along the eight miles of trails comprising Torrey Pines State Reserve in nearby La Jolla. By sea, it’s nearly impossible to walk 100 yards without seeing another surfer, paddle boarder, or swimmer.

Carlsbad Dining If you’re in California, you expect healthful yet delicious cuisine, and Carlsbad’s fine dining restaurants don’t disappoint (though some of the more casual spots like the breweries, wineries, and cafés in Carlsbad Village are great fun as well). Among the highlights: TWENTY/20 at Sheraton Carlsbad: The restaurant emphasizes the culinary philosophy of northern Spain’s San Sebastian region, influenced by fresh, organic ingredients to create tasty meals like the crispy salmon (a must-try). If you can, opt to sit outdoors on the veranda to view ideal sunsets and the panoramic coastline views for which TWENTY/20 takes its name. Bistro West: Offering passion and panache, Bistro West provides a farm-to-table approach to feed the palette.  All—yes, all—herbs, fruits, and veggies used in the mouthwatering cuisine (from the classic comfort foods and the pastas to the salads and fresh fish) are sourced from The West Farm’s three-plus acres. Prior to dining, you’ll definitely want to check out the bar area at the adjacent sister property, West Steak House, to try the new Chameleon Cocktails—befitting of the name, with every sip you take, the flavor changes, as does the color! Top left image: Courtesy of TWENTY/20; all others from Bistro West

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