Local favorite spa! "Cielo" is the Spanish word for heaven and that's exactly where you'll think you've landed when you enter Cielo Spa Boutique, located just outside the main shopping area of downtown Santa Barbara. Designed to be a haven for working professionals and busy moms, Cielo offers pampering treatments large and small, from lash tinting to deep tissue massages. For a real treat, book the "Pure Heaven" package and enjoy a massage, facial, exfoliation and mud treatment, followed by a light lunch. Off street parking is available, as is a private entrance so you can exit just as peacefully as you arrived.
Recommended for Spas because: Cielo Spa Boutique has won awards for being a Santa Barbara "local's favorite."
Geneva's expert tip: This spa has party packages that make it perfect for bachelorettes or bridal showers.
Best kept secret. For affordable massages, Evan's relaxing station is the place to go. Nothing fancy, no frills and you even keep your clothes on. Evan's is a local's favorite. You can't make an appointment; it's walk-ins only. Chefs, winemakers and other hardworking Santa Barbara folks pop in during the week for a quick refresher. You can choose a table massage, chair massage or foot reflexology session. And the best part? One hour of any treatment (or a combination of treatments) costs only $35. It may not be posh, but the atmosphere is hushed and the staff are very professional.
Recommended for Spas because: Evan's is budget-friendly. Get a half hour massage for just $21!
Geneva's expert tip: Looking for a last minute appointment? Evan's Relaxing Station takes walk-ins only.
Most exclusive spa destination. If your hotel checklist looks something like this - beachfront, exclusive amenities, possible celebrity sightings, ridiculous levels of hospitality - then the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is where you want to stay. The spa is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy the serenity of any of the 11 treatment rooms or opt to receive one of several services in the privacy of your own room. There are also spa suites available, complete with fireplaces, for extra indulgent (or group) treatments. The Biltmore is located just across the street from Butterfly Beach, one of the most pristine white sand beaches in Southern California. Access to the exclusive Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club comes with your reservation.
Recommended for Spas because: For pure beauty alone (although they have amazing treatments too), this spa is a top destination in Santa Barbara.
Geneva's expert tip: Guests of the hotel receive 20% off spa services - do not miss this opportunity!
Most unique spa experience. Take an unexpected detour while exploring downtown Santa Barbara and wander in to Salt Cave Santa Barbara for a lesson on halotherapy, the process of treating a variety of lung and dermal ailments with a salted atmosphere. Salt Cave Santa Barbara is home to two salt caves - the larger of which is currently considered the largest salt cave in North America - that are maintained at an even temperature and humidity. The air within each cave is treated to be free of pollutants and is full of naturally occurring minerals. Relax in the zero-gravity chairs to the sounds of gentle music for an unbelievably soothing. Additional treatments, like massages, are available. Reservations are recommended.
Recommended for Spas because: Indulge in a treatment in an underground salt cave. Get a scrub, massage or facial.
Geneva's expert tip: Come for a treatment, stay for yoga! Weekly classes reinvigorate you in a wonderfully calm atmosphere.
Best day trip destination. This Southern California resort and spa located in beautiful Ojai offers guests a place to get away from it all. Most famously, guests also enjoy complimentary access to Spa Ojai with a scheduled spa treatment. Spa Ojai is 31,000 square-foot day spa with two pools, a fully-equipped workout room, mind and body studio, spa boutique and artist cottage and apothecary. Pampering treatments include massages, facials and packages that highlight local, seasonal resources including freshly harvested, resort-grown produce and flowers. There is also a spa cafe onsite. Spa Ojai provides a stunning backdrop for a day of rest - it's so pretty that you'll want to bring your camera!
Recommended for Spas because: The spa that's worth a day trip! All guests enjoy complimentary use of the amazing spa facilities with purchase of a spa or nail treatment.
Geneva's expert tip: Try the Orange Blossom and Honey Wrap treatment - consisting of a dry brushing followed by a total body mask of locally produced Ojai honey and an infused-oil scalp massage.
Greenest spa in the area! Le Reve is a the first green-certified health and beauty spa in Santa Barbara. Conveniently located downtown, Le Reve is the perfect place to go for a little pampering, whether you're looking to relax for the day or just an hour. It's a great destinations for couples and groups, too. Popular treatments include facials, massages and waxing, but there is a full menu of options to delight you from head to toe. La Reve also has a boutique stocked with indulgent treats and gift ideas. Parking is available in nearby city lots, and some of the area's best restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Recommended for Spas because: Le Reve uses certified organic spa products administered in a tranquil atmosphere.
Geneva's expert tip: Ask about their rewards program if you're a local or frequent visitor.
Best place to get away from it all. The Spa at the Bacara is a treat - pure indulgence for even the most jaded traveler. Set above the calming blue waters of the Pacific, this award-winning spa features an expertly trained staff, an adults-only pool, Jacuzzi, unique redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, fireside lounge areas, wellness classes and a rooftop terrace. In the warm weather months, guests can treat themselves to poolside cabana services that include refreshing treatments for your head, face and body. After spa time, you might take a dip in one of the saline pools or simply walk down to the beach. Located on 78 acres acres of pristine coastline on Santa Barbara's northern shore, the Bacara offers you a taste of unbridled luxury.
Recommended for Spas because: Unquestionably one of the top spas in the area, the Bacara spa also offers salon services.
Geneva's expert tip: Pay for the service, stay for the pools. Guests or visitors who purchase a treatment gain access to the stunning pool facilities.
Best health spa. Evolutions Medical & Day Spa is the place to go to really cure what ails you - whether it's a medical skin condition or just a bad case of the rundown-and-worn-outs. Using a combination of technology and innovative practices, the technicians at Evolutions treat a wide variety of concerns, including acne, wrinkles, sun damage, cellulite, stretch marks and unwanted hair. Medical treatments range from Botox and dermal fillers to tattoo removal. Pampering aesthetic treatments range from teeth whitening to facials. This award-winning spa has 6,000 square feet of space for relaxation. Enjoy full shower and locker facilities, dry eucalyptus saunas and a peaceful tea lounge area.
Recommended for Spas because: Evolutions is the only medical and day spa on this list, meaning you can get both relaxing and scientifically therapeutic treatments here.
Geneva's expert tip: Try any treatment that involves the Vichy shower - trust us!
Best secret hideaway. You'd never guess that tucked down this busy Santa Barbara side street is an award-winning spa with a peaceful private garden, complete with twinkling lights and a reflecting pool. FLOAT specializes in massages, facials and body treatments designed to alleviate stress and inspire renewal. Its relaxing setting is designed to make you stay "until you feel so light that you could float." Combination and party packages for bachelorettes and celebrations are available. This day spa is close to shopping, museums and restaurants. FLOAT offers in-room treatments at the nearby Kimpton Canary hotel too, for a truly luxe weekend experience.
Recommended for Spas because: A peaceful haven in the very center of downtown Santa Barbara - perfect for people who like to be in the heart of it all.
Geneva's expert tip: Stop thinking about the lotion/floss/comb you forgot to bring. The locker room at Float is well stocked so you can truly relax.