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.

We chatted with Camille Malcom, General Manager and Owner of Spa on the Plaza, who recommended treatments, shared insider tips, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: The customer service and the beautiful ambiance. Spa on the Plaza has long-time relationships with its clientele. Both locals and tourists regularly come back for the friendly service and first-class amenities.

Key Features: Steam rooms in the men’s and woman's locker spacious, private jacuzzis, an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, wellness center and fitness room. We also offer complimentary parking validation in downtown Monterey.

Bonus: We run monthly specials on our website. There are usually cost-saving and complimentary add-ons like aromatherapy, moor-mud back treatment, and complimentary mimosas.

Guests relax in comfortable robes during their spa visit.

Insider’s Tip: Spa on the Plaza is open until 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. These late hours are designed for people who dine early and want to have a massage afterwards. One of my favorite dates is dinner at Jack's Restaurant. I love their organic menu, salads, Dragon Roll, and non-alcoholic cocktails, which are the best on the Peninsula! After dinner it’s so easy to head across the walkway to Spa on the Plaza, where I recommend a romantic Couples Massage. It’s so much fun and is a great way to enhance intimacy in any relationship.

Snacks Served: Tea with cucumber and lemon, herbal tea, and champagne mimosas with our spa specials.

The spa serves a variety of refreshing beverages, including tea.

Splurge Treatment: The Oceana is my favorite treatment. The healing element of the ocean is perfect for Monterey, and in my opinion, the most healing. The seaweed wrap is so good for you and boosts the immunity system, followed by a deluxe facial and massage. The treatment is very thorough and you will feel lighter, cleaner, and more relaxed when you leave the spa.

Guests can indulge in a variety of therapeutic baths before or after their treatments.

Insider’s Favorite: The Designer Facial is an 80-minute treatment that includes a brow and lash tint. Spa on the Plaza has been voted The Best Place for Skincare for eight years running—you need only experience our facial to understand why. We use the best products, and have the most experienced and passionate estheticians. Whenever I walk out after this treatment I look 10 years younger!

Unique Treatment: Our Seaweed Wrap is amazing. It's offered in our wet room with a Vichy Shower and water jet body scrub. Afterwards, you are whisked away to a massage room where we apply a luscious body butter that leaves your skin feeling super smooth. This is the only way to experience the full benefits of this healing service. Spa on the Plaza only uses organic and safe skincare products.

All of the spa’s Body Indulgence treatments include a refreshing Vichy water massage.

Featured Products: Image Skincare, Jurlique Organic Skincare, Pure Fiji, SkinCeuticals, and Sonoma Lavender. All of our products are reviewed for safety and ethical manufacturing practices by the Environmental Working Group’s website.

For more information, visit the spa’s website and follow them on Instagram: @spaontheplazamonterey

[Images courtesy of Spa on the Plaza]