Need A Reset? Get Treated Like Royalty At This Reimagined San Diego Spa

SAN DIEGO, CA — After an incredibly fun yet action-packed summer, this Patch editor and mother of three high-energy boys needed a break from summer break.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar graciously invited us to a much-needed reset before the new school year that included a relaxation massage at the resort's newly reimagined spa.

Whether you're looking for a refresh before jumping back into a structured school year routine, or simply in need of a relaxing spa day in sunny San Diego, you'll want to check out what this luxury spa has to offer.

Set in a stunning coastal canyon, the Fairmont Spa & Wellness Center at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a Forbes five-star spa. The recently renovated sanctuary-like spa was designed to restore, refresh and rejuvenate. After spending just a couple hours at this award-winning spa, we definitely emerged feeling restored, refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Fairmont Spa & Wellness Center offers a variety of state-of-the-art wellness treatments, from calming massages and invigorating facials, to detoxifying body wraps, medispa treatments and holistic therapies.

We were treated to a 60-minute relaxation massage, but available touch therapies range from 30-minute foot massages to two-hour deep tissue or relaxation massages.

The relaxation massage started and ended with a soothing sound bath. The treatment also included coastal sage aromatherapy. The Swedish massage, designed to relax the mind and body, incorporated long, flowing strokes applied with light-to-medium pressure — which is perfect for this mama's aching body.

Guests can choose to upgrade their service with a variety of add-ons, including an anti-aging hand treatment, moisturizing foot treatment, nano gold eye mask, scalp treatment and much more.

We entered the tranquil treatment room feeling tired and tense and left feeling totally relaxed.

One of the highlights of the newly refreshed room was the heated — and quite comfortable — massage table. In fact, we were so relaxed, we nearly fell asleep.

After the massage, we were given fresh-squeezed watermelon juice as well as a freshly warmed robe to stay relaxed.

You don't have to stay at the resort to take advantage of the resort's spa. Booking any spa service also grants you access to the full spa facilities for the day.

The 21,000-square-foot spa facility features 12 treatment rooms, including a couples' suite, for massages, cleansing facials, and hydrotherapy body treatments.

The space also offers separate men's and women's lounges featuring stone fireplaces, showers, steam and sauna areas and indoor whirlpools. Guests can also enjoy a shared fitness center, outdoor relaxation area, whirlpool and relaxation pool.

We recommend arriving early or lingering after your appointment to take full advantage of the spa, which blends the resort's signature opulence with a nature-infused sensibility.

We arrived shortly before our appointment and was greeted by welcoming staff, refreshing water, and a warm face and neck towel. After changing into a plush bathrobe and comfortable sandals, we stopped by a refreshment table offering signature hot teas and snacks, before exploring the rest of the space.

The indoor and outdoor lounge space at the spa is serene. We soaked up the sun on a chaise lounge before retreating back inside for our appointment.

Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, the spa was recently reimagined to blend cutting-edge therapeutic innovation with the grounding calm of nature. Key enhancements include new treatment rooms, advanced hydrothermal experiences, a dedicated sound therapy suite, and new science-backed and multi-sensory treatments.

It's the perfect spot to connect with yourself, or to connect and reconnect with friends or a partner for a luxurious retreat that lets you feel like royalty for the day.

Treatments are available seven days a week, by appointment only.

When you go, tell them Patch sent you.

The Fairmont Spa & Wellness Center at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is located at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court in San Diego. The spa is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday.