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A can't miss spa ...Published: February, 2010

PELICAN HILL: AH, THE SPA!
By Susan Belknapp

If you have not yet been to the Spa at Pelican Hill, I urge you to parlay your Valentine’s Day, birthday and Mother’s Day requests from hubby and the kids into a gift certificate to this Xanadu of day spas. You will not regret it.
   
The Spa at Pelican Hill is truly one of the most decadent spa experiences anywhere. From the moment you’re enveloped at the entry of the resort, you know you’ve arrived at a place that’s truly special. Do not let the luxury of the property intimidate you; the stellar service model will instantly make you feel like a welcomed and cherished guest.
   
The Spa was designed on three objectives: replenishment, reinvigoration and rejuvenation. Depending on what you most want from your spa experience, you can choose a treatment, or series of treatments, to cater to that goal.
   
On my visit, I was warmly greeted, checked in and given a tour of the facility. It is one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever been to, particularly the relaxation room, which is partitioned into semi-private groupings with sheer lavender
curtains suspended from the ceiling.
   
I took some nuts, dried fruit and herbal tea with me to the Acqua Colonnade and relaxed in the whirlpool after sipping my tea from a cushioned chaise. I was early, so I ordered lunch from the spa cuisine menu prior to my treatment. The menu offers light snacks or meals, smoothies, tonics and wine. I opted for the Relaxing Herbal Tonic, with mint, rosemary and lemon; and the avocado carpaccio, crab salad with mangos, tomato confit and vinaigrette. It was light in flavor, rich in texture and delicious.
   
My therapist, Mirinus, soon escorted me to the treatment room, complete with shower. I chose the 90-minute Coastal Renewal body treatment. It begins with a massage using warm oils to deliver vital nutrients and release toxins. Next, an ocean algae and Mediterranean herb scrub detoxifies and adds key minerals, improving lymphatic activity and resulting in glowing skin. This treatment comes with a hot oil scalp massage, which was the clincher for me.
    
From there, cool gemstones were used as a facial treatment. I showered while Mirinus remade the massage table, then she concluded my treatment with a hydrating body butter application.
   
The entire experience was the epitome of a luxurious escape. You owe it to yourself to go there.

> The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast
949.467.6800, 800.315.8214
pelicanhill.com