MIND BODY

A DAY AT THE SPA

It’s what everybody deserves

BY ALEXANDRA EWART

Whether you need to disconnect, destress, detoxify, sleep better, relieve pain, improve blood flow, boost your mood, relax, recharge, or do all the above, I have the same recommendation: book a day at the spa. You’ll give yourself a chance to step away from your daily routine and recharge your battery while you benefit from treatments designed to make the body function, feel, and look better.

I’m not talking about finding a Groupon for a massage near your office and running back and forth on your lunch hour. I’m talking about finding a tranquil environment with a long list of treatments, services, and a professional staff—and spending a good part of your day there.

Recently, I chose a day to escape and made appointments for a massage and a facial at The Spa at Torrey Pines, located inside The Lodge at Torrey Pines. I started the morning just north of the resort for a short hike at the stunning Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. When I arrived at the resort, I was courteously ushered to the spa through the Lodge’s gorgeous, wood-beamed hallways that pay homage to California Craftsman architecture. The spa itself is a 9,500-square-foot sanctuary of relaxation, featuring fourteen treatment rooms.

ROSS HELEN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM I had an amazing day. Besides my incredible massage and facial, I was excited to learn about three things: First, spa guests have access to the fitness center, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. If you’re there on the weekend, you’re invited to participate in complimentary yoga classes. On Thursday through Sunday, you can also tag along on a guided morning tour of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Second, nearly one-third of the patrons at The Spa at Torrey Pines are locals. In fact, locals are encouraged to make spa days a regular habit with the Spa Well Locals loyalty program. Spa Well guests receive a $75 gift card for future spa, food, retail, or hotel stays when they enjoy five 50- or 80-minute massages or facials within six months. Then, they receive a complimentary treatment for free!

Third, The Spa at Torrey Pines has a whole line of signature products with beguiling fragrances inspired by the its natural setting. At the end of the day, I purchased a bottle of signature rosemary sage shampoo and lemongrass sage body lotion so I can keep my spa experience alive at home. With each use, I feel transported back to that wonderful day. It was so good for my mind, body, and soul, I’m planning to go back for more.

For more information, visit lodgetorreypines.com/spa ✲

Recycled woven plastic beach bag with satin tie-on scarf, $51 Twig & Twill Boutique, La Jolla

Heart charm badge clip necklaces: $52; $50 Cignal, La Jolla

JUST ADD HUGS

Meaningful gifts for Moms, Dads, & Grads

PHOTOS BY DONNY MICHEL

Mom’s Love French pullover, $89 Be Boutique, La Jolla

Posh Peanut ruffle spaghetti romper, $44; women’s short luxe loungewear set, $77 Sweetpea Children’s Shop, Del Mar Pedego Boomerang 26-inch electric bike with Woody’s Custom Fenders and chain guard, from $3,495 Pedego Electric Bikes, La Jolla

“Cool Mom” needlepoint pillow, $98 Hi Sweetheart, La Jolla

Tulip painting in frame, $450 The Faded Awning, La Jolla

“Dog Mom” sign, $30 Decker’s Dog + Cat, La Jolla & Bay Park

Striped anchor sweatshirt, $40; Mint baseball cap, $20 Blue Apparel, La Jolla Orsyn leather purse with shoulder strap, $310; Kaanapali leather purse with strap, $198; Orsyn leather coin purse, $98 Sigi’s Boutique, La Jolla

“My Mom” book, $11; Bliss 101, Encinitas

P.J. Salvage shorts, $48; top, $64 Cedros Soles, Solana Beach

Tea cup and saucers, set $85 Village Consignment, Solana Beach

Hearts On Fire Copley bezel hoop diamond earrings in 18kt white gold, $3,990 Passion Fine Jewelry, Solana Beach

Wood box signs: “Love You to the Moon”, $14; “Underestimate Me”, $12; Bliss 101, Encinitas

F o R M o MS

Man Bar soaps, each $9 Bliss 101, Encinitas

“I Love You Dad” book, $11 Bliss 101, Encinitas

FOR DADS

Ortelius’ Important Map of the Americas in English and full color, $ 9,500 BLR Antique Maps, La Jolla

Rover Cycleboard in Ghost Grey, $2,599 Pedego Electric Bikes, La Jolla Wood whale tongs, $48, serving piece, $44; cutting board, $50; The Faded Awning, La Jolla

Stainless steel drink shaker, $26; highball glasses, each $8 Twig & Twill Boutique, La Jolla

Leather can huggers, each $19 Twig & Twill Boutique, La Jolla Sweatshirt, $50; Navy baseball cap, $25 Blue Apparel, La Jolla

“50 Things About My Father” book, $13; The Old Fashioned Camp craft cocktails kit, $25 Hi Sweetheart, La Jolla

Men’s Reef Santa Ana LE sandal, $60 The Bikini Shoppe, San Diego Face A Face Gordon eyeglasses, $575; Face A Face Keith eyeglasses, $575; Mykita Jujubi 3D frames, $690 Be Seen Optics, La Jolla

Mistral bourbon vanilla hand soaps: bar, $14; liquid, $28 Lavender Home & Garden Shop, Del Mar

“The Bucket List” book, $35 Lavender Home & Garden Shop, Del Mar

Designer-inspired Tiffany and Hermes Paris candles, each $78 Icons, Solana Beach

Desigual brushstroke crossbody bag, $79 Satori Designs, Solana Beach

Kai body butter, $56; body lotion, $43; eau de parfum; $89 Bliss 101, Encinitas

“Ultimate United States Travel List” book $25 Bliss 101, Encinitas

Evolve Hadean Carbon street skateboard, $2,499 Pedego Electric Bikes, La Jolla

Rare map of California identifying University of California campuses, $ 750 BLR Antique Maps, La Jolla

Blue Willow tool set with scissors, hammer, measuring tape, and screwdriver, $46 The Faded Awning, La Jolla

Billabong Daisy Belle flare pants $50; Tipton Straw lifeguard hat $30 The Bikini Shoppe, San Diego Pebbles beaded clutch, $20; Soap dish, $12 CoCo Rose, Del Mar Matte navy duffle weekender, $114 Be Boutique, La Jolla

FOR GRADS

Hearts On Fire classic bezel stud diamond earrings in 18kt white gold, $995 Passion Fine Jewelry, Solana Beach

Lotus and Luna handcrafted bracelet, $24 Blue Apparel, La Jolla Thread Jupiter lip balm holder, $10; vertical wallet, $10; wrist lanyard, $11 The Bikini Shoppe, San Diego

Ben’s Garden decoupage tray, $54 Hi Sweetheart, La Jolla French Collegiate sweatshirt, $40 Blue Apparel, La Jolla

Centered in Encinitas

A place to find yourself again

THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL SCATTERED and need a day to center yourself, spend a day in Encinitas. This friendly coastal city has a mellow vibe and a worldwide reputation as a great place to hang ten. In fact, Surfer Magazine has named Encinitas one of the top ten surf towns in the United States. But surf is only the beginning. Encinitas has exceptional gardens, unique boutiques, engaging art displays, and historic buildings and museums inviting you to dive in and reconnect with yourself.

If you’re a surfer and the surf report looks promising, bring your board and head straight for Moonlight State Beach. From there, depending on the conditions, local surfers may point you to Seaside, Cardiff Reef, Swami’s, or one of the several tidal beach breaks and jetties in between. Prefer to hang loose? Head straight to D Street Beach, just south of Moonlight Beach.It’s an exceptional place to watch waves rolling in and seagulls riding the winds.

When you’re ready to look inward, drive south on Coast Highway to the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens. This beautiful sanctuary in the bluffs above Swami’s Beach has reopened its iron gates after a two-year closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stroll through the spectacular gardens and behold the colorful foliage, meditation nooks, koi ponds, and ocean vistas. Take time to appreciate this inspirational setting where visitors from around the world come to pray, study, and meditate.

Spending the morning connecting with surf, sand, and self builds up an appetite, so your next stop is Encinitas 101 Main Street (also known as South Coast Highway 101). This laid-back strip of one-of-akind shops and eateries has more than eighty retail shops to investigate. This historic downtown strip captures the Encinitas vibe with vintage thrift shops, busy coffee bars, and creative retail spaces. Grab a latte, window shop, and pop into the stores that intrigue you.

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WHEN YOU GO

Take I-5 North to Encinitas and exit at Encinitas Blvd. Head west to Encinitas Main Street 101 and the beaches. Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens 215 West K St (between 2nd St & 3rd St) Open Tue–Sat 9–5; Sun 11–5 Closed Mon and rainy days 760.753.1811 encinitastemple.org/visiting

Queen Eileen’s

ANGELA STERLING

Queen Eileen’s 548 S Coast Hwy 101 Open Mon–Thu 9:30–8 Fri–Sat 9:30–9 Sun 9:30–7 760.436.4845 queeneileens.com

Bliss 101 553 S Coast Hwy 101 Open Mon–Thu 11–6; Fri 11–7; Sat–Sun 10–7 760.487.1900 info@bliss101.com

San Diego Botanic Garden Quail Gardens Dr and Ecke Ranch Rd Open Wed–Mon 9–5 Closed Tues 760.436.3036 sdbgarden.org

Encinitas Visitors Center Encinitas Chamber of Commerce 535 Encinitas Blvd, Ste 116 Open Mon–Fri 9–5 Closed Sat–Sun

RACHEL COBB

Old World Desert Garden at the San Diego Botanic Garden

Two shops you don’t want to miss are directly across the road from one another. At Queen Eileen’s, the inviting window display is only the beginning, so be sure to walk in—and expect to be there a while. This amazing gift emporium, which began as a singing and dancing telegram service, is a treasure trove of imaginative and fun gift items. Even if you don’t have any gift-giving occasions on the horizon, the merchandise is sure to make you smile. On the opposite side of the street, Bliss 101 is another great store to explore. It provides a gallery for local artists in addition to a well-curated collection of home furnishings, houseware items, handcrafted jewelry, and a heavenly assortment of scented candles.

After enjoying some retail therapy and great food downtown, drive over to San Diego Botanic Garden. Online reservations are encouraged prior to your arrival, so be sure to book a mid-afternoon reservation on the day before your trip. Your tickets will have a one-hour time window. Plan to stay until closing time because there is so much to explore in this amazing oasis of more than 5,000 plant species and varieties in fifteen separate gardens, each representing a different region in the world. There are also twelve demonstration gardens, the largest children’s garden on the west coast, and the nation’s largest collection of bamboo plants. Find a spot or two along the way that call to you and linger awhile.

At the end of a sun-filled day, Encinitas is a great place to watch the sunset. A few favorite spots are the top of the stairs at Swami’s Beach, the top of Beacon’s Beach along Neptune, and the steps leading to Grandview Beach in Leucadia.

For more ideas and information, visit encinitasvisitorscenter.com and, if you’re there on a weekday, stop into the Encinitas Visitors Center in the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce building and tell them About Town sent you. ✲