 Click Photos The Aquaterra Spa at the Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California, is the perfect retreat from life's daily stresses. The two-story, freestanding spa is situated overlooking the blue water of the Pacific, and on a clear day you can see Catalina Island in the distance. What distinguishes the Aquaterra spa from other highly acclaimed health resorts is the combination of its natural setting and the high quality of its service and products. The spa's Mediterranean-style architecture makes use of light and space to create a feeling of serenity and peace. The treatments provided are considered personal expressions of the artistry of body and healing; the media being the natural local botanicals that thrive in the lush Laguna Beach climate, the ocean's curative minerals and surroundings, and the cleansing renewal of the earth's mud and clay.
Upon entering the newly completed two-story structure, the guest is immediately transported to a sanctuary of beauty and relaxation. The delicious aroma from Aquaterra's signature scented candles send a calming sensory message making it feel more like a home than a spa. The amenities include steam rooms, botanical gardens, and whirlpools. Each guest is given a plush Frette robe and Aquaterra sandals. Once changed, guests can relax in the lounge or on one of the beautiful outdoor patios. Fresh squeezed lemonade, bottled water and herbal teas are complimentary. Charming paintings of beach scenes done by Rodrigo Kane are found throughout the spa and resort and perfectly capture the vivacity and joy of beach life.
My mother and I spent a luxurious afternoon at the spa. I received a mud wrap from, David, who told me that he has been working for the resort for nearly ten years. The mud wrap consisted of a mixture of French mud and crushed grape seeds and is meant to draw out impurities in the body. The mixture is massaged into the skin to begin the detoxification process. This is followed by a plastic wrap, a foil wrap, and finally one hot towel that is placed over the top. While the toxins are being drawn out, the masseur massages the scalp. A screen is lowered to protect your face from the onslaught of warm water sprayed from six nozzles. Once clean, lavender lotion is massaged into the skin. I left feeling refreshed and extremely relaxed. The Aquaterra Deep Tissue Massage is described as a more intense, deep muscle massage combining acupressure, myofascial release and other techniques to help release chronic muscle tension. Anjelica, another longtime Surf and Sand employee, led my mother upstairs to one of the large, comfortable treatment rooms. The masseuse, originally from Germany, asked a number of questions to determine the centers of stress. "I have visited numerous spas," my mother explained, "but none more relaxing and professional than Aquaterra. Anjelica is an adept masseuse. It was an excellent massage, that was made even more relaxing by the original finishing touches. A lavender and clove scented pillow was placed over my eyes, and a hot towel was wrapped around one foot, then the other. This created a cleansing sensation, making me feel as if an old chapter had closed and a new one was beginning. I felt revitalized and rejuvenated."
The Aquaterra Spa at the Surf and Sand is a popular sanctuary of beauty and relaxation for the public as well as hotel guests. It is located in Laguna Beach at 1555 South Coast Highway. For more information or reservations call (949) 376-2772, Fax (949) 376-2773, or log on to www.aquaterraspa.com. The spa recommends booking reservations two weeks in advance. - By Lucy Harrison and Linda Lane, Las Vegas Jetsetters Magazine Correspondents.
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