Page 70 - 2015 Travel Guide to California

CA.SPAS & WELLNESS
BY LAVINIA SPALDING
Retreat and Reinvigorate
California’s spa culture is the new R&R
NAPA VALLEY
This celebrated region and
neighboring Sonoma Valley are
known primarily for their wine,
but their appeal runs deeper than
that. You can pamper yourself at
luxury spas—such as Meadowood
in Saint Helena, above, or the
Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa,
opposite page—dine at some of
California’s (and the USA’s) best
restaurants, shop at trendy
boutiques or live a little rougher
and explore wild state parks.
In San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown dis-
trict, buses and bikes whiz by, teens
congregate and people text as fast as they
walk. But inside the Kabuki Hot Springs, the
city vanishes. The only sounds in the dimly
lit, Japanese-style communal baths are the
gentle splashing of water and occasional
strains of soothing music. In the sauna, you
can lie back and detoxify as you treat your
eyes to chilled cucumber slices. Then hit the
steam room and exfoliate with lemon and
sea salt. Follow with a long, lazy soak in the
hot tub, and if you’re brave, a cold plunge.
When you’re finished, start all over again. In
fact, linger all day: it only costs $25.
For people around the world, the name
“California” means escape and conjures
images of sunny beaches. But in today’s
demanding, perpetually wired world, a
true vacation requires more than just a
break from the office; it takes unplugging,
purifying and restoring. Luckily, this is
practically the state motto.
California has been a resort destination
since the early 20th century, beckoning
travelers with its year-round warm
weather, spectacular geography and min-
eral springs. The 1950s brought yoga to the
state, and the 1960s ushered in a wave of
young hippies passionate about all-natural
food and intentional living. Today, Cali-
fornia is the nation’s vortex of personal
health and self-improvement, with spas
and wellness centers almost as ubiquitous
as scenic views. From five-star luxury
resorts and posh day spas to holistic
MEADOWOOD SPA. OPPOSITE: SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA
68 2015 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A