I Celebrated My 40th Birthday With a 2-Hour Wellness Journey at Spa Pendry Newport Beach—and It Was the Perfect Way to Start a New Decade

Pendry Newport Beach is a luxury hotel located a short walking distance from Fashion Island.

It’s become an annual ritual for me to spend my birthday at a spa—a new year signifies transformation and a fresh start, which is similar to a spa treatment in that afterwards I feel transformed and renewed. It’s become a tradition that I look forward to every year because it encourages me to slow down, be in the present moment, stay off my phone for several hours and just relax.

Spa Pendry Newport Beach: A Coastal-Inspired Spa Hideaway in Orange County

For my birthday this year (the big 4-0), I decided to spend the day at Pendry Newport Beach, a luxury hotel in Orange County. I’d previously been to the spa at Pendry West Hollywood and had a wonderful experience, so I’d been wanting to visit their sister property for some time. To read about my spa visit at Spa Pendry West Hollywood, click here.

Pendry Newport Beach is conveniently located next to Fashion Island, one of the premier shopping destinations in Orange County. I have many fond memories of spending way too much money there, especially during my college years, but it’s a place that’s near and dear to my heart for many reasons.

Not to mention that it’s super convenient for guests staying at the hotel—you can literally walk across the street and have access to many world-class stores and restaurants (RIP Cheesecake Factory).

Spa Pendry is the hotel’s coastal-inspired hideaway with luxurious amenities.

Here’s what you’ll love about Spa Pendry Newport Beach: 

  • It’s located at Pendry Newport Beach, a luxury hotel with 295 guest rooms and 113 suites that offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

  • For added convenience, the hotel is directly across from Fashion Island shopping center and within close proximity to other popular destinations in Orange County, making it easy to access whether you’re a hotel guest or stopping in for a spa service.

  • The hotel reflects a breezy Southern California setting with a lush garden-inspired theme while the spa features a coastal vibe that instantly transports guests to a tranquil oasis of relaxation.

  • Spa Pendry Newport Beach has luxurious facilities including a co-ed relaxation lounge, eucalyptus steam room, a spacious locker room stocked with signature Pendry amenities, and a cryotherapy room (available for an extra charge).

  • The treatment menu at the spa features an exclusive selection of luxury treatments for the body, skin, and wellness that are designed to pamper the mind, body, and spirit.

  • In addition to massages, facials, and body treatments, Spa Pendry Newport Beach also offers several packages that feature multiple treatments, along with add-ons like compression boots, a foot scrub, cryotherapy, and more.

  • Spa guests also have access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center, which includes Peloton bikes, Technogym cardio equipment, and an Outdoor Functional Training Station.

The reception desk at Spa Pendry Newport Beach.

After I valeted my car, I walked inside the hotel and made my way to the elevator, which took me directly to the spa. When the doors opened, I was greeted by soft lighting, lush plants, and calming artwork—I instantly felt more relaxed as I stepped out onto the Spa Floor.

I checked in at the front desk, which has retail shelves on every wall that include a variety of wellness and self-care brands, in addition to signature Pendry merchandise such as tote bags, candles, and other items that make for great mementos and gifts.

The world-class spa has a spacious locker room with changing areas and more.

Once I was checked in, the attendant brought me back to the ladies’ locker room, where I changed into a soft, comfortable robe and slippers.

The locker room also had oversized private showers, a steam room, and a central vanity area that was stocked with everything from hair tools and scrunchies to other toiletries—everything one could need during a spa visit (and helpful for guests who may have forgotten things at home).

After a quick rinse-off in the shower, I headed back out to the reception desk and was led to the private cryotherapy room for the first part of my service. Today I was going to experience the Wellness Journey, a 2-hour package that features multiple treatments including a cryotherapy session.

Spa amenities include a eucalyptus steam room, showers, and changing areas.

I’m no stranger to cryotherapy, and while it can be quite cold at first, I always feel amazing after—it wakes you up like a cup of coffee (minus the caffeine) and offers an array of other benefits ranging from reduced pain and inflammation to increased energy, and more.

Discover the Benefits of Whole Body Cryotherapy

It’s become an especially popular wellness treatment among athletes who need to speed up recovery time, individuals with chronic illnesses that want relief from symptoms, and high-level executives and CEOs as well who do it regularly to improve performance and sleep quality.

The cryotherapy room had calming blue lighting, hooks on the walls for hanging my robe, and a tray with all of the essentials I would need during my session including gloves, a face mask, and an ear warmer headband. I wore my swimsuit but cryotherapy is also clothing optional, it just depends on your comfort level.

A private cryotherapy room is located off of the spa reception area.

Before stepping into the cryotherapy chamber, I had the option to select between four cryo levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Cryo Pro, and Cryo Extreme. Each level has a different wind chill intensity and perceived temperature. These are the four levels:

  • Beginner: Feels like -140°F (-95°C) with light winds

  • Intermediate: Feels like -150°F (-101°C) with moderate winds

  • Cryo Pro: Feels like -166°F (-110°C) with high winds

  • Cryo Extreme: Feels like -175°F+ (-115°C+) with extreme winds

I decided to go with Intermediate and I opted to go with the longest session duration (3 minutes and 30 seconds). The minimum amount of time is 30 seconds, but you can step out of the chamber anytime you want.

I was also given a pair of wireless headphones and could select music to listen to while I was in the cryotherapy chamber, which was a great touch. Having music during my session helped the time pass much quicker and I had a lot of fun during my one-woman dance party while listening to house music—it made me feel less cold and before I knew it, my session was over. Mission accomplished!

I started off my two-hour Wellness Journey with a cryotherapy session.

After cryotherapy I felt energized, refreshed, and ready to take on the rest of the day. I put my robe back on and headed to the spa’s relaxation lounge to enjoy some quiet time before the remainder of my spa services.

The co-ed lounge features neutral tones, calming coastal-themed artwork on the walls, low lighting, and in one corner there is an assortment of healthy drinks and snacks for guests to enjoy. They have tea, cucumber and lemon-infused water, as well as bottles of Acqua Panna Mineral Water from Italy.

Available snacks include fresh fruit and a delightful mix of nuts, mini chocolates, and dried fruit (the dried strawberries were so tasty that I had to go back for seconds!)

After cryotherapy, I headed to the relaxation lounge before the rest of my treatment.

The co-ed relaxation lounge has plenty of comfortable seating, tranquil lighting, and reading materials.

Fresh snacks are available including mixed fruit and nuts, infused water, and bottled Acqua Panna Water.

Shortly after, my massage therapist came to get me and led me down a long hallway to my treatment room, which included a private shower.

Aside from cryotherapy, the Wellness Journey also includes a CBD salt scrub, CBD mud wrap, and a Pendry Signature Massage, so no stone is left unturned with this experience—in other words, you get it all!

A long hallway leads to individual treatment rooms.

She stepped out of the room so that I could get undressed, and once I had positioned myself comfortably on the treatment bed, she returned. I was lying between towels so that she could start with the CBD salt scrub, which exfoliated me from head to toe. It felt good as she gently massaged my skin with the salt, and after she finished that portion of the treatment, she used a warm, wet towel to remove the salt.

The CBD mud wrap felt extra soothing and nourishing against my freshly scrubbed skin, and upon applying the mixture, she wrapped me firmly with towels (similar to swaddling a baby) so the mud could work its magic. While my skin soaked up the mud’s hydrating properties, she performed a scalp, neck and shoulder massage, which felt so relaxing.

I enjoyed the two-hour Wellness Journey, a spa package that includes a CBD salt scrub, CBD mud wrap, and Pendry Signature Massage (in addition to cryotherapy).

When it was time to rinse the mud off, my massage therapist prepared the shower for me before leaving the room so I could wash everything off. The warm water felt great against my skin, which was much softer after the mud wrap. Once I had dried off, I slipped back into the treatment bed, which she had refreshed with new linens while I was showering.

The treatment concluded with a 60-minute Pendry Signature Massage, which is a custom massage that can be tailored according to each guest’s preferences and needs. I opted for medium pressure, and she spent more time on areas of tightness including my upper back, arms, and hands (from sitting at a desk and using a computer daily!)

The treatment incorporated aromatherapy oils and various CBD ingredients.

After my massage had ended, she stepped out of the room so that I could put my robe back on and was waiting for me in the hallway with a refreshing wellness shot. It was slightly sweet with a hint of ginger, which instantly reawakened my senses—just what I needed for the drive home.

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my birthday, and while some might stress over the general thought of aging (especially when starting a new decade), I think that carving out some self-care time is not only essential but it’s also a great way to help set the clock back.

I may be 40 now, but I feel younger (especially after an incredible spa service), and I strongly believe that treating myself to spa treatments whenever I get the chance is a great way to enhance my overall well-being. As you get older, you realize which things matter the most, and one thing is for certain: health is truly wealth.

I’m also grateful to Spa Pendry Newport Beach for the opportunity to indulge in some much-needed relaxation and wellness time, and for offering such an incredible Wellness Journey. It was everything I needed and more!

The spa also has a retail area with a great selection of items including branded Pendry merchandise, which make for perfect gifts and mementos.

Cost: Wellness Journey ($482/2 hours)

Insider Tips: The hotel offers valet parking. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to enjoy the steam room and showers. Swimwear is optional for the steam room and cryotherapy.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Daily)

Address: 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach CA 92660

Phone: 949-688-8003

Email: PNB.Spa@pendry.com

For more information about Spa Pendry Newport Beach, visit their website. Follow on Instagram: @pendrynewportbeach

Book Spa Pendry Newport Beach

[Photos by Kamala Kirk]

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