The 10 Best Spas in Southern California

From the stress of awards season to the existential angst of an industry facing layoffs, consolidation, the threat of AI and the prospect of yet another strike, Hollywood isn’t exactly lacking reasons to visit a spa these days. Thankfully, Southern California is home to some of the world’s best — as attested by their starry clientele. Here are our current favorites in the region.

BACARA

Santa Barbara

A popular celebrity wedding destination, Bacara has recently updated its rooms and introduced its newest multifaceted facial, the Elemis Expert Tech Sculpt + Firm, which incorporates the latest biotech — including cryotherapy, ultrasound, microcurrent, oxygen and LED — to achieve that ultimate youthful glow. Starting at $742.

NOTABLE GUESTS Scott Hoying of Pentatonix and Mark Manio, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, and Skyler Shaye and musician Christian Lopez have gotten married here.

DON’T MISS Bacara’s new restaurant, Marisella, overseen by chef Danny Grant, who helmed Ria in Chicago when it earned two Michelin stars.

CAL-A-VIE

Vista

A trip to this retreat in the hills can make you feel like you’ve stepped into Provence, down to the lavender-filled stone treatment rooms and a 16th century chapel and parish house transported from Dijon. Three new five- and six-bedroom houses have been added to the collection of charming cottages. In addition to 32 different fitness and wellness classes each day and miles of private hiking trails, there is a new emphasis on data-driven health and longevity, including extensive biomarkers testing. Unlike most spas, there are also 90 acres of vineyards, and the grapes are used for massages and wraps — as well as for drinking. Three-night packages from $5,300.

NOTABLE GUESTS Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Barbra Streisand, Julia Roberts, Michelle Obama and George H.W. Bush.

DON’T MISS The property makes its own honey, and the vegetables served are grown on site.

CARRARA

Various locations

If you have any kind of addiction, or just severe stress, and happen to have capacious pockets, this refuge is a seductive option. Detoxing is somehow easier while watching the waves from your chic Malibu suite and sipping passion sea moss smoothies. No request seems too overwhelming here, from bringing in a tai chi instructor on a moment’s notice to heating a pool to 95 degrees for special exercise needs. Richard Taite, legendary for his Cliffside Malibu rehab (whose guests have reportedly included Lindsay Lohan and Scott Disick), is behind this swanky center, with one location in Malibu, one in the Hollywood Hills and another in L.A. $182,000 for a 30-day minimum stay.

NOTABLE GUESTS Undisclosed. Privacy may be the ultimate perk here.

DON’T MISS The new menu has a distinct Blue Zone focus — sea bass with curried lentils and tricolor riced cauliflower, anyone?

EL ENCANTO

Santa Barbara

Established in the early 20th century, El Encanto was once a haven for such golden age Hollywood stars as Clark Gable and Hedy Lamarr. The spa’s signature treatment brings out the artistic side of estheticians, as they paint an elixir mask onto the guests’ bodies before wrapping them in a warm cocoon and massaging their heads, scalps and feet with organic essential oils. At the seafood-centric restaurant, you won’t feel guilty downing such hyperlocal delicacies as Santa Barbara halibut and uni. Starting at $773.

NOTABLE GUESTS Steve Martin, Paul Rudd and Martin Short stayed here while attending the wedding of their Only Murders in the Building co-star Selena Gomez.

DON’T MISS The garden bungalows have heated stone floors and walk-in rain showers.

FOUR SEASONS

Beverly Hills

The hotel has hit refresh on its wellness program, with an array of cutting-edge sessions to rival any destination spa. Room service extras include infrared, pulsed electromagnetic mats to stimulate cellular metabolism and reduce inflammation; JetBoots to enhance circulation; SmartGoggles with heat, vibration and massage to soothe eyes and enhance sleep; and facial LED masks to improve skin tone and texture. At the guest rooms on the spa floor, you will find prebiotic drinks, plant-based tonics and chickpea puffs in place of mini bar Pringles and Coke. From $1,095.

NOTABLE GUESTS The Four Seasons’ clientele doubles as its own walk of fame. The spa is more discreet.

DON’T MISS Gloria Williams, known as “The Footnanny,” brings pedicures to a whole new level.

PARK HYATT AVIARA

Carlsbad

Set on 250 scenic acres, the hotel contains the first California outpost of Berkshires-based Miraval’s renowned Life in Balance Spa. Fitness options range from outdoor yoga/Pilates fusion to bungee fitness with aerial cords. The spa specializes in such ancient treatments as Vasudhara (stretches done in water by a therapist) and Naga (Thai massage done with silk straps). All diets are well catered to: Baja cuisine is served at Ponto Lago, sushi at Pacific Point and steak-house fare at Ember and Rye. From $600.

NOTABLE GUESTS Oprah Winfrey made Miraval famous when she touted its Arizona location on her late, lamented talk show.

DON’T MISS Vegan cooking classes.

PELICAN HILL

Newport Beach

Not many wellness sanctuaries can boast two golf courses with magnificent coastal views — a plus for those who would rather get their workout walking lush fairways and whacking a ball than sweating in a HIIT class or on a Pilates reformer. The expansive neoclassical bungalows and villas have had major upgrades as part of the property’s transition to St. Regis this year. The spa has 22 treatment rooms and the “Acqua Colonnades” with a rotunda, waterfall, steam rooms, saunas and saltwater soaking tubs. From $698.

NOTABLE GUESTS Sofía Vergara, Mario Lopez, David Spade.

DON’T MISS Among the treatments are the Coastal Renewal involving a gentle buff with grains, herbs and algae.

SENSEI PORCUPINE CREEK

Rancho Mirage

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to stay in the home of one of the wealthiest men in the world, here’s your chance. The former 230-acre estate of Larry Ellison was converted to a low-key spa retreat with the help of his friend Dr. David Agus. There are only 22 accommodations, including rooms, casitas and two- to four-bedroom villas, with omakase dining provided by Ellison’s beloved Nobu. The wellness packages include daily classes and tracking of such key fitness markers as VO2 max, gait and vertical jump as well as one-on-one sessions focusing on mindset, nutrition and fitness. If you prefer sports to the gym, golf and tennis are available on the property. Massages aren’t done randomly — thermal body mapping uses infrared to show asymmetries and muscle tightness so that specific areas of tension can be addressed.

NOTABLE GUESTS Well, Larry Ellison, for one.

DON’T MISS A special rest-focused program incorporates sleep data from a WHOOP wearable.

TERRANEA

Rancho Palos Verdes

Just taking a deep breath from the cliffside spa terrace at this oceanfront resort is therapy in itself, and it’s easy to see why the picturesque setting on the Palos Verdes Peninsula was a backdrop for films and TV shows including The Aviator, the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies and Inventing Anna. The property has nearly completed a $120 million renovation, including a refresh of the lobby and rooms, and a remodeling of the wellness facility, which offers a wide array of treatments. Among the standouts: The Crimson Ritual that involves hot and cold contrast therapy, a scalp rub, a soothing aloe mask and a massage with warm bamboo. Starting at $733.

NOTABLE GUESTS L.A. Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts held his wedding here.

DON’T MISS The Ayurvedic Sound Sleep ritual that mimics the body’s circadian rhythms to encourage better REMS.

WE CARE

Desert Hot Springs

A host of deprivation-seeking celebrities have signed up for this Spartan detox in the desert that is meant to cleanse the body of toxins, calm the mind and ward off disease. Classes aren’t super strenuous, with a focus on yoga, meditation and water aerobics. Offerings include colonics as well as massages, facials and scrubs. Don’t expect caviar canapés: Food is largely liquid, consisting of soups, teas and shakes. And there is a big payoff — guests report feeling lighter and more focused after just three days. Starting at $1,000 a day.

NOTABLE GUESTS Meghan Markle, Derek Hough, Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Venus Williams, Sharon Osbourne, Stephanie Shepherd, Nina Dobrev, Andie MacDowell.

DON’T MISS If you are desperate for solids, you can go to the cooking class and grab a sample of brown rice with quinoa and lentils.

This story appeared in the Feb. 23 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.