Some may say they can’t afford to go to a spa, but in reality, Orange County residents can’t afford to not go. A day at the spa is a much needed investment in yourself. Our minds, bodies and spirit, should be revitalized on a regular basis so that we can be in our best health. If we don’t take care of ourselves, who will? Start treating yourself well today. Orange County has some of the finest day spas in the state, and all are well-known for offering individualized services, lavish treatments and delicious treats in beautiful locations.

Skinsations Spa
13911 Carroll Way Suite E
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 709-4321
www.skinsationsspa.com

Skinsations is located in Tustin, California and offers resort-style quality with amenities like aromatherapy and herbal inhalation infusions. There is also a tea bar where you can enjoy fresh fruit, juices, herbal tea and snacks. This luxurious location has a vanity room to doll yourself up with make up, or you can unwind in the nap room after a facial or a massage. At Skinsations Spa, the massage therapists are nationally certified and have tons of expertise–each has dedicated time to obtain their 1,000 hour certificate. Choose from the Mommy to Be Package ($264) or the My Secret Hide Away package ($270) for a day that is sure to relax, soothe and rejuvenate. But the most exquisite spa treatment of all is the “Re-creation” Fantasy Package ($468), which offers a treatment that is said to improve your life in as little as a one day. This lavish package includes a hydrotherapy mineral bath, body facial, 30-minute scalp Facial, foot reflexology, neck and shoulder massage, a body Cocoon wrap, and either lunch or dinner. Or, make your friend’s next birthday a memorable one by treating her and a group of your close friends to on of Skinsations’ birthday party spa packages. You and the girls receive mini treatments, food, drinks, flowers and a goodie bag filled with lotions, creams and scrubs.

A Little Touch of Heaven
3363 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 673-5966
aliltouchofheaven.com

A Little Touch of Heaven (A.L.T.H.) has established a reputation as being a leader in skincare, and you can find the spa in gorgeous Newport Beach. This skincare boutique by the sea focuses on bringing its customers the best services. Brides love that they can get make up make overs and manicures done all in the same location. Go for the heavenly minty manicure and heavenly peppermint pedicures. Parties can also choose from various facials, such as an oxygen facial, or chemical peels and microdermabrasion procedures. If you are tense and need to relive some stress, try the Straight to Heaven Massage ($85-$130). It all starts with a lavender scalp massage that covers your entire body starting at your temples. You will then be rubbed down from your head to your feet, leaving your toes and swollen ankles stress free. The hot paraffin foot mask will end your experience on the right foot, leaving your feet supple and smooth. This is the perfect package for those in need of some TLC. Gentlemen will love the Clean With Envy package; it was created with the athletic man in mind. Men with tough or callused skin will find it softened with the use of the hot barber towels that A Little Touch of Heaven provides. Finish the process with some O2 spray and the man in your life will be as good as new.

The Chocolate Day Spa
2900 Bristol St, J 103
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 668-9660
www.thechocolatedayspa.com

The Chocolate Day Spa is located in Costa Mesa in the Waters Office Complex on the cross streets of Bristol and Randolph. This spa has walls painted in a soothing, rich chocolate brown color, and to match the spa’s name, you will find chocolate treats located throughout. To top it off, there is even a chocolate-scented massage.  Along with this sweet scent you will find others like the whoopee cream massage that uses exotic Shea butter lotion to make your skin soft and replenished. Or try the whipped honey sugar scrub for a sticky sweet treat. In fact, you will love the array of massages to choose from including those of the Swedish, warm stone, prenatal and the deep tissue varieties. As an added incentive, The Chocolate Day Spa has an Infrared Sauna where you can play CDs or listen to the radio as you sweat out those toxins. A must try is the Spa Sampler–this total package includes Arasys (the effortless workout), endermologie body sculpting and FAR infrared sauna. If you want to make the experience more fun and more affordable, bring a friend and enjoy $25 off the price per person.

Marciena Complete Retreat Day Spa
348 Forest Suite 27
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-5414
www.ymspa.com

The Yvonne Marciena day spa, located in beautiful Laguna Beach, is a peaceful and stylish European designed spa. Step into this spa for a much needed retreat from everyday stresses and allow yourself to enjoy a mini vacation. Here you will find the finest luxuries in spa care. All of your senses will be pleased with aromatherapy oils and body scrubs created with fine salts and lotions that leave you soft as butter. Soothe your mussels with steam filled private Swiss showers. For an intimate treat for you and your partner, try the Decadent Duo Package. Both you and your partner will indulge in facials and side by side massages. You will also be treated to beverages and snacks. Afterwards inhale Eucalyptus steam and shower in peace. If you would like to take this romantic date to the next level, arrangements for limousine service, dinner and hotel accommodations can be made.

Cheng Massage Center
440 Fair Drive # C (Corner of Harbor Blvd)
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 668-9916
www.chengmassagecenter.com

This center is in the serene city of Costa Mesa. For day spa treatments visit Cheng Massage Center, where the masseuses are from China and have extensive experience in Swedish and deep tissue massage. Be whisked away to a place where your mind is at ease and let a hot oil massage help to work out tense and sore areas. Or try Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology or Shiatsu and Acupressure. The Shiatsu and Acupressure package is the best to learn the benefits of Asian bodywork therapy. This process includes techniques that apply pressure and other practices to increase circulation, ease away pains, and to eliminate stress after a long day. It is also said to stimulate, strengthen the sexual reproductive system, remove toxins from body, increase life longevity and to tone facial and back muscles.

Cassandra Bautista is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.