California Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Orange County
[Photo by Derek Liang]
One of the most renowned and iconic destinations in Southern California, Orange County is home to beautiful beaches and oceanfront homes, charming coastal towns; world-class dining establishments, shopping and entertainment; luxury resorts and boutique hotels, and a wide array of outdoor activities to enjoy.
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Orange County has served as the picturesque backdrop for countless films and TV shows including “Laguna Beach” and “The O.C.”, and is a popular tourist destination due to its many attractions ranging from Disneyland and Fashion Island to Crystal Cove State Park and Balboa Pier, among others.
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Comprised of 34 cities including Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and Newport Beach, Orange County offers an endless variety of things to see and do, both for visitors and local residents alike. Not only is it a great vacation and staycation destination, but for spa lovers it’s also the perfect “spa-cation” getaway and tranquil escape for those that want to relax and take a break from the busy excitement in Orange County.
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Whether you’re seeking the ultimate spa getaway or just need a quick refresh during your day, check out our California Spa Guide that highlights the best spas in Orange County.
If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Orange County and the rest of California, click here.
Aarna Spa at Paséa Hotel & Spa
21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648; (855) 622-2472
This Balinese-inspired spa is located at Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, which is just steps from the sand and sea. Award-winning Aarna Spa offers 5,800 square feet of tranquil space including beautifully designed treatment rooms, a luxurious couples suite with a private tub; men’s and women’s facilities that include a salt water whirlpool, sauna, and eucalyptus steam room; an indoor relaxation lounge, and an outdoor spa garden with cabanas and fire pits.
Spa Profile: Aarna Spa at Paséa Hotel & Spa
The spa’s expert staff offer various signature experiences that incorporate signature spa products to help guests relax, and the spa also offers CBD treatments that feature CBD Essentials products for additional relief and relaxation. Recommended spa services include the Kelip Journey, which features a CBD lavender soak, guided meditation, and 75-minute massage; as well as the 4-hour Aarna Signature Journey, which includes a traditional Balinese soak, Balinese massage, and signature facial.
Spa Review: We Visited Aarna Spa at Paséa Hotel & Spa
Aarna Spa also offers a Signature Rewards Program that allows guests to earn points on all spa treatments, retail purchases, and more. For every 1,000 points earned, they will receive a complimentary 50-minute treatment of their choosing.
Drift a Waterfront Spa at The Waterfront Beach Resort
21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648; (714) 845-8465
Located at The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, Drift Spa offers 8,000 square feet of oceanfront luxury including men’s and women’s lounges and spa facilities, eucalyptus and lavender-infused steam rooms, an exclusive sensory experience, and an extensive treatment menu that incorporates organic products.
Spa Profile: Drift Spa at The Waterfront Beach Resort
In addition to nine treatment rooms, Drift Spa has Himalayan salt stone saunas and a private spa garden with a fireplace. The spa’s talented team of service provider professionals offer a variety of services including massages, facials, body treatments, and beauty services. Upon the conclusion of every massage, guests are also served a Naturopathica Herbal Muscle and Joint Elixir, while with every facial they receive an herbal Skin Radiance Tonic.
Spa Review: We Visited Drift Spa at The Waterfront Beach Resort
Treatments to try include the Signature Waterfront Recharge Massage (50 or 80 minutes) which improves circulations and relieves sore muscles and stiff joints; the Shirodhara Massage, an 80-minute treatment where warm herbal oil is poured continuously over the forehead to calm the nervous system and balance the body; as well as the Surf City Organic Radiance Facial, which nourishes, tones, soothes, and improves skin tone with natural fruit acids, organic grape stem cells, kombucha, spirulina, seaweed, and tea extracts.
Facial Lounge
Corona del Mar: 3810 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Costa Mesa: 2675 Irvine Avenue, Suite G, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 432-5915
Facial Lounge has two locations in Orange County—one in Costa Mesa and the other in Corona Del Mar—and offers guests a haven of holistic treatment options for skin that are effective and minimalistic with a customer-first service approach. Both spaces feature a bright and airy decor; the Corona Del Mar location has a beach bungalow vibe while the Costa Mesa storefront has an East Coast vibe.
The facial spa is known for its non-toxic, results-driven organic facial that is curated based on each guest’s individual needs. Customers can elevate their experience with a deep exfoliating microdermabrasion or dermaplaning to add instant glow. Depending on one’s lifestyle, environment, skin issues and needs, the esthetician will curate the facial based off of those factors.
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Facial Lounge also offers a monthly membership that includes one facial every month with no contract—unused facials roll over. Their goal is to keep guests coming in to ensure that their skin stays in good shape and is glowing at all times.
Hairy Little Things
234 E 17th Street, Ste 205, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Founded by microblading expert Alixandria Capparelli, Hairy Little Things is a chic permanent makeup studio that focuses on all things brows, lips, and lashes. They have three locations (Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and West Hollywood), and offer a variety of beauty services including microblading, brow laminations, lash extensions and lifts, lash line enhancements, and lip blushing.
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The stunning interior features a light pink and white palette that is calming to the eyes and provides a tranquil setting for receiving one’s services. HLT is dedicated to making clients look and feel their absolute best, and they also offer various educational trainings for beauty pros looking to advance their skills in microblading and lip blushing.
Spa Montage at Montage Laguna Beach
30801 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; (866) 271-6953
The iconic Montage Laguna Beach, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in February 2023, sits atop a stunning coastal bluff above the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Its guest rooms and suites, which blend coastal influences with modern design, offer unobstructed views of the ocean. One of the hotel’s signature amenities is its Mosaic pool, which features intricate tiles that shimmer from underneath the water.
Spa Montage at Montage Laguna Beach is a popular wellness destination for locals and travelers alike who come to indulge in results-oriented treatments in a beautiful setting. To celebrate its 20-year milestone, the spa launched a special treatment incorporating VR+ technology from Natura Bisse that invites guests to tap into their five senses with an out-of-body experience.
The team of experienced Montage therapists have undergone hundreds of hours of specialized education and training to create customized therapies that best address guests’ needs. They have designed special Elements of Wellness Rituals that are anywhere from 90 to 150 minutes long and inspire rejuvenation, transformation, and stillness of mind with multiple combined therapies.
Recommended spa services range from the Laguna Beach Facial, which showcases the healing benefits of marine extracts and seaside botanicals; to the Sunrise Sunset Massage, a unique seasonal experience that is available exclusively before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. A vast selection of massages, facials, body treatments, couples treatments, teen therapies, nail services, and add-ons are also available.
Spa Pendry at Pendry Newport Beach
690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660; (949) 688-8001
Newport Beach’s newest luxury hotel, Pendry Newport Beach is within close proximity to some of the area’s best dining, shopping, activities and beaches. It has 295 guest rooms including 114 suites, and features a sophisticated interpretation of the easygoing style of Southern California with signature amenities and in-room features.
For those seeking relaxation and self-care during their visit, Spa Pendry is a world-class wellness haven with pampering amenities such as men’s and women’s locker rooms, dressing areas with signature spa amenities, and eucalyptus steam rooms. Spa guests also receive access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center.
Spa Profile: Spa Pendry at Pendry Newport Beach
Spa Pendry features an exclusive menu of luxury treatments that are designed to restore and refresh the mind, body, and spirit. The menu includes a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, and luxurious spa packages.
Recommended treatments to try include the Platinum Facial, which combines seven facial rejuvenation treatments in one using MediSpa technology; as well as the Luxury Escape spa package—a 3-hour experience that includes a body polish treatment with CBD or aromatherapy, a Platinum Facial, 90-minute Pendry Signature Massage, and all-day pool access.
The Spa at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, CA 92657; (888) 600-4710
The ultimate luxury vacation destination in Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill is a five-star, five diamond Italian-inspired coastal getaway that is home to the 23,000-square-foot Spa at Pelican Hill. The expansive wellness oasis has 22 private treatment rooms where guests can enjoy their services, and its Acqua Colonnades features a 28-foot Palladian rotunda, wall of flowing water, saunas, steam rooms, and Roman saltwater soaking tubs.
The award-winning spa’s team of highly-trained experts can customize the personalized therapies according to each guest’s individual needs. Spa services incorporate the best natural products sourced from family-owned companies and makers, and the treatment menu consists of a wide variety of healing and rejuvenating services for the mind and body.
Stand-out services to try include the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, which invokes a deep state of relaxation by targeting muscles to release tension; as well as The Mosaic, which integrates massage techniques and inhalation therapy to reduce inflammation, eliminate toxins, and induce relaxation with Shiatsu bodywork, a warm herbal poultice, and Swedish Massage.
The Ultimate Detox Glow & Massage is a 90-minute treatment that exfoliates and replenishes skin with Natura Bisse’s Diamond Well-Living Experience Detox Oil and Scrub, followed by a full-body massage and body butter application. Another unique offering is the Love Local Spa Day Pass, which consists of any combination of treatments totaling a minimum spend of $350. It also includes use of the fitness center and/or daily fitness classes, and access to the Coliseum Pool.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629; (949) 240-2000
Set above the sandy shores of Salt Creek Beach on a coastal bluff in Dana Point, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel is a stunning wellness sanctuary that is inspired by the ocean. It incorporates various elements of the sea into its treatments to nurture the body and restore balance.
The world-class spa is located at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, an iconic beachfront property that is renowned for its luxurious coastal-inspired guest rooms, ocean-centric experiences, and celebrity chef-driven dining outlets. In addition to the spa’s numerous amenities, guests also enjoy use of the resort’s fitness center and multiple swimming pools.
Spa Profile: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Beach has 12 treatment rooms decorated in soothing aqua and beige tones, while tranquil water features enhance the overall sensory experience. Spa amenities include locker rooms, public spaces, and saunas, while the spa treatments embrace the resort’s natural surroundings. The spa menu incorporates sea salt, minerals, and water into products and services to leave guests feeling renewed and refreshed.
Treatments to try include the Laguna Wellness Experience, which firms, hydrates, and detoxifies the body with a specially formulated seaweed body wrap, collagen facial mask, and customized massage techniques; and the Coastal Illuminating Facial, a relaxing and revitalizing skincare treatment that is specifically tailored according to guests’ desired outcomes and transforms skin with marine collagen and beneficial precious minerals.
The Spa at Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92263; (949) 645-5000
Balboa Bay Resort is a luxury waterfront hotel in Newport Beach that offers beautiful views of the harbor and has state-of-the-art amenities and enhanced guest rooms and suites, in addition to a 24-hour fitness studio and a 10,000-square-foot spa.
Spa Profile: The Spa at Balboa Bay Resort
The ultimate wellness escape by the water, The Spa at Balboa Bay Resort features steam rooms, saunas, whirl pools, and a co-ed quiet lounge. Its menu offers traditional and signature massages, facials, body treatments, and more.
Among the recommended spa treatments are the CBD Remedy Massage, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties; the Diamond White Facial for brightening and hydrating skin; as well as the Citrus Drench, an 80-minute treatment that includes a full-body exfoliation and hydrating body wrap.
The resort also has a Drybar location that offers blow-outs and hairstyling services. One important thing to take note of is that the spa is only available to resort guests and Balboa Bay Club members.
Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA 92629; (949) 234-3368
A luxury coastal getaway in Dana Point, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is a AAA Five-Diamond Retreat set amidst 175 acres of a 150-foot seaside bluff. Its vast amenities and offerings include a private beach club, multiple swimming pools, culinary experiences, coastal activities and adventures, guest rooms and suites with ocean views, and a luxury spa.
Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club offers curated experiences in a tranquil setting including results-oriented treatments from 111Skin. Spa amenities include a steam room, jacuzzi, relaxation lounge, and a wide variety of massages, body treatments, facials, and spa packages.
Spa Review: We Tried the 111Skin Hydrafacial at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Among the treatments to try is the 111Skin Hydrafacial, which combines all the benefits of a signature Hydrafacial with products from the brand’s Black Diamond line to give skin a more youthful, sculpted, and firmer appearance.
Other enticing offerings include the Signature CBD Massage, Earth & Sea Body Scrub (which exfoliates and softens skin with algae and sea salt), and enhancements such as a Wild Lime Scalp Treatment, hot stones, cryo globes, and Light Stim red light, among others.
Waldorf Astoria Spa also offers more than 40 complimentary weekly fitness classes for guests and spa members, which include beach yoga, meditation, outdoor cycling, and more.
[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]
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Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk