While Earth Day and Earth Month are meant to drive awareness to sustainability and caring for the planet, the celebration can go even deeper. As Earth Day approaches on April 22, anyone looking for a mental, spiritual or physical reset can turn to a number of spas throughout California that offer more than only traditional facials, massages and other standard services. These hand-selected establishments—set in scenic, natural environments—offer everything from reiki spiritual healing to in-the-wild outdoor massages and much more.
“The healing power of connecting with nature goes beyond just a pleasant environment,” says decades-long hypnotherapist, reiki master and healer, Wendy Allamby, CHT. “It can significantly improve your emotional, mental, and physical health, backed by decades of evidential studies and global research. I’m accustomed to clients who’ve endured all forms of life’s trauma, physical ailments, emotional and mental turmoil. By taking a holistic approach to well-being and leveraging the healing power of nature, the transformative effects of connecting and immersing oneself within such spaces has been proven to extend beyond reducing stress. They’ve been linked to reductions in numerous disorders, while simultaneously boosting self-esteem and improving immune system function.”
According to a Market.us report, the global market size of the spa industry was around 95 billion dollars in 2021, and is expected to exceed 185 billon dollars by 2030. The industry’s massive growth is reflected in niche and expansive services newly offered within the spa community—many of which are represented at the spas listed below.
The Spa at Bernardus, Carmel Valley
Serene, sensorial, scenic—that’s how the intimate Spa at Bernardus can be described. Located inside Carmel Valley’s picturesque Bernardus Lodge & Spa, the space offers an upscale experience in nature.
For the Earth Day adventurer, the spa enlists the calming powers of lemon, peppermint and sweet basil extracts to restore depleted energy in several of its services. It also relies on Carmel Valley honey for intensive skin repair during its Swedish-style massage. The spa also offers moon manifestation sessions (depending on the lunar cycle), along with intention setting.
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“The Spa at Bernardus takes a garden-to-treatment approach with its philosophy and services, with ingredients like eucalyptus, lavender, mint, lemon and honey sourced from our estate gardens,” says spa director Gina Bolton. “Each treatment is crafted with sustainability in mind, and experiences are designed not only to nourish the mind and body but to honor our planet and natural surroundings.”
415 West Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 298-5389
Spa Ojai, Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai—a charming town located about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara—is known for mysticism and spirituality, thanks to Meditation Mount and other holistic healing establishments in the area. The location’s landmark Ojai Valley Inn and its accompanying spa, tucked away in the Topatopa Mountains, are no exception.
“Spa Ojai offers a tranquil setting to ground yourself and indulge in pure relaxation,” says Kate Morrison, Director of Wellness and Sustainability at the hotel. “The Ojai Valley, which many consider to be at the center of an energetic vortex, is ideal for those seeking to renew their mind-body connection. We offer a wide range of services that integrate spiritual wellness.”
While Spa Ojai offers everything from reiki healing and spiritual energy coaching, to meditative sound baths and so much more, the team takes exceptional pride in its one-of-a-kind Kuyam: a signature treatment experienced as a group.
Kuyam is a Chumash word meaning "a place to rest together.” It begins in a heated tiled room. Lemongrass is steamed for clearing inhalation therapy, and guests are led through a process to self-apply a set of healing clays to the body and neck. Then, a guided meditation is played before the cooldown process begins. The treatment was designed to intensively detox, inspire and uplift mindful practice. After the Kuyam, the group is led to a private patio to enjoy herbal tea and allow for their body temperatures to cool.
Should guests want to take their spiritual journey a step further, the resort offers sessions with its resident healer and psychic, Nancy Furst. With a private studio located away from the spa, guests can choose from cleansing sage rituals, a meditative journey through drumming and Native American prayer song, or psychic readings with Native American wisdom cards, gems and crystals. These experiences are designed to heal, enlighten and empower.
905 Country Club Rd.
Ojai, CA 93023
(855) 697-8780
Spa La Quinta, Near Palm Springs
If you’re looking for a SoCal desert escape (and not of the Coachella kind), Spa La Quinta is located at the OG desert hotel destination of choice. Set on 45 lush acres of vibrantly colored gardens and pathways located at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the spa is a 23,000-square-foot property. Featuring 38 treatment rooms, the stunning establishment also includes a tranquil sanctuary courtyard where guests can unwind before or after a treatment. This features an outdoor wading foundation, fireplace and cooling mist system.
For Earth Day especially, the property, located at La Quinta Resort & Club, prides itself on its $80 Garden Bath Ritual. Situated in a private outdoor tub among the sound of swaying palm trees, guests take in views of the mountains while sipping on chilled water and fresh fruit. They can also customize their rejuvenating experience by selecting from the spa’s signature Citrus Blossom Bubble Bath or one of many bath truffle options.
49-499 Eisenhower Dr.
La Quinta, CA 92253
(760) 564-4111
Spa Calamigos, Malibu Mountains
Tucked away in its own private destination amid the majestic Malibu Mountains, Spa Calamigos overlooks a view of trees and mountains. With the sound of tranquil streams circulating through the quiet destination, not a hint of bustling city life is to be recognized.
Spa Calamigos—located on the Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club property—was designed to serve as the quintessential nature escape. Large windows and cozy, neutral decor, allow guests to feel secluded yet warmly welcome all throughout the space. Visitors can enjoy a selection of herbal teas and healthy bites while waiting in the Himalayan Salt Stone Lounge. While each experience caters to the nature lover, the spa offers selected signature favorites.
The Sea of Life Facial includes organic algae extracts and natural botanical oils that help restore vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals directly to skin. There’s also the In the Wild Massage. This is Calamigos’ signature Swedish massage, which invites guests to an outdoor experience, where fresh air and nature sounds awaken their senses while they receive their treatment.
"If you’re seeking relaxation, Spa Calamigos is the go-to wellness space in Malibu,” says Spa Calamigos manager, Cari LaRosa. “Many of our services include natural ingredients like algae, botanical oils, and Mediterranean sea salts, and our setting is perfect for guests who want to envelop themselves in nature’s beauty and environmental enlightenment.”
261 Calamigos Rd.
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 575-4400
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Spa, Dana Point
The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club not only epitomizes the affluent ambiance of South Orange County, but its waterfront location offers a literal breath of fresh air to anyone seeking spiritual healing from the salty sands.
“Well-being has long been part of the coastal ethos,” says Shannon Johnson, Director of Spa, Wellness & Retail at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. “With the sea as a backdrop, it only makes sense that a setting so connected to life would inspire people to make the most of theirs.”
Spa guests can take advantage of a singing bowls meditation in the newly renovated athletic club. They can also take a restorative coastal walk around 2.5 miles of the Monarch Bay Beach with ambassador-led conversations about coastal conservancy and stewardship of the resort’s most precious amenity: the beach itself.
“Curated experiences are personalized to usher all guests into moments of authentic peace and optimal living,” Johnson says.
There’s also the option for a botanical walk, where an instructor will guide participants on an enriching stroll through the resort where they’ll discover the native flora and fauna of the region, and learn about the migration of monarch butterflies. Whether indoors or out, guests will continuously be connected to the ocean by way of the spa’s recurring decor theme. This includes the nautical wooden wall enhancements, smooth oceanic rocks and sand mandala. As an added Earth Month bonus, the spa is offering a special Shore to Sea spa package through the month of April.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Spa
1 Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 234-3368
