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If the name “Malibu” only conjures a mental picture of sand and surf, you’re sleeping on the lovely, lush serenity of the Santa Monica Mountains, where this hideaway is nestled. You’ve probably driven past Calamigos Ranch Resort & Spa several times on your way to the beach without stopping. This rustic retreat that covers 300 acres is hidden in plain sight—which only adds to the feeling of escapism you get on the property. Established in 1937 and once home to the Biggest Loser Resort, the family-owned property is now a private world of luxury unto itself, with a members club, guest cottages, multiple dining concepts, gorgeous event spaces (it’s a hugely popular wedding location) and, what we’re here to talk about, the spa.
Once you arrive, you’ll have to walk a ways along a wooden path, past the tennis courts and one of the pools, to get to the spa (you might want to ask for directions). It’s located inside a welcoming midcentury-style cabin of sorts, with floor-to-ceiling windows. While you wait for your treatment, you can spend time inside the sun-dappled front room, complete with a loose-leaf tea bar and chlorophyll water, or the candle-lit lounge with a Himalayan salt wall and armchairs outfitted with InfraMat Pro mats. The signature massage I receieved was the perfect mix of relaxing and therapeutic. Other offerings include the Malibu Made Scrub, Malibu Glow Facial and Sea of Life Facial. You can buy products from the brands used in the treatments—iS Clinical, as well as local brands OSEA and Flamingo Estate—at a small retail section. Service at the spa was warm and friendly across the board, from the manager at the front desk to my masseuse.
There’s also a fitness center, sauna, hot tubs and cold plunge pools guests can use. I can’t handle the cold, so after my massage, I wrapped myself in a robe and lounged by the spa pool with a book, with the mountains as my backdrop. It was one of those moments that makes you realize how lucky you are to live in Southern California—and Calamigos is the kind of place you don’t want to leave. Note: If an overnight stay at the resort isn’t in your budget, non-resort guests are able to book spa appointments for Mondays through Thursdays.