Following the recent holiday season, jam-packed as always with all the traditions and trappings of the season (not to mention the out-of-town guests), I was exhilerhated — and exhausted. So when my (generous, wise) husband suggested I take a day to relax and rejuvenate at the Spa at the del, I wasted no time making my plans.
On my previous visit to the Spa at the del, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that all Spa guests receive day-of-service privileges for the Spa’s amenities, including his-and-hers hot tubs (pictured below) and steam rooms, as well as the Spa’s ocean-view terrace and vanishing edge pool (pictured above).
Upon arrival and check-in, guests are ushered back to the men’s or ladies’ lounge. After being provided with a locker for the day and donning the provided spa robe and sandals, guests are invited to wait in the relaxation rooms. There are separate relaxation rooms for men and women; the women’s room is decorated in serene, ocean-insipred colors, with wicker chairs, plenty of magazines, and a self-service beverage area featuring chilled water and a variety of teas.
For this visit, I booked a Coronado Shell Massage with Carolyn. According to the Spa Menu, the Coronado Shell Massage features “tiger clam shells [which] are gently heated and used to massage your body into a state of complete relaxation. Long Swedish strokes are used to apply lightly scented aromatherapy oils.” I would liken it to a hot stone massage, though the shells seemed a bit smoother than the typical stones, and through the magic of spa science, the shells maintained their warm temperature throughout the hour without needing to be rewarmed or swapped out.
Carolyn, the massage therapist, was professional, friendly, and personable — responsive when I initiated conversation, but also willing to offer the gift of silence when I became too absorbed in my relaxation to chat. She was technically skilled, too, and I’m happy to report that my typically anxiety-knotted shoulders left feeling relaxed and smooth.
Following my treatment, I decided to continue relaxing on one of the poolside chaise lounges. Armed with a hot tea and a good book, I headed out to the terrace, only slightly daunted by the fact that it was still mid-morning in early January, and a bit chilly (if only by SoCal standards). I considered accepting the blanket offered by the Spa staff when I mentioned I was heading out to the pool, but I needn’t have worried; the fire pit was blazing, providing enough heat to last until the warm SoCal sun burned through the clouds.
As it was a post-holiday-rush weekday morning, I had the terrace to myself for an hour or so, but even when I was joined by other spa-goers, the terrace remained incredibly, blissful tranquil all morning. In fact, I found the whole morning so peaceful that after heading next door to the del’s Shearwater restaurant for lunch (yum!), I returned to my lounge chair, where I spent the remainder of the day (save for a quick soak in the hot tub mid-afternoon). Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and I headed to the reception area to check out at closing time (5 p.m. on weekdays, 6 p.m. on weekends), already mulling over the services offered and thinking about my return trip.
With a variety of services on the menu, the Spa at the del offers something for just about everyone. Planning your own visit? (Good call!) As you might expect, the Spa provides nearly everything needed for the day — a robe and sandals are provided to guests at check-in, and towels are within arms reach of every spot you might find yourself wishing for one (the hot tub, the terrace, outside the steam room, the shower area, a few were even thoughtfully stacked on the pool’s edge). The showers featured the del’s signature line of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and shaving cream; even single-use razors and combs were available. You will want to bring your swimsuit for the pool and hot tub, if you’re planning to enjoy those amenities, but don’t worry about lugging that wet suit home — plastic bags for wet suits are available, too.
For me, spending a day at the Spa at the del turned out to be the perfect escape — even though I was just blocks from home, looking at the same ocean I see nearly every day, it felt like I was on vacation, and that was more than enough for me. I’m already planning my next trip!
Photos Courtesy of the Hotel del Coronado Photo Gallery.
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Brooke Prouty
eCoronado.com
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