Spas
Trip Ideas
Explore Further
The most famous spa in the area is the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (100 Boyes Blvd., 707/938-9000, www.fairmont.com/sonoma, Sun.–Thurs. 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 8 a.m.–9 p.m.). Its eminence literally springs from beneath the rocks on which it stands. A natural mineral hot spring lies beneath the Sonoma Mission Inn, lending its warm water to the indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools that create the center of the Spa’s signature Bathing Ritual.
Whether you choose a relaxing massage or a challenging yoga class, be sure to arrive at least an hour early to allow time for each step of the Ritual, which will relax and focus you for your next treatment or activity. The Spa offers an almost bewildering variety of massages, scrubs, wraps, facials, and even more rarified treatments designed to pamper even the most discerning spa-goers.
A snack bar in the spa feeds the body, and the spa’s facilities are surrounded by the Inn and gourmet restaurant, both of which draw visitors from around the world all on their own.
You can also get pampered for the day in downtown Sonoma at the Sonoma Spa on the Plaza (457 First St. W., 707/939/8770). This luxury day spa, sitting steps from the pretty shops and wine bars of Sonoma Plaza, offers a complete range of massage options and facials. Their signature treatments—several different flavors of mud and cream masks—include a relaxing period in an aromatherapy sauna and an exfoliating scrub. For the ultimate downtown spa experience, pick a multiple-treatment package. If you’re on a honeymoon or anniversary trip, go for the couples’ massages or therapies, which you’ll get together in a private room.
If you’re looking for a lift to your face, visit The Pampered Pout (678 Broadway, 707/938-9396, www.thepamperedpout.com). Here you’ll choose from among a dozen different 30–90-minute facials to beautify your skin. Esthetician and owner Bridgene Raftery can do anything from a classic European pampering facial to a series of microdermabrasion treatments to makeup lessons for teenagers. Specialty facials for teens and men, plus eyebrow designs, round out a complete menu of face-perfect services.
© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition
Buy Moon Travel Guides
Search
Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.