I Visited the Recently Refreshed Spa at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA — Here's Everything You Need to Know

The Spa at Terranea’s refreshed reception area includes a stunning monolithic quartzite reception desk. Photo by Kamala Kirk

“Many spas in the early 2000s featured darker woods and tones in order to create an opulent and cozy atmosphere for guests, but the Spa at Terranea has stepped into a new era with a fresh modern look that embraces its coastal environment.”

In May, Terranea Resort completed an extensive $4.5 million refresh of its 50,000-square-foot Spa and I was one of the first to get to see and experience it. I’ve been a fan of Terranea for many years and it’s one of my favorite spas in the South Bay where I grew up.

The Best Spas in the South Bay

Despite having been around since 2009, Terranea still remains somewhat of a hidden gem and I’m constantly recommending it to people who live around Los Angeles. It’s located in Rancho Palos Verdes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, just south of Redondo Beach, and is tucked away in a peaceful setting surrounded by the ocean and nature.

The update was overseen by interior design firm RVD Associates and includes a refresh of the spa’s interior and exterior spaces, including the locker rooms and bathrooms, treatment rooms and lounges, as well as new decor.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Terranea

When I arrived at the spa, the first thing I was noticed was how much lighter and brighter the interior was. Many spas in the early 2000s featured darker woods and tones in order to create an opulent and cozy atmosphere for guests, but the Spa at Terranea has stepped into a new era with a fresh modern look that embraces its coastal environment.

The centerpiece of the spa’s lobby and waiting area is a double-sided fireplace adorned with handcrafted Moroccan zellige tile. Photo by Kamala Kirk

The first thing that caught my eye when I entered the spa’s lobby and reception area was the new reception desk, which is made from beautiful monolithic quartzite and had a stunning decorative artwork hanging on the wall behind it.

As I headed to the women’s locker room, I noticed that the entire waiting area and retail space felt larger and more open with modern furniture and a double-sided fireplace adorned with handcrafted Moroccan zellige tile.

The other side of the double-sided fireplace features more seating and additional retail space. Photo by Kamala Kirk

The spacious locker room/changing area and bathrooms had a tranquil coastal aesthetic with shades of soft blue and sandy neutral.

The bathrooms also had new lighting, mirrors, and porcelain tile backsplash while the locker rooms had refurbished millwork and floors, new artwork, and modern light fixtures.

The spa locker rooms and bathrooms feature modern light fixtures, refurbished millwork and floors, and new artwork. Photo by Kamala Kirk

The locker room amenities and bathrooms also have a new porcelain tile backsplash, lighting, and mirrors.. Photo by Kamala Kirk

After I changed into a robe, I headed to one of my favorite spots at the spa — the women’s indoor relaxation lounge. It has floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in and highlight the beautiful ocean view, which is one of the big highlights of the spa (and sets it apart from other spas in Los Angeles).

The walls featured a blue-and-white color-splashed mural wall covering that reminded me of the calming ocean waves, and was complemented by coastal-inspired lighting, artwork and other design details.

The newly revitalized women’s relaxation lounge has a lighter and brighter ambiance with coastal-inspired lighting and decorative details. Photo by Kamala Kirk

The women’s relaxation lounge also has tranquil color-splashed mural wall coverings. Photo by Kamala Kirk

The marine layer was starting to disappear and the sun came out so I went outside to the spa’s outdoor lounge, which includes a hot tub, cold plunge, outdoor shower, and plenty of lounge chairs.

There’s a door that opens out to the co-ed relaxation lounge, which is located between the men’s and women’s sides of the spa. It’s the perfect place to meet your significant other (if you’re there for a couples spa day) and you can relax on the loungers under an umbrella while taking in the scenic natural beauty (and of course, more ocean views).

The outdoor spaces at the Spa at Terranea have also been completely refreshed to include fresh greenery and plants, and this extends to the spa pool area as well.

The spa’s oceanfront outdoor relaxation spaces have been rejuvenated with fresh greenery and vibrant plants. Photo by Kamala Kirk

The oceanfront spa pool is another highlight of The Spa at Terranea, and the entire area has been updated with new outdoor furnishings and patio umbrellas, and re-canvassed cabanas.

Directly adjacent to the pool is the spa’s 5,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center, which was upgraded with state-of-the-art Precor equipment including cardio and strength training machines. They also have added new Peloton bikes, a Peloton rowing machine, two stair climbers, an air bike, and nine TRM treadmills.

Prior to my spa appointment, I had started my morning with a Good Morning Stretch class at the fitness center. It was a great way to start the day with some gentle guided stretches and breath work, and help to loosen my muscles for the day ahead.

Terranea has an impressive scheduled of fitness programming ranging from seaside/sunset yoga to sound baths and coastal hikes, so you’ll never be short of wellness activities to enjoy during your time there.

The lush garden areas around the oceanfront spa pool have also been refreshed with vibrant plant and outdoor furnishings. Photo by Kamala Kirk

The spa pool cabanas have been freshly re-canvassed in addition to new patio umbrellas and outdoor furnishings. Photo by Kamala Kirk

In addition to all of the upgrades to the spa’s amenities and spaces, two new treatments have been added to the spa menu including a HydraFacial (60 minutes) which enhances skin texture with hydra-dermabrasion and a gentle peel; as well as the Harmonic Aura Awakening (60 minutes).

I tried the Harmonic Aura Awakening treatment, which combines sound therapy from Himalayan singing bowls with a restorative marma point body and facial massage that is designed to rejuvenate energy flow and promote holistic healing.

The service also incorporates Ayurvedic plant extracts like Ashwagandha and arnica, and helps to soothe the mind, nourish the body, and revitalize the spirit. Afterwards I calmly floated out of the treatment room on a dreamlike cloud of relaxation.

For the last part of my spa journey, I was led to the co-ed relaxation lounge upstairs, which is one of my other favorite spa features.

It has a cozy fireplace and doors that open out to a mini-balcony overlooking the ocean, making it a peaceful backdrop for quiet contemplation after a treatment. It was so relaxing that I could have stayed there for hours.

The co-ed relaxation room has added three ergonomic Evo loungers by Gharieni in addition to new floors, wall covering, furnishings, draperies, and sconces. Photo by Kamala Kirk

To conclude my visit, I had lunch at Solviva, the spa’s healthy poolside restaurant that serves an assortment of dishes made with nutrient-rich ingredients and locally grown produce.

I ordered one of my favorite dishes, the Avocado Sweet Potato, which consists of a sweet potato topped with a poached egg, pomegranate seeds, and kelp sea salt flakes. Delicious!

I concluded my visit with lunch at Solviva, the spa’s healthy poolside restaurant. Photo by Kamala Kirk

After undergoing the recent transformation, The Spa at Terranea feels fresh and modern, but at the same time maintains its original charm that guests know and love. Now that’s a glow up we can get behind!

For more information about The Spa at Terranea and to book a treatment, visit their website. Follow on Instagram: @terranearesort

[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