Pala Spa, Spas of America
During a recent road trip I stayed a couple of nights at the Pala Casino Spa and Resort in Pala, California. I managed to squeeze in an afternoon at the Pala Spa and was delighted to find that the facilities were what I would expect from a luxurious city spa experience. With over 10,000 square feet, the spa features areas for both men and women, each with their own spacious locker room, eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, hot tub, and outdoor relaxation areas. There is plenty of room to unwind and cool down with a glass of cucumber water, and everything you need to get beautiful after your treatment is also provided.

I booked an aromatherapy massage, which I could enjoy either on the private outdoor patio of the treatment room or in the cozy warmth inside. It was an unusually cool day, so I tucked myself onto the heated massage table inside the room and relaxed. The massage started with a ritual of selecting the aromatherapy oil to match my mood and my scent preference and proceeded with the therapist kneading the stiffness out of my muscles that comes from too many hours on the road.

After my 50-minute treatment I floated back to the relaxation lounge. Nothing beats that hazy feeling after a great massage, brain disconnected and skin aglow. Another great thing about this spa is that, as luxurious and Zen-like as it is, there was coffee available in the relaxation lounge! I definitely needed a cup, since I would not get away with going straight to bed.

Now for a secret: guests of the spa have full access to the resort’s spectacular pool and patio restaurant/bar. If the Pala Resort were within an hour of my home, I would definitely take a mental health day every couple of months and spend the day. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are their quietest days, when the chaos of the weekend is long gone and lounge chairs with 4-inch pads are aplenty. With a treatment, lunch and a glass of wine, you could easily stay within a $200 budget. Better yet, bring a friend! Pala Spa offers spa day packages for two that include a massage, pedicure and a poolside cabana for the day!

Follow the Pala Casino Spa & Resort on Facebook for up-to-date promotions and take your day off soon. I almost forgot, the Pala Spa has an amazing retail store featuring unique resort wear, gifts and a wide selection of potions and lotions. It is worth a quick browse if you have time.

Visit the Pala Spa, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, California