For my birthday, I celebrated with a much-needed spa day at Spa Calamigos, which is located at Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club in Malibu, California. The stunning, expansive property has everything one could ever need or want, from an exclusive beachfront club and cozy guest rooms to fine dining and a stunning spa. I was filled with excitement and anticipation as I drove to Malibu to indulge in a day of much-needed relaxation and self care.

SPA PROFILE: Spa Calamigos at Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club

Upon my arrival, I pulled into the driveway next to a beautiful fountain and left my car with the valet attendant. As I made my way up the stairs to the entrance of the ranch, I was greeted by Brie Woodey, the spa’s director who gave me a tour of the property—and I was beyond impressed.

Here’s what you’ll love about Spa Calamigos: 

• The 250-acre property has a wide variety of cottages, bungalows, rooms and suites for those that want to enjoy a weekend getaway or longer.

• Located in beautiful Malibu surrounded by nature, the luxury eco-safe resort is within close proximity to the beach, hiking trails, and other local attractions.

• Spa Calamigos has multiple relaxation lounges, as well as indoor and outdoor sitting areas, making it the perfect place to unwind solo or with a group.

• The spa offers an array of innovative and relaxing beauty and wellness treatments, ranging from cupping therapy to chakra massages.

• Massage enhancements, including aromatherapy, hot stone therapy, scalp treatments, and facial masks, are available for $25 each.

• The spa offers an “In the Wild” Massage outdoors, so guests can enjoy the fresh air and relaxing feeling of being outside during their treatment.

• The treatment rooms are located in a tranquil, light-filled space that has a hallway with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering prime views of eucalyptus trees and the mountains.

• Guests of the spa have access to the Spa Pool and the Main Pool, jacuzzis, and an outdoor sauna.

• The retail boutique carries a wide variety of items, including clothing, skin care, beauty products, and gifts.

• Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne, and can enjoy healthy snacks and drinks in the relaxation lounge.

• Due to its spacious nature, the spa is the perfect destination for bachelorettes, bridal parties, birthdays, and other celebrations.

After showing me around the property, which includes two swimming pools (Spa Pool and Main Pool), a gym, and plenty of outdoor space, Brie took me to the spa. The relaxation lounge is spacious and has several different sitting areas with armchairs and couches, as well as an outdoor patio for guests who want to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air before or after their spa services.

The retail boutique carries a wide variety of products, including skin care, body and beauty products, snacks and drinks, as well as themed merchandise and gifts for those that want to bring a piece of Calamigos home with them. I also discovered a new brand that I fell in love with, Divine Feminine, a line of bohemian-inspired flowy gowns and slip dresses fit for a goddess. They’re super soft, comfortable, and are perfect for any occasion—a beach cover-up, relaxing loungewear, or a night out!

After changing into a robe and slippers in the locker room, I returned to the relaxation lounge, where a glass of champagne and a fruit platter awaited me. Brie also presented me with a token to be redeemed at the Main Pool for food and beverage services—a wonderful birthday treat!

The snacks offered in the lounge included mixed nuts, dried fruit, apples, purified water, and tea. There was a television and plenty of reading material available. I was particularly excited to find a copy of Justina Blakeney’s The New Bohemians Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes, which I’d been wanting to read for some time now.

Since I had extra time to spare before my treatment began, I walked over to the Spa Pool to take a look around. Perfect for swimming laps, the Spa Pool area has a separate jacuzzi, outdoor sauna, and plenty of lounge chairs. It’s located next to the well-appointed gym, which has a wide variety of cardio and weight-lifting machines, exercise equipment, and more.

After checking out the Spa Pool amenities, I headed back to the relaxation lounge, where my massage therapist brought out a selection of chakra therapy oils by Kailo, which would be used in my Chakra Massage. I could select as many as I wanted, and after testing out all of them, I ended up choosing three—they all smelled amazing!

I followed her towards the treatment rooms, which were located down a beautiful hallway with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offered stunning views of the trees and plants outside. The light-filled space was tranquil and relaxing, and all of the treatment rooms were named after national parks—a nice touch!

Today I was receiving two spa services: the Chakra Massage and Malibu Glow Facial. My massage was scheduled first, and my therapist led me into a with a large glowing crystal in the corner. The Chakra Massage (50 min/$185; 80 min/$235) is designed to balance the body and open the mind, cleanse energy and recharge the spirit.

While performing a full-body massage using long, deep strokes, my therapist incorporated the chakra oils I had selected earlier into the treatment, along with specially charged chakra stones that she placed in my hands to help me release energy. Towards the end of my service, she had me repeat several small mantras after her, all related to positivity and empowerment.

Afterwards, I made my way to the next room for the Malibu Glow Facial (60 min/$150), an an advanced anti-aging service that combines two therapeutic masques and LED light therapy, safely and gently resurfacing skin to encourage cellular renewal. It incorporates a variety of serums and cremes to help reveal a smoother, softer, and brighter complexion.

My facialist also did gua sha, which is the gentle scraping of the skin with facial tools to stimulate blood flow and release tension in the muscle. It’s also great for firming and toning the skin. As an added bonus, she gave me a reflexology hand massage while waiting for my face masque to dry, further enhancing my relaxed state. After the treatment, my skin was noticeably glowing—the facial definitely lives up to its name!

Above the treatment rooms is another relaxation lounge, which is accessible via a set of stairs at the end of the hallway. This lounge is more private and secluded, and offers views of the Spa Pool and trees outside, making it the perfect place to enjoy some quiet time on your own.

After my incredible treatments had concluded, I headed to the Main Pool to order lunch and lounge. As I walked over, I enjoyed all of the beautiful sights and details around me, such as chandeliers hanging from trees and pretty faux-grass sofas. Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club has a whimsical vibe to it, which further adds to the charm and allure.

The Main Pool includes a bar area, indoor restaurant overlooking the pool and jacuzzi, umbrellas and loungers, as well as cabanas. Guests of the spa and resort can order food poolside, so after claiming a spot next to the swimming pool, I redeemed my token for a grilled cheese sandwich, French fries, and piña colada—one of the best I’ve ever had (I ended up ordering a second one!)

Since it was a Wednesday, I practically had the entire pool to myself, which was an added bonus. I went back and forth from cooling off in the pool with a drink to relaxing under my umbrella. Lounge music played on the outdoor speakers, lending to the vacation-like vibe. The service was great, and the food and drinks were brought out quickly.

As I sat in the pool enjoying my surroundings, I already began planning my next visit. I knew my husband would love this place, and I couldn’t wait to come back with him to indulge in a pool and spa day together. Perhaps we’d book an overnight stay, as hotel guests receive access to the Calamigos Beach Club, a Spanish-style beachfront estate that is just a few minutes away from the ranch. The Beach Club offers a variety of complimentary games and activities, as well as a beachy, mid-century-inspired restaurant.

As I glanced at the time, I realized that it was already late afternoon—time certainly flies when you’re having fun! It was time to head home, but not without a quick stop to visit the property’s resident cows, which are a short walk from the Main Pool. I watched with awe as they casually grazed on grass behind the fence, and was glad that my facialist had suggested I check them out. The presence of animals is always magical, and it enhanced my experience even more.

Brie called the complimentary Tesla shuttle to give me a ride back to the valet area. It also provides rides for guests to the Beach Club, which is a few minutes away. While waiting for my car, the valet attendant handed me a bottled water, box of mints, and lip balm for the road. As I drove away feeling rejuvenated and renewed, I was very grateful to have spent my birthday in such a beautiful and magical place surrounded by nature. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate another year of life than with a day at Spa Calamigos—I’m ready to make this an annual tradition!

Insider Tip: Bring a swimsuit and allow yourself some extra time before or after your spa appointment to enjoy all of the amenities, including both swimming pools. Lunch can be ordered by the Main Pool and makes for the perfect afternoon.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Mon. - Sun.)

Address: 327 S. Latigo Canyon Rd., Malibu, CA 90265

Phone: 818-575-4400

Email: info@calamigosguestranch.com

For more information and to book your next spa visit, head to their website and follow them on Instagram: @calamigosguestranch

[Images 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