Your Relaxation Station, Photo Credit: KSL Resorts
Opened nearly a year ago as part of a $40 million overhaul of the entire Monarch Beach Resort (formerly a St. Regis), Miraval Life in Balance Spa is a sister property of the world-renowned Miraval wellness resort in Tucson, Arizona.
Located in the quaint beachside town of Dana Point in Orange County, the 30,000-square-foot spa features 24 treatment rooms, spa suites for couples, a spa boutique, full-service nail and dry bar salons, plus tranquility zones and the Miraval Spa Cafe.
Here are five things we love most about Miraval Life in Balance Spa:
Holistic spa treatments
Unlike many California spas, Miraval is dedicated to gentle, organic treatments. You won’t find Botox or microdermabrasion, but what you will see are gorgeous, chemical-free products and ayurvedic signature treatments, such as the Shamana-Karma.
This holistic indulgence starts with a cleansing ritual of inhaling scents of cloves, nutmeg, lemongrass and mint, followed by a deep massage, an aromatic wrap and a hibiscus plant scrub.
Monarch Beach Resort, Photo Credit: KSL Resorts
Alternative classes
Aerial yoga. Cardio drumming. DaVinci body boards. When it comes to fitness classes at Miraval, get ready for your tried-and-true treadmill session to get an upgrade in diversity.
A spa with a cuisine component
As part of the whole body-wellness mentality at Miraval, the spa offers regular cooking classes. And just because it’s got a healthy slant doesn’t mean it’s lacking flavor or fun. For example, a monthly chef-led “happy hour” class teaches how to create healthier versions of party appetizers and drinks using fresh ingredients.
Also once a month, the spa hosts a Miraval Mindful Evening, a holistic night at the spa with yoga, meditation and a self-improvement lecture that’s topped off with a healthy dinner at the onsite Aveo Table and Bar.
Idyllic location
A quick five-minute golf cart ride from the spa is Monarch Beach, the private sands owned by the resort that give “Miraval West” a unique amenity.
With everything from beach boot camp to beach yoga happening with the surf and sand between your toes, the ocean serves to accentuate relaxation and restorative healing. In addition, the unique treatments include coastal-inspired ingredients, such as crystal salt stones, algae and marine muds.
Drybar, Photo Credit: KSL Resorts
Designer salons
Whether you want a quick blowout or a full day of pampering, the spa offers two designer salons, Drybar and Deborah Lippmann Nail Salon, to go along with the 70-plus treatments and classes.
This Drybar, like all of the brand’s premier blowout establishments across the nation, offers complimentary champagne or wine with your hair service.
And Deborah Lippmann, an L.A.-based celebrity manicurist with a popular polish line, opened her first nail salon at Miraval Monarch Beach.
Pedicures and manicures at this serene salon are more of a relaxation ritual than the usual chore on your to-do list. Try the Lippmann-designed Moroccan Coffee Blossom pedicure with North African scents or go with the signature manicure, which comes complete with a nail health analysis.
