» BEST
DAY SPA 2. Spa Gregorie’s
Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita; 949-644-6672, 949-858-9455; spagregories.com Since 1998, Spa Gregorie’s has been helping Orange County residents rest and rejuvenate and it’s a go-to place for massage. “Clients love massage,” says founder and owner Angela Cortright. Both locations in Newport Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita offer a full menu of massage styles, including options for people who are pregnant or undergoing cancer treatment. The Fassage, a 90-minute session that includes both a full body massage and a facial, is one popular option. The spa’s extensive facial menu includes options for a variety of skin types and issues, including techniques to help alleviate maskne. During summer, folks head here for spray-tans and body exfoliation as well. Be sure to book an appointment in advance and know that there might be a longer wait to get in on the weekends. If you’re over 50 years old, ask about the 50 & Up Club, which offers discounts on select days.
3. La Vita Salon and Spa COURTESY OF BURKE WILLIAMS DAY SPA
The Burke Williams Day Spa in Mission Viejo was named the top day spa in the Orange County Register’s Best of Orange County readers’ choice poll.
1. Burke Williams Day Spa Mission Viejo, Orange; 866-239-6635; burkewilliams.com With locations in Mission Viejo and Orange, Burke Williams is a favorite for Orange County residents in need of some rest and relaxation. The European-inspired, California-based chain of spas offers services that range from massages to wet room treatments. Massages are in demand right now, according to Lee Gollnick, general manager of Burke Williams’ location in Orange, as are detoxes. In fact, the day spa offers a detox enhancement, which includes aromatherapy and a Himalayan salt scrub with the massage, that’s a hit with customers. After more than a year of wearing masks, facials are also heavily requested. The Rescue facial, which incorporates benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid in the treatment and is offered for either a 50-minute or
80-minute service, is typically what’s used for people looking to clear up a case of “maskne,” or breakouts resulting from wearing masks. If you’re looking for a quick retreat during your lunch break, Burke Williams does offer 25-minute facials or massages that are targeted to your specific needs. For longer visits, spa amenities, include the eucalyptus steam room, jacuzzi, dry sauna and a quiet room. At Burke Williams, Gollnick says, guests can disconnect from the outside world. “It’s your hotel resort spa, but it’s in the city,” he says. Burke Williams has a membership program available at different price points for those who plan to make massages and/or facials part of their regular routine.
— Liz Ohanesian
2721 East Coast Highway, Suite 110, Corona del Mar; 949-723-0406, lavitasalonspa.com Mariella Boniadi, known simply as Mariella to her clients, describes herself as an “intuitive hair artist.” The owner of 7-year-old La Vita Salon and Spa, Mariella trained in London and Paris, and with naturally curly hair herself, she has devised cutting and blow-drying techniques to create straight styles without harsh chemicals. La Vita offers manicures with Dazzle Dry products, which are nontoxic, hypoallergenic and custom, organic facials, in addition to services like microblading and the popular hot jade stone massage. The salon and spa also hosts small groups for events like guided meditations. La Vita Salon and Spa is appointment only. “Each of us see one client at a time so we can give them our full attention and the highest quality services,” explains Mariella in an email. “We are all about connecting with our guests and listening to their needs.”
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