Spas & Wellness

Not surprisingly, California has been at the vanguard of the trend towards developing “Green” spas and resorts. While a consensual definition of a green spa is still under development, most define it as spas or retreats that attempt to reduce their impact on the environment via energy efficiency and the use of organic and eco-friendly materials, and conscientiously recycling, composting, and using fair-trade products.

• Indulge in an enzyme bath at Sonoma’s Osmosis , a leading green spa that features its signature cedar enzyme bath, and then enjoy their exquisite bonsai gardens.

Want lavish settings, round-the-clock service and a load of options? California has an enormous variety of luxury spas and retreats. It used to be that spas with this level of luxury and service catered primarily to the Hollywood elite—but in recent years they have expanded their reach and embrace everyone. You’ll be delightfully pampered with the standard treatments (mud baths, aromatherapy, massage, Jacuzzis, hot and cold tubs, exfoliating scrubs) and the more exotic (salt scrubs, herbal foot treatments, “volcanic” scrubs, and, yes, a caviar facial).

• California spas have devised ways to make them accessible to all—even those that need a baby-sitter. At the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa , near Ventura, you can bring the kids (and send them to the on-site day camp) and still luxuriate in relaxed elegance.

• Spas aren’t limited to the beach or wine country. Enjoy a body treatment and spectacular mountain views at Tahoe’s year-round, Spa at Squaw Creek

California’s first spa aficionados were not the original Hollywood set. More likely, it was the Native Americans, as the state is dotted with natural hot springs. The adventurous can explore dozens of free, hike-in only hot springs throughout the state, while those looking for a few more amenities, can check out California’s rustic hot springs resorts .

• Hike secluded trails crisscrossed by freshwater streams and then soak in a tub at Shasta Cascade’s devoutly rustic Stewart Mineral Springs Resort.
• Take a dip (with or sans clothes) in thermally warmed waters of the Gold Country’s Sierra Hot Springs .

Largely through the influence of Big Sur's Esalen, California pioneered the holistic wellness movement. The movement emphasizes developing good health, diet and exercise habits, by focusing simultaneously on healing and strengthening the mind and the body, through such modalities as yoga and tai chi, meditation and visualization, and, of course, massage and all types of bodywork.

• The granddaddy of California’s holistic wellness centers is Esalen , at Big Sur. Esalen offers retreats, classes and workshops, covering massage, yoga, meditation, poetry and Gestalt therapy. And, of course, Esalen has a natural hot springs on the grounds.