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Best Romantic Getaways Close To Los Angeles

HEADER_The Spa at Terranea_TerraneaResort 610 header spa massage
(credit: The Spa At Terranea Resort)

Winter wonderlands, desert jewels and seaside spas are just a few getaway ideas destined to make hearts pound and eyes starry. From historic log cabins to healing hot spring mineral pools, Angelenos will never fall short on ways to wow. It's possible to get to cloud nine sooner than you think with these top romantic getaway destinations.

Tamarack lodge
(credit: Adam B./Yelp)

Tamarack Lodge
163 Twin Lakes Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-2442
www.tamaracklodge.com

Wake up in an historical log cabin plunged in a blanket of snow. Explore unbound wilderness just steps from your front door. When it comes to finding an epitomic winter wonderland, crystalline snowflakes and evergreen mountains are just a few of Mammoth's gems. With 400+ inches of annual snowfall just four hours north of Los Angeles, it's no wonder Angelenos have been flocking to this secluded edge of California's Sierra Nevada mountains for half a century.

A necessary respite for any city dweller, Tamarack Lodge makes it possible to play in the woods. As the last developed area before paved roads fade into the wild, stay in one of its lakeside deluxe or historic cabins.

When it comes to romance, nothing is sexier than a partner that cares for the environment as much as he/she cares for you. Don't miss Cabin 11 - the first Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified building in Mammoth Lakes. As plush as it is innovative, feel good knowing you're traveling kindly. With three bedrooms, a full kitchen, high beam ceilings, a gorgeous rock gas fireplace, two-level deck, wood floors and large picturesque windows, its majestic appeal will dazzle even the tamest tree hugger.

lakefront restaurant
(credit: MJ. B./Yelp)

The Lakefront Restaurant
Tamarack Lodge
163 Twin Lakes Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-2442
www.tamaracklodge.com/lakefront_restaurant

Known as the most romantic and secluded dining spot in the Sierra, all-star Chef Bobby Brown wows in an intimate 10-table rustic cabin. As the most-acclaimed restaurant in Mammoth as reviewed by the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Sunset Magazine (to name a few), even Ansel Adams couldn't paint a better view of its surrounding snowcapped majesty. Chef Bobby pours passion onto every plate from specialty vegetarian entrees to fortes like heirloom squash puree. Sip on hot mulled wine fireside while losing yourself in the cabin's simplistic ease. Reservations are more than recommended.

sagewater spa
(credit: Christina P./Yelp)

Sagewater Spa
12689 Eliseo Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
(760) 220-1554
www.sagewaterspa.com

With an average wintertime high of 80 degrees, it's no wonder Palm Springs has been a favorite amongst Hollywood royalty since the 1930s. While Palm Springs may carry the torch for design and culture, Palm Spring's sister city, Desert Hot Springs, is dubbed for its growing number of intimate hot springs resorts. Just a few minutes from the fun in downtown Palm Springs, Sagewater Spa offers a quaint seven-room resort and spa where the focus is on well-being.
Since there's no better killer of romance than stress, consider its healing mineral baths for the ultimate wind down. As Trip Advisor's recipient of the 2013 Certificate of Excellence award, Dr. Robert Bingham leads its medical center ensuring its mineral water has the perfect balance of healing minerals.

Increase endorphins and stimulate mental and physical wellness by soaking in the spa's mineral baths. Try its Cranio Sacral massage treatment as energetic blockages are removed from your spine and brain and a meditative state of being is unleashed. Couples can even take part in an intuitive reading session and gain a fresh perspective on love.

Related: The Perfect Long Weekend In Los Angeles

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(credit: The Spa At Terranea Resort)

The Spa at Terranea
6610 Palos Verdes Drive South
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 265-2800
www.terranea.com

Sip on champagne in a white, fluffy robe fireside and ponder at ocean views while waiting for your spa treatment. Just 25 minutes south of LAX lies an incredible oceanfront spa resort on the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula. With an oversized adult pool with private cabanas, it's easy to feel as if you're world's away just minutes from home.
Don't miss the Ocean Prelude treatment. Lullabying ocean waves crash below while a stimulating seaweed wrap replenishes skin with vital nutrients. Slip into a transformative saltwater bath while a warm laminaria oil massage closes the treatment. Relax with your honey on cloud nine in its post-treatment room complete with starry eyes, a roaring fire and dancing waves.

Related: Best Hotel Spas In Los Angeles

SPA at Sunset Marquis
(credit: Minnie C./Yelp)

SPA - Sunset Marquis
1200 Alta Loma Road
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-1333
www.sunsetmarquis.com/spa

While the Sunset Strip may be the land of guitars and showy billboards, just steps away you'll find a 3.5-acre oasis of gardens and private retreats. Proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary with performances worthy of only the biggest rock stars (Steven Tyler and Julian Lennon to name a few), Sunset Marquis caters far beyond the hottest celebrity and super model.

Create your own love fest and try the Couples Romance Ritual found at SPA, its 1,800-square-foot sanctuary nestled amongst the gardens. Sip champagne with your sweetheart and savor chocolate-covered strawberries in your private suite. Immersed in rose petals and candlelight, go over the moon with side-by-side aromatherapy massages and a rainfall shower for two. Soak up the sun post-treatment as its Villa Pool calls your name.

Jessica Blotter, M.A.Ed., is a contributing writer for CBS Los Angeles, Fast Company's Co., Exist and Examiner news outlets covering the topics of travel and social impact. She is also founder of creative group Publicly Loved and was a former earth science teacher with UCSD's Preuss School. Sign up to be part of her next project at kindtraveler.com. Read more on Examiner.com and @publiclyloved.

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