During a Media Wellness Day and overnight stay at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, I spent an entire day at the Five-Star, Five-Diamond resort’s spa, which offers a long list of impressive amenities, spa treatments and experiences, and an extensive schedule of more than 95 fitness classes per week.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Rancho Valencia

While you certainly can come by the property to experience a spa service or fitness class and be on your way, The Spa at Rancho Valencia is a beautiful and luxurious wellness sanctuary that is so incredibly nice, you’ll want to stay for the day—or longer.

The resort is located on 45 lush acres in San Diego County’s upscale Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood, a charming hill country and equestrian community with large estates and homes surrounded by green hills. It offers a rural feeling yet it’s only 20 miles from downtown San Diego and less than 10 minutes from the ocean.

California Spa Guide: The Best Spas in San Diego

Having undergone a major renovation in 2021 along with the debut of new spa services, The Spa at Rancho Valencia has everything one could ever need whether it’s to enhance personal fitness with a workout class, relieve stress with a relaxing spa treatment, or embark on the ultimate wellness journey with a multi-day stay at the property.

Here’s what you’ll love about The Spa at Rancho Valencia: 

• It’s located at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa—a Five-Star, Five Diamond resort in San Diego County that is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Southern California.

• Situated on 45 lush acres, the luxury resort is hidden away in the exclusive Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood and is surrounded by olive groves, nature trails, and beautiful gardens.

• The Spa at Rancho Valencia is a Forbes 5-Star rated spa that offers many amenities including an adults-only spa pool, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas; a hydrotherapy circuit with a steam room, sauna, cold plunge, and whirlpool; an open-air Serenity Yoga Pavilion, a salon, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

• Many of the spa’s private treatment rooms include fireplaces and private patios with outdoor showers and/or tubs. The updated service menu includes new treatments and experiences that emphasize the therapeutic benefits of herbs, minerals, and oils combined with several renowned product lines.

• Medical spa-grade treatments are also offered in partnership with Kind Health Wellness, with offerings ranging from IV hydration therapy to EmSculpt Neo, among others.

• The adults-only Spa Pool offers a tranquil setting where guests can relax on loungers or in private cabanas and order food and drink from the poolside menu.

• The 1,000-square-foot Serenity Yoga Pavilion opens out onto a beautiful water feature and serves as the ideal backdrop for enjoying various classes ranging from yoga to sound bath meditation.

• More than 100 fitness classes are offered each week at the state-of-the-art fitness center with options such as Pilates, boxing, yoga, meditation, and agility classes, among others. Personal training sessions are also available with highly-accredited fitness trainers to help guests reach their fitness goals faster.

• Additional fitness amenities include three European Red Clay courts, four pickleball courts, and 13 Plexipave championship courts to provide a world-class players’ experience surrounded by lush gardens and orange groves.

• Two membership options are also available for those looking to enjoy spa and fitness amenities on a regular basis—the Rancho Valencia Spa Membership and the Rancho Valencia Tennis Membership. Benefits include discounts on spa treatments, accommodations, food and beverage; access to amenities; monthly social gatherings; complimentary participation in all fitness and wellness classes; and more.

• For overnight guests, the resort has 49 authentic hacienda-style suites (aka casitas), which include private garden patios, views of the olive groves and surrounding canyons, and luxurious amenities and service.

I had arrived the night before the Wellness Day, so I was able to relax and get a good night’s sleep in one of the resort’s Olive Grove Suites, which offer 1,000 square feet of space and include an indoor fireplace and living room, luxurious bathroom with a soaking tub, and a private patio with its own whirlpool.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa has 49 hacienda-style suites (also known as guest casitas) that don’t feel like hotel rooms at all. With custom furnishings and curated details, it felt like I was in a private residence and was much more welcoming and comfortable. Everything is nicely spread out at the resort and tucked amidst lush gardens, so there’s a greater sense of privacy and throughout my stay, I felt like I had the entire place to myself.

Every morning, jars of fresh-squeezed orange juice from the resort’s very own orange groves are delivered to guests’ suites, so I started my morning with a glass of OJ while soaking in my private whirlpool and listening to the sounds of the birds. Talk about the perfect way to start the day!

After enjoying a morning stroll around the property, I headed over to the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center for my first workout class of the day: Intro to Reformer Pilates. From beginner to advanced, Pilates classes of all levels are offered, and include other options such as Chair Pilates, Cadillac/Mat Pilates, and Pilates Jump Board.

Although I’ve taken Reformer Classes over the years, it had been more than a year since my last class, so I opted to ease back into it by starting out with the intro class, which ended up being perfect for me.

We began with different stretches and prior to starting, our instructor asked if there were any special requests, including certain areas of our bodies that we wanted to focus on or avoid. Then he led us through a series of different movements and techniques that worked us from head to toe including legs, arms, back, and core.

By the end of class, I had worked up a sweat but felt really good—both signs of a successful workout. We were then served wellness shots and mini-smoothies, which were tasty and refreshing. They gave me a boost of energy before heading to the Serenity Yoga Pavilion for my next fitness class: Deep Stretch/Roll With It.

Located just across from the fitness center, the Yoga Pavilion is a tranquil space that is surrounded by a beautiful water feature and hidden away amidst lush gardens. You feel as if you’ve been transported somewhere else, like the middle of a serene forest where no one else is around.

We all removed our shoes and socks and left them at the entrance to the Yoga Pavilion, which features 1,000 square feet of space and glass sliding doors that open out onto the deck overlooking the water and gardens. I found the open-air setting of the Yoga Pavilion much more relaxing and enjoyable than the typical studio, and I felt more in touch with nature as cool breezes flowed throughout the space.

I was especially excited for the Deep Stretch/Roll With It class since it utilized foam rollers (my favorite) throughout the session to help release tight muscles and deep tension. The focus of this class was to gently stretch and strengthen the body while restoring the nervous system.

Our instructor led us through different exercises and stretches that helped to loosen and lengthen fascia (thin connective tissue that covers muscles, organs, nerves, and blood vessels), gently yet effectively target knots and inflammation, and increase relaxation.

Every motion was slow and mindful as we transitioned from one movement to the next, then held each position for as long as we needed. We gently rolled our backs across the foam rollers, as well as our hips, legs, and necks. At home I keep a foam roller next to my desk and use it every day for a few minutes to help relieve tightness and tension that I experience from writing for multiple hours a day.

Foam rolling has been a game-changer for me, as was this class, which I would recommend to anyone who works at a desk, sits a lot, or is experiencing tightness and pain in their bodies. Most of us experience plenty of fatigue in our bodies from poor posture or repetitive motions on a daily basis, and Deep Stretch/Roll With It is a class that anyone can benefit from.

While the classes I took are just a few examples of the vast wellness and fitness programming available at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, there are so many other great offerings that I would have liked to try.

A few that caught my eye included Boxing, Barre Sculpt (fusing yoga with ballet), Theragun Percussive Stretch (different stretches aided by percussive therapy with a Theragun), as well as Nature Fit, which offers two options—Sculpt N Stride (outdoor boot camp-style class held on a nature trail) and Root to Rise (yoga flow class held on a walking trail plus a meditation by the waterfall).

Personal training sessions with highly-accredited fitness trainers are also available, and the resort has multiple pickleball and tennis courts (Including European Red Clay courts), so fans of either will enjoy playing while surrounded by beautiful views of gardens and orange groves.

After my two back-to-back fitness classes, it was time to unwind and relax at the spa. After checking in at the reception desk, an attendant took me back to the women’s locker room to get me set up with a robe and slippers.

We walked through the spa’s courtyard, which has a beautiful water feature in the center of it, similar to a reflection pool. Flanked on all sides by lush plants and palm trees, it’s very calming to look at and helps sets the tone for the rest of the spa experience.

On the opposite side of the courtyard is an outdoor fireplace with several chairs, and beyond that is the co-ed relaxation lounge which features comfortable armchairs, another fireplace with beautiful tile details, and snacks and refreshments.

In addition to fruit-infused water and an assortment of tea, the spa snacks are made by Executive Pastry Chef, Stephanie Tensow, who prepares healthy treats such as lemon-thyme cookies, flax seed crackers, and muffins (her banana bread muffins are a guest favorite!) I made sure to try one of everything and they were all delicious—I had to stop myself from eating too many before my spa treatment!

The relaxation lounge connects to both the men’s and women’s locker rooms, so if you visit the spa with your significant other, you can meet in the lounge after changing into your robes and then enjoy the outdoor hydrotherapy amenities together.

With several sets of double doors that open out onto the courtyard, along with lots of windows that welcome light into the airy space, the relaxation lounge feels very open and bright. It’s a great place to spend some time before or after your spa treatment.

The women’s locker room was extremely spacious with multiple rows of lockers, elegant chandeliers, showers, as well changing areas and a fully-stocked vanity with self-care products, hair ties, and more.

After I had changed into my robe and slippers, I had some extra time before my spa service, so I made my way down to the spa pool where a private cabana awaited.

The spa pool is for adults only, offering guests a peaceful and calm atmosphere to lounge or go for a dip before and after their spa services. There are plenty of comfortable lounge chairs with umbrellas, but if you’re looking to elevate your poolside experience, private cabanas are available and can be rented for a full or half day, as well as just for two hours.

My cabana was spacious and comfortable with plenty of comfortable seating and pillows, a table, and plenty of space to store belongings. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time by the pool, a cabana is the way to go—it also provides shade when you need a break from the sun and is also great for larger parties such as birthdays and ladies’ spa days.

Food and beverage service is offered at the spa pool and includes a variety of smaller bites, salads, sandwiches, tacos, and dessert. A selection of cocktails, wine, beer, smoothies, and juice are also available.

The spa’s outdoor amenities include a contrast hydrotherapy circuit, which features a eucalyptus steam room, dry cedar sauna, whirlpools, and cold plunge in a lush outdoor setting. The circuit is the perfect complement to your pre or post-workout routine and offers many benefits including reduced inflammation, improved circulation, quicker recovery, and improved sleep and immunity, among others.

After enjoying the spa pool and amenities, it was finally time for my treatment. I headed back to the indoor relaxation lounge, where I met with my attendant who led me back through the courtyard to my private treatment room.

I was extremely impressed with my treatment room, which was more of a suite with indoor and outdoor space, including an interior fireplace, which added to the cozy vibe. It had two treatment beds and a private outdoor patio that had a shower and soaking tub, both with a beautiful and intricate tile design.

Today I was trying The Kur, a 90-minute service that is inspired by the European holistic holiday and designed to rejuvenate the body and the spirit. It’s also intended to help promote sleep and decrease stress. To start my treatment, my therapist drew a warm bath for me in the outdoor tub with soothing bath salts and flowers.

She closed the doors to the patio before leaving the room so that I could enjoy a relaxing soak session in solitude. On the side of the tub was a bowl with a chilled towel and a can of fresh water on ice, which I sipped on in the tub.

There’s something quite special about an outdoor bath—being outside while soaking in the warm water while in a natural setting further enhances relaxation, and I enjoy the calming effects of the fresh air and sunlight. Taking a warm bath prior to a massage also helps relax the muscles in order to better prepare them for a massage (similar to a hot tub).

After spending about 20 minutes in the tub, I returned to the room where my therapist had prepared a cool body wrap on one of the treatment beds. She applied a hydrating skincare product all over my arms, legs, abdominal area, and back, then wrapped the foil body wrap around me, covering me up to my neck.

My entire body, which had been warm from my bath, began to rapidly cool down—but it wasn’t uncomfortable or freezing. Similar to the effects of going from a sauna to a cold plunge, the cool body wrap is designed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, improve pain, and increase circulation.

After about 15 minutes, my therapist removed the wrap and I headed back out to the patio to rinse off the product from my skin while she prepared the treatment bed for the final phase of my service. To further enhance the benefits from my treatment, I took a cold shower, which felt extra refreshing.

Afterwards I returned to the room and slid under the covers of the other treatment bed, starting face down. For the remainder of the time, my therapist performed a therapeutic massage using long and firm strokes to help break up any remaining tension or knots in my muscles. She made sure to spend more time on particular areas where she could sense extra tightness, including my rotator cuff muscles and scapula.

After I flipped onto my back for the rest of my massage, which included some time spent on my scalp, my therapist spritzed ISUN Ormus Myst Face & Body Mist on my face to conclude my treatment. The soothing mist is infused with clear quartz crystal and is designed to impart high-vibrational energy. It also features pleasant fragrance notes of rose, jasmine, and frankincense.

I felt relaxed and rejuvenated after my treatment, which was especially nice after having participated in two fitness classes earlier that day. I would highly recommend trying The Kur, but there are many other great spa treatments and experiences on the menu depending on what you’re looking for.

The Spa at Rancho Valencia offers a diverse variety of massages, body treatments, and facial therapies, with some stand-out options including:

• Balancing Gemstone Massage, which incorporates four different aromatic herb-infused massage oils wit a back massage and crystal wand facial rejuvenation

• Sixth Sense, a signature body ritual that treats the five senses with a bath, body scrub, massage, scalp therapy, hand and foot treatment

• Wellbeing Ritual with Guided Meditation, which includes a bath, dry brushing, body wrap, facial massage, and concludes with a guided meditation.

My therapist had placed my swimsuit in front of the fireplace so that it would dry during the service. By the time I put it on, it was completely dry. It was a really thoughtful gesture on her part (not to mention that the added warmth felt extra nice!)

Once I had put my robe and slippers back on, my therapist met me outside the treatment room and took me over to the women’s indoor relaxation area, which is another private quiet space located by the women’s lock room and amenities.

She offered me two different wellness shots and I opted for the green shot, which featured a tasty mixture of fruits and vegetables. I lounged on the sofa for a few minutes while sipping on my wellness shot, then it was time to get changed and head back to the Yoga Pavilion for my final activity of the day—a Crystal Alchemy Sound Bath.

We all laid down on yoga mats, closed our eyes, and were provided with blankets if we got cold. I almost felt like I could fall asleep while cozied up under the blanket and listening to the heavenly sounds of the singing bowls.

Using an assortment of various crystal alchemy bowls, which were infused with gemstones, precious metals, minerals, and other earth substances, our instructor performing a soothing sound bath after a grounding meditation. She also added in other sound instruments including chimes and gongs.

Sound bowls (also known as singing bowls) have Tibetan origins and are often used in meditation to invoke deep relaxation. They’re commonly used in temples and monasteries, and sound baths have grown in popularity over the past years, particularly in spas and yoga studios.

There are numerous benefits that sound bowls offer including helping brain waves move into a theta brainwave state for deep relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and clarity, and enhanced creativity, among others.

The sound bath meditation was the perfect ending to my fun-filled wellness day at The Spa at Rancho Valencia. I felt calmer and more alert afterwards, which was a good place to be in right before my drive back home to Los Angeles.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is the perfect place to go when you need to reset, find balance, and indulge in some self-care. The spa is a peaceful oasis for relaxation, fitness, and wellness, and if you’re able to stay a night or longer, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy every aspect and detail of this magical property.

Cost: The Kur ($420/90 min/Mon-Thur; $430/90 min/Fri-Sun)

Insider Tips: The spa has its own parking lot and the hotel also offers valet parking. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to give yourself time to enjoy the spa amenities. Bring swimwear for the pool and hydrotherapy facilities.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Daily)

Address: 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Phone: 858-756-1123

For more information about The Spa at Rancho Valencia, visit their website. Follow on Instagram: @ranchovalencia.

[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