California Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Monterey
A scenic Monterey view.
If coastal relaxation, adventures in nature, stunning mountain views, and delicious food and wine sound like your idea of a fabulous getaway, Monterey County should be on your list of travel destinations to visit. With a wide range of exciting activities and many opportunities for relaxation, a vacation to this California region may be just what you need.
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When in Monterey, some of my favorite things to do include visiting the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, enjoying clam chowder at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and taking in the scenic views on 17-mile drive.
Sharks at Monterey Bay Aquarium.
I also can’t resist getting a meal at Passionfish, a sustainable, and award-winning seafood restaurant with delicious and unique, fresh local ingredients. Of course, it has to be said that If you’re a golfer, the opportunity to play Monterey’s beautiful courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links is a dream.
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After exploring the region, there’s nothing more relaxing than a spa treatment at one of the incredible Monterey spas. Check out our spa guide that highlights the best spas in Monterey County including Pebble Beach and Carmel areas.
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Bernardus Lodge & Spa
415 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924; (831) 298-5389
At Bernardus Lodge & Spa, you’ll find a charming and intimate retreat in authentic wine country. Tucked away amidst 28 acres of rolling vineyards, orchards, and gardens, the resort offers a relaxing escape so guests can revitalize their senses and find calm while enjoying Carmel’s sun-drenched natural settings, garden-to-treatment philosophy, mindful services, and customized offerings.
The Spa at Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers a true escape from the hustle bustle with unique treatments that allow you to indulge in relaxation while enjoying the spa’s beautiful surroundings. Amenities include eucalyptus steam rooms, dry saunas, a warming pool, jacuzzi, heated leisure pool, and fireside lounge. Enjoy lunch poolside and stay in your robe all day!
Read our full profile on The Spa at Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
Refuge in Carmel
27300 Rancho San Carlos Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923; (831) 620-7360
Refuge in Carmel is an affordable wellness destination known for its “Refuge Thermal Cycle” hydrotherapy. Spend the day at the destination for $67, and you’ll get access to the outdoor facility, including amenities like the sauna, steam rooms, hot and warm pools, Nordic cool pool and cold pool, and outdoor firepits.
For the ultimate day of relaxation, you can add on services like Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, starting at $205. Guest can enjoy a quiet day of relaxation, spending time in the co-ed sauna, steam bath, and cold plunge pools. Childcare is also available at $20 per child per hour. (Admission, services, and childcare should be booked ahead of your visit.)
Spa Adeline at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA 93940; (831) 372-1234
Nestled on 22 acres along the Del Monte Golf Course, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa features 560 guest rooms and 43,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel offers two outdoor heated swimming pools, hot tubs, pickleball and tennis courts, on-site dining, fitness facilities, and a full-service spa.
Spa Adeline offers an ideal retreat for relaxation, located under the shade of pretty Monterey magnolias. Amenities include a luxurious steam room, sauna, refreshing rain showers, a serene co-ed lounge area, and delightful refreshments. Guests enjoy a selection of services that include stress-melting massages, invigorating body scrubs, and revitalizing facials.
Standout wellness offerings include group yoga sessions tailored to accommodate larger groups.
Spa Aiyana at Carmel Valley Ranch
One Old Ranch Road, Carmel, CA 93923; (831) 625-9500
Nestled in the treetops, Spa Aiyana is inspired by the surrounding fragrant gardens and the abundant four seasons in Carmel Valley. Treatments are seasonally inspired by the florals, herbs, and botanicals that dot the surrounding landscape. For instance, “Bee Beautiful” begins with a warm lavender oil application followed by a honey and calendula body buff. This treatment also includes a luxurious honey shea butter massage.
Amenities include a saltwater pool, infinity hot tub, eucalyptus steam room, and co-ed warming room. Hotel guests can also enjoy onsite activities like pickleball, tennis, fitness classes, golf, and immersive artist-in-residence programming.
The Spa at Casa Munras
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940; (831) 375-2411
Casa Munras Garden Hotel and Spa is located in Monterey’s Heritage District close to Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. Inspired by California’s bounty and Spanish heritage, Casa Munras’ picturesque grounds feature hacienda-style buildings and newly reimagined guest rooms. At Estéban restaurant, guests will enjoy Spanish-California cuisine featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an outdoor patio with a fire pit.
The full-service spa is perfect for unwinding and relaxing. Amenities include an outside jacuzzi tub with waterfall garden, locker rooms with showers, bath amenities including hair dryers, and four large treatment rooms—perfect for couples or for sharing with friends.
Read our full profile about The Spa at Casa Munras.
The Spa at InterContinental The Clement Monterey
750 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940; (831) 642-2075
Situated in the heart of historic Cannery Row and just one block from the aquarium, The Spa at InterContinental The Clement Monterey offers the finest in spa services at Monterey’s premier waterfront hotel. The spa has a reputation for consistently delivering 5-star customer service and guests will enjoy pampering and relaxation in an intimate setting.
Amenities include an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a fitness center, and complimentary valet parking. Their treatment menu features a variety of services including massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, couples treatments, and spa packages.
Recommended treatments to try include the Wilderness Massage, which releases tension with a warm botanical mud back treatments and essences from the Big Sur coast including sage, lavender, and pine; as well as the Body Polish, which illuminates and exfoliates the body with a rich blend of jojoba beads, lavender, and chamomile oils and concludes with a body balm application.
The Spa at Pebble Beach
17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953; (800) 877-0597
A recipient of the coveted Forbes Five-Star Award, The Spa at Pebble Beach offers signature services that incorporate the healing properties of plants, herbs, and minerals indigenous to California’s Monterey Peninsula. The award-winning 22,000 square-foot sanctuary has 15 massage rooms, five facial rooms, a Flotation Wrap Suite, and a full-service salon.
Amenities include a steam room, sauna, whirlpool spa, and inhalation room with aromatherapy and zero gravity chairs. There’s also an outdoor pool set to 82 degrees. Guests can enjoy healthy snacks including freshly made smoothies and juices, soups, sandwiches, and salads at The Spa Juice Bar & Café.
The Spa at Pebble Beach is also home to California Skin Institute, which is the largest privately held dermatology practice in California and offers state-of-the-art medical and cosmetic dermatology services and technologies, including Botox and CoolSculpting.
When visiting The Spa at Pebble Beach, top luxury resort recommendations for your stay include The Pebble Beach Resort options: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach.
Read our profile on the award-winning Spa at Pebble Beach, one of the best Monterey spas.
The Spa on the Plaza at the Portola Hotel & Spa
201 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA 92940; (831) 647-9000
The nautical-inspired Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay in Central California is a stunning waterfront destination with nearby access to Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, and the world-class Pebble Beach Golf Links. The hotel offers eco-friendly amenities, coastal decor, and wine tastings in the lobby from nearby vineyards. It is also home to a fitness center and the largest day spa in Monterey County. Overnight guests of the hotel automatically receive access to the spa and fitness facilities as part of their stay.
Spa on the Plaza is a 6,000 square-foot facility that has 10 treatment rooms, a relaxing lounge, steam room, outdoor pool, and jacuzzi. The extensive spa menu of more than 40 signature treatments has everything from aromatherapy facial treatments to a coconut balm massage, and there is also a VIP Premier Guest Program that offers guests special discounts throughout the year, premiere and personalized customer service, and exclusive offers on new products, services, and treatments.
Read our profile on Spa on the Plaza at the Portola Hotel and Spa.
Vista Blue Spa at Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940; (831) 645-4098
Located on historic beachfront property above the crashing waves on Cannery Row, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is an award-winning hotel that offers guests a classic coastal experience with elegantly-appointed guest rooms, warm hospitality, a chef-driven oceanfront restaurant, and a rooftop luxury spa.
Vista Blue Spa is the hotel’s award-winning spa that features dramatic panoramic views from its rooftop sundeck which has two side-by-side whirlpool spa tubs. In addition to nine treatment rooms, the spa offers steam rooms, saunas, workout facilities, and a salt chamber. The treatment menu features coastal-inspired treatments that support restoration and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit. The tranquil sanctuary also has a luxurious bath suite with private soaking tubs and ocean views for the ultimate relaxing spa experience.
Read our full profile on Vista Blue Spa at Monterey Plaza Hoel and Spa.
Explore more California spa guides:
The Best Spas in San Diego
The Best Spas in Palm Springs
The Best Spas in Napa
The Best Spas in Calistoga
The Best Spas in Santa Barbara
The Best Spas in Ojai
The Best Spas in San Fransciso
[Images courtesy of the hotels, spas, and Lizzy Sherman]
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A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16