All Fresco treatment rooms and easy access to the Pacific Ocean make San Diego an ideal spa destination.
Downtown Darling
Vibe: Indulge at the Silk Road-inspired Sè Spa featuring treatments from Southeast Asia, India, Northern Africa and Japan. The journey begins in the relaxation lounge with signature martinis as you await your therapist. Then, a great twist for privacy fanatics and the celebrity in all of us, you are led to an individual suite where you change clothes and receive treatments.
Treatment: The Indian Head Massage cures insomnia and headaches. Oil poured strategically across your forehead is followed by deep scalp and shoulder massages.
Noteworthy: Private suites contain steam showers.
Shoreline Sweetheart
Vibe: The small, charming L’Auberge Del Mar spa has everything you need for relaxing. The décor is throwback-beachy, think petticoats and bathing caps amid blue and white walls and furniture.
Treatment: You barely feel the Amazonian Escape’s red coral sugar rub, yet it’s rough enough to brush away dead skin. Once exfoliated, you are enveloped in energizing sweet cream made from cocoa beans, seaweed and guarana. (Read: you are covered in chocolate.) A massage is the final touch.
Noteworthy: The outdoor sitting area with three onyx colored fountains is a tranquil escape.
Country Club Chic
Vibe: The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn’s landscaping makes even the most wound-up business person relax. Spa director Michelle Schlekewey loves it when stressed-out cell phone toting clients leave relaxed and carefree. Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas are really relaxing; steam, nooks, crannies, Jacuzzi and saline pool make this a spa where you can spend the entire day.
Treatment: The Spa-ing around the world program features treatments from, you guessed it, around the world. Choose from Asian, Latin, Mediterranean or tropical islands experiences.
Noteworthy: Saline pools have many benefits over chlorine.
Historical Significance
Vibe: If it’s been a couple years since you’ve visited the Hotel del Coronado, it’s time to schedule your return. Always pushing the envelope, while respecting history, The Del continues to evolve. Three years ago, the new spa was unveiled.
Treatment: Soothing massage combined with continuous steam opens your pores in The Classic European Facial. Light exfoliation is followed by a deep conditioning mask and massage.
Noteworthy: The Del’s unparalleled oceanfront location is perfect for yoga on the beach.
Dine
No trip to La Jolla is complete without at least a drink at George’s at the Cove, one of San Diego’s most beloved restaurants. Offering chic, modern dining with gorgeous views of La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean, lunch is light and refreshing.
Noteworthy: Ceviche-style shrimp cocktail.
Dinner at Café Chloe in the East Village offers cozy cuisine that incorporates local produce, all-natural meats and sustainable seafood. The Saturday evening H Texas visited, there were fresh tulips on the table; custard du jour was chantrelle and smoked brie.
Cucina Urbana, one of San Diego’s hottest new restaurants, boasts modern Italian food in a casual, come-as-you-are setting. The restaurant is built and furnished with raw, sustainable materials from reclaimed local sources. Tables don’t match, reclaimed wood adorns the walls and a variety of used light fixtures hang from the ceiling. Wine is available at retail prices plus a $7 corkage fee.
Noteworthy: All entrees under $20.
Stay
Staying at Sè San Diego is cool. This new 184-room luxury downtown hotel offers ultra-chic, world-class amenities, and cutting-edge design. Hundreds of unique finishes and art installations create extra-sensory experiences. The lobby, spa and even the elevator are visually appealing.
Essentials
The Se San Diego, 1047 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101, (619)515-3000
sesandiego.com
L’Auberge Del Mar, laubergedelmar.com
The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn
ranchobernardoinn.com
Spa at The Del; hoteldel.com
George’s at the Cove georgesatthecove.com
Cafe Chloe cafechloe.com
Cucina Urbana, 505 Laurel, San Diego
(619) 239-2222; sdurbankitchen.com
