Queen for a Day

Spa Grande, Queen for a Day, Marin Magazine

Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort

Vibe: Go big with Mom’s treat this year — send her to Spa Grande, the largest luxury spa in the state of Hawaii, at the Grand Wailea Resort. After a recent $70 million renovation, amenities include the famous multihued Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit, with five large marble soaking tubs and colorful essential oils to encourage various states of bliss and relaxation. With 40 treatment rooms and about as many awards through the years, this place can provide a spa day she’ll never forget.

Treatment: Healing Waters of Maui (80 minutes). Designed in tandem with hydrotherapy baths, starts with an exfoliating scrub and proceeds to a body masque, steam cocoon, and pampering scalp and foot massage. grandwailea.com

Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Vibe: Super-luxe treatments at Anara Spa, at the Grand Hyatt in Poipu on Kauai, range from traditional lomilomi massage to a state-ofthe- art float therapy pod. Transformation begins on arrival — choose a lounge chair by the pool or one of the tranquil spots in the garden. Anara is a great day spa for visitors not staying at the hotel, since it includes access to the property as well as this award-winning space.

Treatment: Float Therapy + Massage (120 minutes). A 30-minute float session is sure to relax: the sensory deprivation of the pod, combined with the salt’s magnesium sulfate, relieves tension and muscle soreness. Follow with a choice of bodywork treatments to completely unwind. Kauai. grand.hyatt.com

The Spa at Esperanza

Vibe: Guests are transported to a different world upon crossing the water-flanked path into the spa. Vast palapas provide respite from the bright Baja sun. Inside you’ll find a grotto for the Pasaje de Agua, or water passage, the resort’s exclusive hot-and-cold-water therapy created to promote relaxation and circulation. Enjoy purification treatments, then replenish with signature fresh-fruit agua fresca beverages.

Treatment: Auberge Head to Toe (120 minutes). Centered around a “firm and nurturing” style of massage, this popular ritual includes a stimulating scalp rub and a nourishing hair mask. Warm towel compresses prepare feet for a smoothing scrub, followed by reflexology. esperanza.aubergeresorts.com

One&Only Spa Palmilla

Vibe: Letting all the stress melt away is easy in a verdant paradise. Here, amid tropical gardens, treatments inspired by the Mayans of Sonora meet modern healing techniques for an experience that leaves guests physically and mentally restored. The resort offers many shades of serenity; outdoor relaxation areas include a yoga garden, plunge pools, and 13 private spa villas. Also not to be missed: the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio, where renowned podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez cares for feet and hands with exacting perfection.

Treatment: Contour and Firm Body Treatment (120 minutes). This specialized body treatment combines a detoxifying wrap and advanced massage to tone and firm the skin: first, exfoliation with warm and iced mitts stimulates circulation; next, a body wrap treats areas prone to cellulite, fluid retention and uneven skin texture; then comes a lymphatic drainage and deep stimulating massage, to help eliminate toxins, further tone the skin and revitalize the mind. oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-onlypalmilla-los-cabos

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Vibe: Immerse in the wine country’s healing waters at one of the nation’s few spas that feature natural mineral pools, here fed from thermal (135-degree) streams that flow 1,100 feet directly beneath the inn. A signature bathing ritual includes time in an herbal steam room, individual mineral baths and private outdoor cabanas. The award-winning spa has been a favorite girlfriend and mother-daughter getaway destination for nearly two decades — take time to lounge by the pool and sample healthy (or not so healthy) treats from the kitchen.

Treatment: Morrocan Hammam Ritual (90 minutes). Send Mom to Morroco for this traditional session. A full-body polish with a Kese mitt and purifying traditional black soap progresses to a hair treatment and application of hydrating body oil. fairmont.com/ sonoma/willow-stream

The Sense Spa at Rosewood Sand Hill

Vibe This serene South Bay sanctuary overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains is famous for attracting the Silicon Valley set. But to offset the quiet energy of potential deals, Sense Spa has 13 treatment rooms and plenty of tranquil relaxation spots.

Treatment 360° Global Antiaging Facial (90 minutes). The treatment begins with a neck, back and shoulder massage, developed to stimulate cell renewal and help dehydrated, tired or dull skin regain firmness and radiance. rosewoodhotels.com

Spa Aiyana at Carmel Valley Ranch

Vibe High among the treetops, spanning 10,500 square feet with 11 treatment rooms — most with private terraces — is Carmel Valley Ranch’s Spa Aiyana. Drawing inspiration from four gardens — called Lavender, Herb, Aiyana and Alchemist — treatments incorporate the flowers and herbs peppering the landscape to promote relaxation and invigorate and restore. Services include massage and body therapies, advanced and organic skin care, visible-results oxygen fusion, nail care and waxing.

Treatment Eternal Blossom Body Essence (80 minutes). Skin receives gentle buffing with Aiyana cream body polish, scented with jasmine and neroli oils. Afterward, a whipped shea butter cream and flower-laden wrap with steamy, warm towels infuse nutrients into the skin. Finally, a fragrant neroli serum and a hydrating fruit mask for the face, and a warm jasmine scalp massage to her hair shine. carmelvalleyranch.com

International Orange Spa in San Francisco

Vibe: Named after the color of the Golden Gate Bridge and known to regulars simply as IO, this urban oasis is unassumingly tucked away on a busy street in Pacific Heights. Inside are an outdoor deck for lounging on sunny days, a full-service spa and a yoga studio. The complete wellness experience includes plush robes and treats like apricots, fine dark chocolates and turmeric hot tea, making for a truly blissful escape.

Treatment: In Fiore Massage (45–90 minutes). An opulent blend of Bulgarian rose and rosewood indulges the senses. Select an In Fiore Body Balm to make her massage even more magical. internationalorange.com


Kasia Pawlowska

Kasia Pawlowska loves words. A native of Poland, Kasia moved to the States when she was seven. The San Francisco State University creative writing graduate went on to write for publications like the San Francisco Bay Guardian and KQED Arts among others prior to joining the Marin Magazine staff. Topics Kasia has covered include travel, trends, mushroom hunting, an award-winning series on social media addiction and loads of other random things. When she’s not busy blogging or researching and writing articles, she’s either at home writing postcards and reading or going to shows. Recently, Kasia has been trying to branch out and diversify, ie: use different emojis. Her quest for the perfect chip is never-ending.