november2011

NC12SanDiegoMagazine.comNovember2011

Even with no scented oils, no heated massage tables, and an awkward

hollowed-out cushion for your belly, a soothing massage is the ulti-

mate luxury for an expectant mom.

LA COSTA RESORT & SPA

$155, 50 minute maternity massage

Resort Setting: Private whirlpool baths, special spa pool outside,

deck chairs and loungers, and a large building with what seemed like

dozens of treatment rooms and winding hallways make it feel like a

resort within the actual resort. Young, beautiful attendants guide you

everywhere. Almost too

big to be a spa. Almost.

Locker Room: Gorgeous,

huge, and gleaming with

new, high-end fixtures

and fi nishings, there are

so many lockers that it’s

easy to find a private

corner. Showers are well

stocked; blow dryers are new and quiet.

Massage: Soothing, Swedish style with a just a few words of prenatal

advice from the technician (most moms just can’t resist doling out a

tip or two).

Extras: Standard cucumber eye treatment and lavender eye mask

Overall: Large and luxurious, I’d go back again, but will bring a few

friends with me. This place is made for a spa day with the girls.

INN AT RANCHO BERNARDO

$ 150, 50 minute mother-to-be massage

Resort Setting: Tranquil, cozy, perfect. Fireplaces, courtyards tucked

outside every door, private spa pool, outdoor treatment rooms, rustic

gardens, and a pleasantly invis-

ible, mature staff. You complete-

ly forget you’re at a hotel.

Locker Room: Intimate. There’s

only one lane of lockers

wrapped around a vanity sta-

tion, so it could get crowded on

busy spa days or with groups.

Showers are nice, but there are

only two, and blow dryers are

old and shrill.

Massage: Standard Swedish technique, but the therapist was careful

to check in verbally more than once to encourage Mom to adjust posi-

tions, breath, and stay relaxed, adjusting blankets, pregnancy pillow,

and sheets o en. Ahhh.

Extras: Special gi of “belly butter” and massage oil for Mom at

check-in, lavender eye mask during the massage.

Overall: For a quiet day away at the spa for pure relaxation, this was

the better of the two. // ECS

❯❯ NORTH COUNTY | Spa

BACK TO BACK:

Mega Resort

Mommy Massages

La Costa

Resort & Spa

Inn at Rancho

Bernardo