This legendary resort with its understated elegance and luxury, where the weary Hollywood-types escaped the frenzy of their arduous lifestyles. The Spanish Mission architecture adds to the charm of this popular vacation spot. With 450 “casitas” and suites, the entire resort and spa is set on 250 beautifully manicured and landscaped acres.

The 20k sf Spa Las Palmas has twenty-six treatment rooms and separate entrances for men and women. The locker/changing areas are generously sized, with a few curtained for privacy (a nice touch). There are steam, sauna and whirlpools, and several relaxation sections, including the spa’s private deck area, where guests can extend being revitalized, or they can veg out while quaffing flavored water, or a restorative herbal tea.

Spa Las Palmas uses Kerstin Florian, Peter Roth Thomas and the exclusive Jamu treatment lines. A more impressive distinction, however, is that the spa is the only one in the area, and only one of a few national spas, that offers the luxury signature Balinese-based treatments. The spa also offers traditional therapies, which include a variety of facials, massages (including pregnancy, couples, hot stone, aromatherapy and reflexology), body polishes, muds, scrubs and wraps, mineral, hydrotherapy, herbal and thalasso baths.

I booked the Bali Spice Scrub and Massage. My treatment table was strewn with rose petals (lovely aroma!). This ritual began with a full body scrub, where a spice blend of clove and ginger was used, coating the skin; while the “mask” dried, an exhilarating Jamu massage followed; my skin was then cleansed with a custom gel, towel rinsed and dried. A massage of spice lotion completed this incredible ritual experience. After the treatment, I was revitalized; my skin was exquisitely re-hydrated, and I didn’t smell like a cookie!

Spa Stats: Spa Director, Dawn Ferraro. Top three treatments include massage, facials and body treatments. Clientele comprised of 80% women and 20% men. The spa currently has sixty-eight staff.. Daily traffic ranges from 200 to 225 guests. This extraordinary spa also includes “Frescas”, its signature restaurant, offering incredibly delicious heart-healthy gourmet food, the distinguished Gerard Alexandre hair salon, an impressive retail area, amply stocked with products and take-home gadgets and goodies guaranteed to renew the memorable spa experience, and fitness center. The resort’s fitness center has a full-range of weights, treadmills, stair steppers, etc. Currently, there aren’t any regularly scheduled fitness activities, but fitness trainers are available if you really want to press your flesh; there’s also a gym and a jogging trail. In the valley, this spa is known for its Bali-inspired signature treatments. Spa focus is on nurturing, health and wellness, such as the Bali-inspired treatments and rituals. In addition to individual spa therapies, bundled packages are also available.

Highly recommended; I give it my five-loofah rating! For more information on the spa, call 800-458-8786 or 760-836-3106.

Overall: The resort offers expansive meeting and conference facilities (all high-tech equipped), a ballroom, golf and tennis for the sports-enthusiast; kid stuff for all of the young-at-heart; fabulous restaurants with wide appeal, live entertainment, outdoor pools and whirlpools, beautiful gardens and lakes, and a wonderful meandering trail for contemplative walks. The mountain vistas are also breathtaking. This legendary destination, known for its incredible privacy and appeal to the rich and famous (or the wannabes), delivers its product in style and by outstanding and exemplary staff.

For more information on the resort, call 760-568-2727.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - JULY/AUGUST 2004

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