Spas in the News

La Costa Resort and Spa Introduces Innovative Spa Offerings as an Integral Part of its Current Renovation

CARLSBAD, Calif. (April 14, 2011) – The first ever resort spa in the U.S. and recently recognized as the #1 Resort Spa in Southern California ( Spa Magazine) and the #4 Resort Spa in the U.S. and Canada ( Travel + Leisure), The Spa at La Costa is a picturesque Spanish-colonial style haven from the everyday.  The crowning glory of  La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., the spa offers 28,000 square feet of indoor space and a 15,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard.  The spa features 42 treatment rooms, the full-service Yamaguchi Salon, a spa boutique, Spa Café and movement and fitness training studios.  As an integral element of the current $50 million renovation, “The Next La Costa” features a new spa concept, interior redesign, a series of new treatments, expansion of the Spa Café, new Café menu items, creation of social spaces, and the addition of a Reflexology Path and Herb Garden in the Spa Courtyard.

The Spa at La Costa has redefined its purpose with a recommitment to the elements of nature – from the invigorating citrus and herbs grown on property, to the inspiration of locally-grown ingredients and the indulgence of the coastal sunshine. The new La Costa spa experience is infused with indigenous natural elements, such as Carlsbad Strawberry and spa-grown rosemary, and a series of luxurious “extras” throughout.

New Spa Treatment Menu

The new spa menu features regionally inspired signature treatments including the Berry Bliss Slimming Wrap and Luminous C to Sea Facial, in addition to the Bamboo Massage, a massage in which stalks of warmed bamboo are rolled over the muscles’ soothing aches and pains, increasing circulation and providing a sense of deep relaxation; and the Aromatherapy Rain Massage, during which an alternating series of essential oils and massage alters body chemistry to soothe the mind.  Spa guests may also opt to embark upon a specialty deluxe Body Journey to indulge with soothing lavender and calming arnica flower, invigorate with uplifting lime and energizing geranium or inspire with stress reducing sweet orange and refreshing tangerine.    

Reflexology Path

New to The Spa at La Costa, guests will find a curious stone path winding through the fragrant herb gardens in the Spa Courtyard.  Prominent in China, reflexology paths consist of smooth cobblestones or beach stones embedded in concrete, laid in specific patterns to provide stimulation to the feet.  Walking along these poignantly placed stones provides gentle, yet deep-working therapy, stimulates pressure points in the feet that correspond to all major body organs and areas, encourages vital energy and blood flow through out the body, relieves stress, improves balance, and enhances physical and mental well-being. Providing all these benefits of reflexology, a walking path affords all the additional health-benefits of the fresh outdoor air, beauty of nature and control over the amount and intensity of stimulation.  A reflexology expert on property consulted on the selection and placement of stones – coastal stones from the nearby Pacific beach interspersed with other local stones of different shapes, sizes and textures – to provide a powerful and authentic experience for spa guests.  The Spa at La Costa’s Reflexology Path is one of only a few that exists in the United States.

True to the nature-centric ethos of The Spa at La Costa, guests lounging in the Spa Courtyard will delight in the Zen-like herb garden central to the spa experience.  More than just a part of the picturesque landscape, the spa herb garden – abundantly growing everything from Thai basil to lemon thyme, onion chives to spearmint, and sweet Italian large leaf basil – largely informs the dishes made at the Spa Café and treatments featured at The Spa at La Costa. Fresh mint is integral to the local Carlsbad Strawberry and Mint Elixir brewed fresh daily, the spa café features local strawberries and citrus in its Strawberry-Mint and Pink Grapefruit Sorbet Duo, and spa-grown rosemary is used for the welcome ritual and a selection of fresh herbs are blended to create the essential oils scenting the room during spa treatments.

Spa Café

In addition to the Café expansion that was completed in January of 2011, the new Café menu showcases the garden’s chives in the Crab Salad, Thai basil and mint in the Thai Rice Paper Rolls, and basil, lemon thyme and parsley in the Mediterranean Vegetable Soufflé with Goat Cheese. All dishes showcase healthy techniques providing indulgent flavor.  

The Spa at La Costa has introduced experiential packages especially designed for groups, events, celebrations and social functions.  Multiple private courtyard areas serve as the ideal venues to plan soirees or group breakout sessions. For a little inspiration, La Costa has created a few select turn-key packages including treatments, spa gifts, catered lunch from the Spa Café and more. From “Wedding Bliss & Baby’s Kiss” for bridal, bachelorette and baby showers to “Rejuvenate & Repower” for groups; “Celebrate & Congratulate” for birthdays, retirements, anniversaries and reunions to “Revitalize & Recharge” for general wellness, there is something for every occasion.

About La Costa Resort and Spa

Nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa boasts the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 611 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a Clubhouse with a fitness center, two championship golf courses and two acclaimed restaurants – Legends Bistro and BlueFire Grill. The entire resort, linked by walkways and washed in color by lush vegetation and gardens, enjoys a village-like ambience. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com. 

About KSL Resorts
Founded in 1992, KSL Resorts manages seven time-honored resorts with outstanding recreational amenities including spa, golf, tennis and ski. Each is refined yet unpretentious, rich in legacy and genuine in service. The KSL Resorts portfolio of properties includes:

For more information, call (866) KSL-7727 or visit www.kslresorts.com.   

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