There is no better place in California to get away from it all than Terranea Resort, located on 102 lush oceanfront acres in Rancho Palos Verdes. Boasting the best ocean views in California, the Spa at Terranea has emerged from a $4.5 million refresh with a relaxing color palette of soft blues, sandy neutrals, and organic materials. The top-to-bottom update of this expansive oceanfront oasis encompasses fresh new contemporary décor throughout – including a masterfully redesigned entry and lobby, modernized lockers and bathrooms and upgraded treatment rooms and lounge areas.
Book a wellness treatment for the ultimate self-care and peace at this 50,000-square-foot oceanfront space that melds seamlessly with the property’s unspoiled natural landscape. Consider a Hydra Facial, the Honey Body Bliss, or the ultimate 2-hour rendezvous with yourself, a Body Ritual like Ocean’s Prelude. My treatment room hung over the ocean and is by far, the best spa view I have seen in California.
As part of the Ocean’s Prelude, my experience began with dry brushing to help enhance circulation, followed by a kelp lotion wrap in what felt like becoming a tinfoil burrito. After letting my body absorb the ingredients, I was expertly rolled out to the copper soaking tub for a bath with Dead Sea salt and the ultimate bath time ocean views. The finale of my Zen day included a long stroke massage with oils, where I could select the scent. Lavender, of course – easing me into the ultimate state of bliss.
Terranea’s Spa offers a full slate of immersive treatments and wellness packages – from signature wellness treatments to skincare and bodycare – all carefully curated to rejuvenate the senses, restore the body and relax the mind. In addition to an abundance of natural therapies, The Spa at Terranea offers fitness and wellness classes and an array of amenities – such as a dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge, Jacuzzi, spa pool and a wellness café. Don’t miss their poached eggs breakfast with pomegranate and avocado atop a Japanese sweet potato.
Besides the stunning spa revamp, the outdoor spa areas are what really make my heart flutter. You can finish a treatment and move right to a cozy recliner atop the Pacific ocean – with unparalleled views and lush foliage, plus food and drink service and the private outdoor spa pool – a couple steps from your seat.
As part of its renovation, the spa has introduced two rejuvenating treatments:
Harmonic Aura Awakening: This 60-minute treatment harnesses the healing vibrations of Himalayan singing bowls, which are expertly placed on and around you to awaken the body’s chakra points. The sacred sound therapy is followed by a restorative marma point body and facial massage, designed to rejuvenate energy flow and promote holistic healing. Using ayurvedic plant extracts, including arnica and ashwagandha, the treatment soothes the mind, nourishes the body and revitalizes the spirit, leaving guests in a state of deep relaxation and balance.
HydraFacial: This 60-minute, results-driven facial deeply cleanses the skin through hydra-dermabrasion and a gentle peel, extracting impurities while infusing potent antioxidants and hydration. Designed to enhance skin texture and radiance, the treatment delivers a refreshed, glowing complexion with no discomfort or downtime.
To help ease my mind and find focus, yoga was part of my morning bliss at the fitness facility near the Spa. As sun salutations began, a glowing Catalina Island presented itself in the distance around 7 AM. My chair pose was accompanied by soaring pelicans, while the smell of star jasmine – blooming all over the property in May – mixed with the ocean air. This morning movement not only helped ease my aches and pains (like a stiff back and neck) but gave me a great sense of gratitude, as nature enfolded during our yoga class.
While I have been coming to Terranea since its opening in 2009, I have always stayed in a studio suite overlooking the ocean. Coming here from Los Angeles and Malibu feels worlds away from chaos, like a true getaway. This May was my first experience staying on the other side of the property, in an oceanfront casita, which felt like a small house – with outdoor terrace, living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom featuring mesmerizing ocean views from every angle. The land here feels very private and a windy path along the ocean takes you to the pool, the Spa, and Nelson’s, one of eight dining venues that showcases the farm-to-Terranea culinary philosophy of utilizing local and seasonal ingredients. Terranea’s bountiful land boasts herb and vegetable gardens, lemon groves, and even their own harvested salt. Nelson’s casual restaurant sits on the cliffside, perfect for sunset paired with a hearty lobster roll, clam chowder, mussels with sausage, and a seared ahi tun sandwich. You might just spot a whale or dolphins too! In the past I have enjoyed Terranea by hiking around the peninsula, kayaking off the wildlife rich location, dining at hilltop Mar’Sel, and working out with rock weights on the shoreline.
Book your next Spa-cation at one of Terranea’s hotel suites, bungalows, oceanfront casitas, or luxurious villas. Or for a quick local getaway, just come for a Spa – ah day. Amenities include The Links at Terranea, a nine-hole, par-3 golf course; award-winning 50,000-square-foot oceanfront spa, fitness and wellness center; four swimming pools and a 140-foot waterslide; marea luxury boutique; and 135,000 square feet of meeting space.
The resort’s team of expert experience concierge members can help you discover and explore Terranea’s rich terrain that includes miles of scenic coastal trails, a secluded beach cove, and ocean environments. Fun, enriching programs and activities such as falconry, archery, kayaking and paddle boarding are also possible.
Terranea is a member of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Virtuoso Travel Network, has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s “500 Best Hotels in the World”, and has earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s“Readers’ Choice Awards” and “Gold List”. The resort has being named a “Best Waterfront Hotel” by Newsweek, has received the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator, and has been recognized numerous times on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best U.S. Hotels” list.
For additional information about Terranea Resort, visit www.terranea.com, call 866.261.5873 or follow Terranea on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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